Audi A6 Diesel 2005 Review

Not any more.

New-technology diesel engines have been developed which offer masses of torque, really good performance and economy which far outstrips petrol engines.

Australian car buyers have been slow to embrace diesel power – in contrast to European car makers who sell them in international telephone numbers.

Even Jaguar is rushing diesel engines into its range in a bid to catch up with other luxury brands which have offered oil burners for years.

Audi has had diesel engines in its Euro line-up for some considerable time. The brand introduced a diesel engine in Australia as an alternative to petrol with the all-road crossover vehicle.

Now Audi has added a new-age, turbocharged diesel to its new A6 range.

The three-litre TDI offers significantly better fuel economy than the 2.4-litre and three-litre V6 petrol-engined A6.

The diesel model out-drags both petrol models up to 100km/h. And it generates 450Nm of torque – 30Nm more than the 420Nm from the 4.2-litre V8 in the range-topping Quattro.

Audi says statutory testing of the diesel A6 indicates overall fuel consumption of 8.3 litres/100km. Unofficial local testing shows the TDI will travel more than 1000km on a single tank of 80 litres of diesel.

The take-up rate of diesel engines has not been helped in the past by a hefty cost premium of vehicles. Many motorists who have considered diesel engines have calculated it would take up to seven years to recoup the additional purchase price. Audi has addressed that inhibiting factor by pricing the A6 TDI Quattro at $95,700 – just $1900 more than the A6 Quattro with a three-litre petrol engine. Even though diesel fuel is costing up to 10c a litre more than petrol, the payback would be less than two years – depending on mileage, of course.

Little wonder Audi is aiming the TDI at young enthusiast drivers who want genuine performance plus tonnes of torque to tow boats or trailer-loads of leisure equipment.

The TDI is certainly a remarkable addition to the A6 line-up and Audi has every right to expect it will account for 30 per cent of total sales.

The heart of the model is, of course, the direct-injection common-rail diesel. It features four valves per cylinder, advanced electronic mapping, seven-hole injectors and turbocharger. Exhaust gases are cooled and recirculated to ensure maximum power is extracted from every litre and pollution meets the strict European standards.

The diesel motor comes coupled with six-speed Tiptronic transmission which can be controlled by steering-wheel paddles, the usual push-pull feature on a sequential box or in fully automatic mode.

The driveline includes permanent all-wheel drive, electronic stability program and traction control.

The TDI has a 0-100km/h sprint in just 7.3 seconds and when kick-down is used in the mid-ranges, the car has a power surge which is truly exceptional. Yet there is nothing harsh or aggressive about the manner the A6 goes through its act.

It remains poised, powerful and precise, beautifully balanced and super responsive.

Even when maximum throttle is used, up-changes are difficult to detect and there is a failsafe feature which stops the driver from engaging a lower gear manually when engine speeds are too high. Every facet of the car, in fact, is contrary to diesels of old.

Mercedes-Benz and BMW would not offer diesels if they did not match the sophistication and soul of their petrol range.

Neither would Jaguar – and neither does Audi.

The V8 A6 is a wonderful machine, the TDI will be considered the pick for many.

The 2.4 front-drive entry model is attractive at $83,900, while the TDI at $95,700 is high value indeed. If one accepts that diesel engines will grow dramatically in popularity over the coming years, the retained value could add to the long-term appeal.

Whichever engine is specified, the A6 looks destined to do big things for Audi's reputation and standing in relation to the Big Two German competitors. The new single-frame radiator grille gives the new model an identity boost which the four-circle badge has not quite managed to achieve.

Audi never sets out to bend metal this way or that just to get its new models noticed, electing instead to opt for smooth, elegant, minimal lines.

There is the implication of standing and sophistication rather than any bold statement.

And so the A6 may not be readily recognisable as a new shape. But when lined up with the former model, changes are quite striking. The car is 12cm longer, 4.5cm wider and the wheelbase has been stretched by 8.3cm, numbers which give designers the scope to add dramatically to the head, leg and shoulder room.

The height remains the same, allowing stylists to achieve a broad footprint and athletic look.

The cabin has been totally revised, with a high and wide centre console accommodating all the controls and instruments for ease of reach and reference. Audi's suspension know-how is reflected in the smooth ride while the chassis setup is firm enough to ensure there is very little body movement, resulting in impeccable handling.

Those who want even greater dynamics can opt for extra-cost sports suspension.

The A6 comes with an electro-mechanical braking system. One touch activates the system at traffic lights, then any pressure on the fly-by-wire throttle releases the brakes.

It is just one of the many smart features which makes the A6 such a threat to the Mercedes E-Class and BMW's 5 Series.

The list of standard items model-by-model is long and impressive – the farther buyers go up the range, the more kit comes as standard.

But most finery available on higher-priced A6s can be optioned on the entry model – at a price.

In sum, a genuine upmarket range which is well worth a place in the executive class.

The A6 is larger than a medium-sized car. And Audi has done such a superb job upgrading the range, one wonders how the brand is going to get customers to pay the extra for a high-luxury A8.