Audi A6 Avant Pre Model 3.0 TDI quattro (204ps) S line 5dr Car Review - February 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £39,565
Tax Band: E
Insurance Group: 30
MPG: 53.3
CO2: 139
0-62 Mph: 7.9 secs
BHP: 201 BHP
Range: 762 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4.5/5
The Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI is a fine car and has a more than acceptable running costs. Known for its sleek and capable road handling, the A6 rides on the success of the A5. However the Avant 2.0 TDI is a better, more comfortable and less expensive model.

PROS:  The A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Quattro S line boasts of an effortless, graceful and refined performance with a semblance of the powerful RS6. Its good looks is complemented by its luxurious and spacious cabin, fully-equipped and fitted with plush leather seats. 4WD.

CONS:  Though the engine is refined, it is not as refined as the Audi A5. S line models are renowned for their low suspension which translates into a firmer ride.

Behind the Wheel

The A6 Avant 3.0 TDI is an economical choice, returning 53.3 mpg. This is a large 4x4 executive estate car of high-quality build. It has a 6-speed manual gearbox mated to its 3.0L V6, 24 -valve diesel engine. The engine churns out 204 bhp at 3750-4500 rpm and produces 295 lb-ft of torque at 1250-3500 rpm. With a top speed of 144 mph it can hit 62 mph in 7.9 seconds.

The A6 Avant grips through corners and bends well, providing its driver doesn't back off mid-corner. The ride feels secure and planted on the motorway but being an S line model, the A6 Avant 3.0 TDI has lowered sports suspension which makes for a stiffer and edgier ride.

The A6 Avant has some refinement issues as the door mirrors produce some noise when the car hits motorway speed, a problem exacerbated on bumpy roads. This Quattro 4x4 drive is best for all-weather traction.

Looks & Equipment

The Audi A6 Avant is an ingenious balance between a Mercedes and BMW in the area of exterior styling. The A6 Avant is bigger than its rivals but its curves hide this fact and the heavy nose emphasizing its style and looks. As a 5-door estate car with split/fold rear seats, the Avant has the necessary space for occupants to feel comfortable. The front seats are supportive and can be adjusted to suit different drivers. The dashboard is well laid out and is free from clutter though the MMI (multi-media interface) takes time getting used to.

Standard kit for the S-line includes an 18-inch wheel alloy, electrically-adjustable front sports seats, sports suspension, electrically adjustable leather-trimmed sport steering wheel which is multi-function, headlight washers, LED rear lights, Xenon headlights including LED daytime running lights, spoiler, side skirts and more. Options such as LED headlights with high beam assists, park assist, power-operated boot and more are available for a price.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

An Audi A6 Avant is designed with lots of safety kit included including front, side and curtain airbags. It is fitted with an Isofic seat mounting points for children, seat belt monitoring, stability and traction systems and anti-lock brakes. The A6 Avant could well be one of the safest cars in its class. The A5 has a perfect 5/5 Euro NCAP rating and to date the A6 has an overall NCAP rating of 5/5 too. The CO2 emission rating is 139g/k which is “green” enough to be earth-friendly.

For security the A6 has an anti-theft alarm reinforced with interior movement sensors and a tow-away protection system. The seventh generation of this particular model, the current A6’s engines are reliable and dependable. The A6 Avant has a good standing for durability and build-quality. Its boot capacity is ample, ranging from 565 litres to 1680 litres with the seats down.

Value for Money

Priced at £38,550 this model is expensive but is cheaper than a BMW X6 4x4. It would be hard to measure the advantages of the A6 Avant in terms of money but considering its hight build quality, it would be fair to say that the A6 is good value. With diesel economy of 53.3mpg, the running costs of the A6 3.0 TDI are greatly reduced.

This model falls under insurance group 30 and a Road Tax E. The 2.0 TDI series is better in terms of fuel consumption but the 3.0 TDI series has a smoother engine if not a smoother ride. The A6 Avant will most likely retain 35% of its value after 3 years or 60,000 miles - which is also the lenth of the car's warranty. In terms of resale value, the A6 Avant fares better than the Mercedes-Benz E220 Avantgarde Estate and BMW 520d Touring.

Audi A6 Avant Pre Model 3.0 TDI quattro (204ps) S line 5dr Car Review - by 
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