Audi A6 Saloon Pre Model 3.0 TDI quattro (245ps) S line 4dr Car Review - February 2012

The 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine gives the car a good power boost of 241.6 bhp at 5250-6500 rpm with torque figures of 324 lb-ft at 2900-4500 rpm. The model has good performance for a Saloon car with a top speed of 155 mph, going from 0-62 mph in an impressive 6.1 seconds. However, mileage suffers as a result and the car achieves just 47.9 mpg.

The A6 range has lighter handling than competing car ranges, with an agile feel for a big car. The range’s standard suspension gives the car good balance and firm control. The range has adequate adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel to enhance comfort and the upper dashboard of the A6 is well organised, allowing the driver to operate the car with ease. There is a little wind and road noise within the cabin but most other noises are hushed at speed.

The Audi A6 Saloon 3.0 TDI Quattro S line 4dr looks very stylish with an attractive exterior and a well crafted and comfortable cabin.

The car comes fitted with high end driving technology including, stability control, alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, MP3 connectivity, a CD player system, Bluetooth, satellite-navigation, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, and front and rear parking sensors and an alarm and immobiliser to deter theft.

As an S line model the car comes with extra features such as lowered and stiffened suspension, sports seats, larger alloys, xenon headlights, bespoke front and rear bumpers and LED rear lights.

The range also comes with optional equipment including massaging front seats, television reception and all-LED headlights.

The A6 model comes with five seats with ample room in both the front and the back of the car, making long drives comfortable for children as well as adults passengers. The range comes with a standard 530 litre capacity boot along with split/folding rear seats to enhance capacity when needed.

The 3.0 TDI Quattro S line comes equipped with a top of the range safety kit with a five out of five NCAP rating. The kit consists of a stability control system and driver, passenger and front side airbags. The car model also comes with optional equipment like rear side airbags and a motorway steering system that help the driver stay in lane on the motorway.

The 3.0 TDI Quattro S line comes with a three year warranty with 60,000 miles. However, in addition to its high price it also has expensive running costs, falling under road tax band G and insurance bracket 35. With poor fuel economy, the car has poor green credentials with a EURO 5 emissions rating and a carbon footprint of 156 g/km.

The Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro S line is an expensive car, priced at £41,460. The car delivers performance and reliability in an attractive package and has a well-crafted and reliable engine which gives years of trouble-free service. It also comes with advanced driving and safety technology and the combination of the car’s popularity, performance and the Audi brand gives it excellent resale values.

However, the car is made for those with fat wallets with purchase prices and running costs remaining high. Nonetheless, fitted with a diesel engine and extra kit, the car is a better investment than the petrol powered 3.0 TFSI Quattro SE which has substantially higher road tax costs and higher fuel consumption.