2024 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:13
The Audi A6 Avant is getting a new two-cylinder petrol engine. But that won't change the dominance of the diesel popular with this model.
The number of series in the lower segments, which are only offered with gasoline engines, is increasing significantly. But there are segments where diesel will dominate in the long term. Such as with the new Audi A6 Avant, which, despite a pleasantly fine new petrol engine, is condemned to the cheaper diesel especially as a fleet vehicle. In the new edition, some things remain the same, even if a lot is new.
spoods.de
This includes the design, which offers a certain recognition value, but also makes the A6 station wagon shine in new splendor and with more prestige. Various beads, wheel arches with Quattro jaws, a strongly sloping D-pillar or the more prominent radiator grille give the 4.94 meter long vehicle more dynamism than before. LED lights with an unmistakable night design or the wide chrome clasp at the rear also create an elegant aura.
Audi A6 with a chic interior
This is also offered by the interior, which impresses as ever with a skilful interplay of chic surfaces, excellent workmanship and lots of chrome jewelry. However, Audi has significantly reduced buttons and switches and replaced them with two black panels in the center console - the upper 10.1 and the lower 8.6 inches. The automatic air conditioning can be controlled via the smaller display or a text can be entered using the tip of your finger. The brilliant resolution and fast display are impressive.
Much can also be operated intuitively. If you press one of the virtual buttons, you can even feel haptic feedback on your fingertip. The cockpit is even more digital with the display instrument cluster and the colored head-up display. Then, however, the driver's workplace is full to the brim with graphics, figures and information.
The connectivity standards are also trend-setting. In a pleasantly intelligent way, they help the navigation system, for example, to guide the driver past traffic jams with the help of current real-time traffic information. If the driver is inattentive, various assistance systems also help him avoid hazards. And with the new Connect-Key, the smartphone becomes a car key with which the A6 can be opened and closed. However, this only works with Android devices.
Load volume remains the same
On the other hand, Audi has only marginally changed the transport and utility qualities that are important for an Avant in the A6. The load volume has remained the same at 565 to 1,680 liters. Not quite so pleasant: after folding down the three-part rear seat back, the loading floor rises slightly towards the front seats.
In return, the Ingolstadt-based company is sticking to positive features such as the stylishly lined trunk, a rail locking system, trunk extension via remote unlocking or a tailgate that opens electrically as standard. As with the predecessor, this opens with a foot movement for a surcharge. Audi has widened the sensor area responsible for this to one meter.
Most of the Avant are fleet customers
65 percent of Avant customers are fleet customers who make the decision in favor of motorization on the basis of the long-term costs. Here the diesel has an advantage, which is why Audi is expecting a sales share of 80 percent. Accordingly, customers can initially choose between three diesel units and from October also a new petrol engine, the 45 TFSI.
The fact that the new two-liter Otto with 245 hp is likely to be a rarity is almost a pity given the good performance. After all, it is by far the most sophisticated engine in the portfolio, which also delights with its liveliness. In combination with all-wheel drive and seven-speed S-Tronic, the mighty station wagon storms from a standstill to 100 km / h in an entertaining 6.8 seconds; at 250 km / h it's over.
But especially in combination with the optional all-wheel steering, this variant impresses with its amazing light-footedness and high precision in corners. The engine is sensitive to the gas, revving up joyfully and with a gritty sound, in order to press the occupants into the comfortable seats with its 370 Nm of torque. In practice, however, you have to expect consumption just below the ten-liter mark.
Diesel very impressive
The V6 diesel 50 TDI, which is quite popular with German customers, pushes forward even more impressively. Thanks to 210 kW / 286 PS and 620 Newton meters, the sprint ends after 5.7 seconds. Whoever wants to stage himself as a left-lane sovereign will enjoy the massive passage. Fast cornering is also a lot of fun thanks to all-wheel drive and the optional all-wheel steering. But the sometimes quite grumpy-sounding diesel always annoys with a moment of thought when accelerating as well as in brisk corners with an overall high weight. The V6 does not achieve the balanced driving pleasure level of the gasoline engine. And it was not particularly economical with just under nine liters on the test round.
In terms of consumption, the 40 TDI, a two-liter four-cylinder with 150 kW / 204 hp and 400 Newton meters of torque, is more convincing. This engine also allows brisk progress, because the 100 km / h sprint takes a little over eight seconds, with a maximum of 241 km / h. The basic diesel feels surprisingly smooth and lively, as it acknowledges every gas command with spontaneous power delivery and pushes it forward all by itself via the front wheels. Despite the 12-volt mild hybrid system, consumption was six liters, which is 1.3 liters above the official value.
The 40 TDI will make up the bulk of the order, because at 51,650 euros it is not only the cheapest entry-level model for the A6 Avant, it also impresses the cost killers in fleet management with its comparatively high efficiency and the associated low maintenance costs. In the order books of the new A6 Avant, you will hardly notice the general diesel blues of the Germans. (SP-X)
Recommended:
Toyota Proace City: The Craftsman's Friend
So far, Toyota has not been able to offer its customers anything in the small van segment. But that is now changing with the Proace City
Citroën Ami: The City Dweller's Friend
PSA electromobility introduces itself like the Citroën Ami: the car as a “friend”, driving without a license and for the price of a mobile phone contract
Chevrolet Camaro: The Friend Finder
You shouldn't have a guilty conscience when driving the Chevrolet Camaro. The not exactly environmentally friendly muscle car
Citroen C4 Picasso: Helpful Family Friend
The Citroen C4 Picasso gives the big family a lot of space. And with 165 hp, the petrol engine is properly motorized
Driver Assistance Systems: Where The Driver Becomes Superfluous
Driver assistance systems not only relieve the driver, but also increase safety. But they can do even more: they take care of a