A6 fours on the way

Audi will match the aggressive pricing of Jaguar's just announced XF 2.2 with its launch of four-cylinder versions of the A6 executive sedan. The quattro V6 versions of the all-new A6 range were unveiled at the recent AIMS in Melbourne -- and launched to the local media in New Zealand this week. But come October front-wheel drive models will open the batting for the Ingolstadt brand.

Audi's opening offer will be a 130kW/380Nm 2.0TDI turbodiesel priced from $78,900. Unlike the Brit brand, the A6 four-cylinder range will also include a turbo petrol four. Priced from $81,900, the 132kW/320Nm 2.0 TFSI will, like the turbodiesel, feature Audi's Multitronic CVT gearbox as the sole transmission option.

Audi insiders nominate BMW's 520d and Mercedes-Benz E250s (both petrol and turbodiesel) as the A6's main protagonists but admit that Jaguar's aggressive pricing of the new four-cylinder turbodiesel XF caught them by surprise. They believe that the two brand's customer bases are quite different – after sampling the new XF we're not so sure.

In its new generation, the 'C7' A6 gains a substantial amount of standard equipment – especially in its V6 versions. The good news for four buyers is that Audi hasn't scrimped on equipment with the entry-level A6s either.

Though full details will be held to closer to the cars' October local launch, we can confirm that often optional features such as Bluetooth, Audi Drive Select chassis tuning system and satnav will all be standard in the A6 2.0-litre models. Though the V6s' 18-inch wheels don't make the cut, the cars still wear attractive 17-inch alloys. Auto stop start and a range of Audi 'efficiency' features are also standard.

The entry-level 2.0 TDI turbodiesel's price is extra sharp thanks to the fuel economy break granted by current LCT (luxury car tax) arrangements. Returning just 4.9L/100km in combined testing it rivals or betters most small cars despite its full executive saloon dimensions. The 2.0 TFSI is thirstier but still impressive at 6.4L/100km.

Though the fours are locked in, one A6 models is still to be confirmed for Oz – the Hybrid. Featuring a four-cylinder engine mated to a in-line Hybrid system (also seen in the Q5 Hybrid prototype), the A6 Hybrid has been cleared for international markets by Audi HQ, but Audi Australia is still to commit to the model.

"We need to be convinced there's a market for the car here… And we need to get a stronger indication of final pricing [before we confirm]," Audi PR chief Anna Burgdorf told

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