Audi A6 2015 Review

The refreshed A6 range is here, offering more kit, more power and greater fuel efficiency. There's an increase of $2000 over its superseded entry model, pitching the A6 1.8 TFSI from $79,900; it competes dollar-for-dollar with BMWs 5 Series and offers a minor undercut in price to Mercedes-Benz's E-Class.

While these natural rivals continue to battle it out for the premium large-car accolades, the market benefits. Standard kit has increased and prices remain competitive for the bragging rights a European badge affords.

The 1.8-litre TFSI is your starting point to get behind the wheel of Audi's large sedan. In a segment where entry-level can translate as devoid of all bling and gadgetry, the A6 surprises. While you're usually advised to proceed with caution, in this instance, the base model A6 is uncompromising in its cheapest form.

Changes to the exterior keep it current, with LED daytime running lights, chrome details and tweaks to the front, side and rear body you'd probably spot it in a line-up.

Inside, the A6 nails sporty sophistication. There's a flow and design cohesiveness that completely eludes cheaper rivals. Soft leather seats, premium plastics (yes), chrome highlights and perfectly tactile instrumentation tell a story of refined luxury and restrained design. The quality is unquestionable. Excellent ergonomics complete the picture.

On the go, the 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine feels peppy, moving this large sedan with ease. Producing 140kW and 340Nm, it's delivering a tad more power that its larger-capacity 2.0-litre predecessor – there's little if any downside to this engines downsize. If anything, it punches above its weight, returning a greener footprint with a reduction in CO2 emissions – 133g/km.

With power delivered to the front wheels, the A6 lacks the utterly planted feel of its quattro-powered siblings, but feels sure-footed nonetheless.

Upon hard acceleration, the engine never feels like it's under pressure; it's responsive and capable. It's claimed to move from 0-100km/h in 7.9sec on its way to a top speed of 233km/h. Planting your foot in the wet however, we experienced some front-end spin, but grip was always fast to return.

The seven-speed S tronic unit offered swift gear changes and smooth pace. Flip through the gears manually using the shifter or wheel-mounted paddles and the control was completely enticing; higher revs and a more exciting engine note up the fun factor. Audi's driver-select dynamic system lets you dial-up the drive from comfort through auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual.

Precise steering, combined with a firm body, sees the A6 corner with great composure. There's reasonable feedback at the wheel and a great sense of confidence in the A6's handling. There's a sporting undertone, with the luxurious comfort and high-end details of a statelier vehicle.

Our vehicle rides on 18-inch alloys, standard kit for the A6. Larger 19s cost $1800, while 20s are an extra $3990. Metallic or pearl effect paint is also a pricey option at $2280.

Technology is of a good standard on this base model, with the usual features on offer, including cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a 10-speaker audio system, front and rear cameras, digital radio, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push button start. Add the Technik Package (fitted to our test vehicle) for $5800 and you get park assist with 360-degree camera, active lane assist, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, autonomous emergency braking and four-zone climate control (always a hit with the kids).

Car settings and infotainment are controlled through the 8.0-inch touch screen that has crystal clear clarity. It sits in perfect view on top of the centre console. Touch the screen or use the rotary dial to select, adjust and individualise your ride. It's both high-tech and intuitive.

Basics such as cup holders, charge points (USB, aux and 12-volt) and storage compartments are well sorted.

Second-row comfort and space is excellent. Three passengers are easily accommodated in comfortable seats. Four directional air vents (in the centre stack and B pillars) and two back of seat storage nets show thoughtful detail.

The large boot offers 530 litres of load capacity and 60:40 split-fold seats offer additional versatility and capacity.

With little to criticise, smaller details came under scrutiny. The idle-stop function was a little slow to resume start-up and the climate control has one step too many to control fan speed. Options – there are many – are also a pricey consideration.

Reduced fuel consumption is another key credential for the updated A6 – it's claimed to have dropped from 6.4 to 5.7L/100km in combined-cycle testing. We recorded an average closer to 8.0 for a week weighted to city driving conditions.

The Audi A6 comes with a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and has a five-star ANCAP rating.

With a sophisticated character and understated sportiness, the A6 shows refined form at a competitive price. In this instance, entry-level feels well above average.