Audi A6 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TFSI 2009 Review

Audi A6 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TFSI

What we liked
>>Impressive fuel consumption claims
>>Solid road holding
>>Styling looks 'nice'

Not so much
>>Styling looks 'nice' but just like the 'nice' A4 and the 'nice' A8
>>Silly engine naming: 'T' stands for supercharging too!
>>RS 6 is too fast for local roads

Overall rating: 3.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 2.5/5.0
Safety: 4.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 2.5/5.0

OVERVIEW
Audi scored a huge victory in January beating out archrivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz to claim the title of the best selling luxury brand in the monthly VFACTS sales figures. The four-ringed company edged out BMW by a scant 50 cars. But while it may have been a small margin it was a significant moment for the brand. For so long the bit player in the battle between Bimmer and Benz, Audi has come-of-age and is becoming a serious contender Down Under.

Australia is the company's leading growth market globally and managing director Joerg Hoffmann is confident the brand can sustain its current form. The launch of the new A4 range, addition of the A5/S5 coupes, updated A3 and Convertible, new TT as well as the R8 supercar have all played a role in the success.

This year will see the addition of the Q5 compact SUV, A5 and S5 Cabriolets; additions to the A4 and TT ranges, and the subject of this review -- the facelifted A6 range.

After the Q5, the new A6 line-up is arguably the most important new model for Audi this year. It may not sell as many as the softroader but the A6 is crucial for Audi to erode the advantage its rivals have via the 5 Series and E-Class ranges.

The luxury large car segment is critical not only in terms of sales but also with regard to reputation. The A4 has traditionally fared well against the 3 Series and C Class, but when the cars get bigger and the price tags higher Audi has had less luck convincing people to part with their money.

But there are several reasons for Audi to be hopeful with its new-look A6. The big advantage is that the car is on sale now, meaning it has a head start on the new E-Class due in July and an advantage over the aging 5 Series.

Audi has also worked hard on improving fuel economy and will introduce two new diesel models in May, specifically to take advantage of the Luxury Car Tax exemptions for low consumption models.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
Audi is launching the A6 range initially with the choice of four engines (three petrol and one diesel) before adding the two extra oil-burners in May.

The base model is the 2.0 TFSI which starts at $78,500. From here the range moves up to the 2.8 FSI from $92,000, the 3.0 TDI at $108,500 and is topped by the 3.0 TFSI which is priced from $112,500.

In order to keep things leaner and more profitable Audi Australia has ditched the under-performing Avant line-up from the A6 range, leaving the A6 Allroad as the only wagon in the range. There is only one engine choice for the Allroad, the 3.0 TDI, and the car is priced from $108,900.

In May 2.0 TDI and 2.7 TDI turbodiesels will join the line-up priced from $74,500 and $84,500

As you'd expected from a luxury car, all models come well equipped with creature comforts. The entry-level 2.0 TFSI and TDI models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, speed-sensitive steering, tyre puncture display, rear parking assistance, automatic headlights, rain sensors, come home lighting, heated side mirrors, halogen headlights, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, electric front seat lumbar support, leather upholstery, four-spoke leather steering wheel and MMI Navigation Plus.

The 2.7 TDI and 2.8 FSI add 10-spoke 18-inch alloys while retaining the same features.

The 3.0 TFSI and TDI models get special five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights that include daylight running lights, woodgrain inlays, a three-spoke leather steering wheel and Bluetooth preparation.

Audi is offering three optional packages -- Comfort, S line exterior and S line sport.

The Comfort package consists of advanced key access, Audi Music Interface with MP3 device compatibility, tinted sunroof, three-spoke steering wheel and Bluetooth preparation. It is not available on the 2.0 cars, but is priced at $4900 for the 2.7 and 2.8 and $4090 on the 3.0 models.

The S line exterior package includes front and rear bumper treatments, side grilles, diffuser, door sills with S line logo, logos on the front wings, headlight washers, chrome surround fog lights and a spoiler integrated into the rear bumper.

All those items are included in the S line sport package that also adds 18 inch alloys, black cloth headlining, front sport seats, brushed aluminum dash inlays, sports steering wheel with paddle shifts, upgraded leather upholstery on front seats and S line badging inside and out.

The exterior package costs $3987 across the range while the full S line sport package is $7555 for the 2.0 models; $6845 for the 2.7 and 2.8 and $5355 for the 3.0 cars.

The final member of the range is the new RS 6 sedan that joins the RS 6 Avant launched late last year (see here). The sedan packs the same monster twin-turbo 5.0-litre V10 and mechanical package as the wagon.

MECHANICAL
Given the price of petrol it's no surprise Audi is trumpeting its impressive fuel economy reductions for the new A6 line-up. The company is claiming an average drop of 12 per cent across the range of its petrol and diesel powerplants.

The 2.0 TFSI is a four-cylinder unit that produces 125kW and 280Nm and is paired with Audi's CVT gearbox, Multitronic, to produce a claimed consumption figure of 7.7L/100km.

Next up is the 2.0 TDI four-cylinder that uses the same CVT as the TFSI. It makes 125kW and 350Nm but still manages to sip on just 5.8 litres of diesel per 100km. That is significant because, priced under $75K and using under 7.0L/100km the car is able to avoid the Luxury Car Tax completely.

The 140kW/400Nm 2.7 TDI V6 turbodiesel uses just 6.4L/100km and thus receives the same benefits under the LCT discount scheme, but only on the portion of its recommended retail price under $75K.

Both the 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 and 2.7 TDI are front-wheel drive only while the rest of the range uses Audi's trademark Quattro all-wheel system.

The 2.8 FSI V6 pumps out 162kW (an increase of 8kW over the previous unit) and 280Nm and is mated to a six-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. At the same time as increasing the power Audi's team of engineers was able to reduce the engine's fuel consumption by 0.9L/100km to 9.0.

Although carried over from the old model, the 3.0 TDI has had power boosted to 176kW and torque pumped up 50Nm to 500Nm. Naturally, the focus was on efficiency and the boffins were also able to reduce fuel consumption by 1.41L/100km to 7.1... Thus it just misses out on LCT discounts.

Last but not least is the all-new 3.0 TFSI that effectively replaces the 3.2 FSI and 4.2 V8 of the pre-update range.

In the search for the best compromise between power and efficiency Audi has turned to supercharging. The V6 unit makes 213kW and 420Nm but uses only 9.5L/100km.

Audi reverted to the technology it last used in 1930s grand prix racing after evaluating it alongside turbocharging and found the new system delivers better on-road performance -- in particular, strong acceleration plus overtaking performance. Ironically, senior Audi engineers admit the supercharged V6 could be a one-off. They say the company is likely to return to turbocharging in subsequent engine generations.

As is the case with the RS 6 Avant, the sedan pumps out a staggering 426kW and 650Nm. That power and torque is transferred to the road via a six-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Attention has also been paid to improving the ride and handling with new larger-diameter shock absorbers at the front and upgraded shocks at the rear. Springs have also been changed to try and improve the car's road holding.

PACKAGING
Audi is using the catchphrase 'Progressive Design' with the new A6 and that applies both inside and out.

Continuing the theme started on the previous A6 but since rolled out across the entire range the new model's most striking feature is the large single frame grille. While Audi calls it 'progressive' you could equally call it a subtle design upgrade.

There is a new front bumper which incorporates a revised radiator surround and new 'floating' number plate mounting. The headlights are new and feature daytime running lights as standard while LED indicators are built into the door mirrors. At the rear there is also a new bumper design and the taillights are now LED. There is also a new range of alloy wheel styles.

Despite being small changes, the end result is good as the old car still looked stylish. The biggest problem the A6 faces is that it looks so similar to the A4 and even the A8. Audi has clearly gone for a consistent design theme across the range and while it works for some, others want a more noticeable difference when they are paying a significant price premium.

Considered by many the benchmark on interior design, the new A6 continues that legacy without any major changes over the previous model. Most of the time has been spent fine-tuning the details of the already good layout. There are new aluminum switches and inlays as well as woodgrain inserts to spice up the new offer.

Rear passenger comfort was targeted for improvement with the rear seats re-designed and new L-shaped headrests incorporated to improve rear visibility for the driver. The result of these changes are mixed; legroom is adequate but headroom can be an issue for passengers over six foot tall.

SAFETY
Although the focus is on the performance and economy gains, as you'd expect the A6 comes loaded with all the usual safety systems. Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Differential Lock and Anti-lock Braking System are standard across the range.

All models come with driver and front passenger head and side airbags, side airbags for front and rear passengers and Audi's Sideguard curtain airbag system for all occupants as standard. Another new feature is an integrated headrest system in all the seats that is designed to reduce whiplash.

Already available on the A4 Audi's Side Assist is now an option on the larger car. The system uses radar to help drivers change lanes with safely by detected cars in other lanes up to 50 metres away.

A full size spare tyre is also included across the range and all cars are equipped with tyre puncture warning.

COMPETITORS
As I mentioned at start the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E Class are the most obvious competitors and there are few others that sell close enough to be considered seriously. The Lexus GS, Jaguar XF and Mercedes-Benz CLS were the next best performers in the luxury large car segment. While they are all good cars the reality is the category is really a three-horse race.

Around the world the A6 is more competitive and a leader in many markets, but the trick will be to convert that success locally. Mercedes' all-new E Class won't be far behind the A6 and BMW is busily working on the next generation 5 Series.

ON THE ROAD
Audi's local launch only included drives in the 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TFSI, as well as a short blast in the RS 6.

Beginning with the 2.8 FSI, the first impression of the new A6 is overwhelmingly positive. The V6 engine pulls well for its capacity and the size of the car. It is quite and refined and pulls smoothly through the rev range.

Audi's claims that the 3.0 TFSI is a match for the 4.2 V8 is hard to swallow. Compared directly against the 2.8 FSI the larger unit doesn't feel significantly stronger. Only under heavy acceleration does the supercharger have a noticeable effect.

The Tiptronic gearbox is well matched for both engines. Under heavy acceleration the transmission will drop down up to three gears making overtaking easy. The Sport mode is effective too, operating a gear or two lower than the regular D option and putting the engine into its ideal rev range for better response.

Dynamically the chassis is impressive and possesses poise even on rougher roads. Nonetheless, there is little doubt the firmer tuned suspension is better suited to smoother tarmac. Brakes are good too with a strong initial bite that inspires confidence.

Steering is direct and light but needs to provide more feedback in the twisty stuff.

The RS 6 is an entirely different experience than the regular A6 sedans. The sheer thrust from its massive engine is amazing but it does it without any flashiness. For such a big car its handling is good too as we found climbing up the start of the Snowy Mountains.

One major disappointment is the gearbox. Although it works well enough in Sport mode trying to drive it in manual mode is an exercise in futility. Attempts to hold the car in gear between the tight twists of the mountain climb resulted in the car over-riding the driver's desire and shifting up.

But perhaps the biggest problem with the RS 6 is that it feels so normal and easy to drive at low speed -- it needs lots of open space to make it feel impressive. And with 426kW that means speed well above the legal limit of this country. Owning an RS 6 in Australia would require plenty of self-control and preferably a racetrack!

The sweeping country roads that run along the New South Wales/Victorian border are not representative of the types of roads the A6 will spend most of its time traversing. It will therefore be interesting to spend time with the car in the city and suburbs.

Audi has produced a good car but one without anything that makes it standout from the competition. That fact alone ensures the battle between Germany's big three will remain a tight tussle.