Audi A6 fours blow into town

Audi continues to expand its new generation A6 model range with the release of petrol and diesel four-cylinder variants.

The turbodiesel (TDI) and petrol turbo (TFSI) engines deliver a two-pronged entry-level strategy, with just a thousand dollars separating the petrol variant from the more expensive diesel. With price no effective barrier to ownership of the four-cylinder A6 TDI, prospective buyers can make up their minds which to choose based purely on the respective merits of each car.

Uwe Hagen, Audi's local MD, introduced the affordable models to the local media earlier this week, saying that the new cars would deliver Audi the volume sales in the range. He anticipated that with their low entry prices, the four-cylinder A6 variants would be "quite interesting for the corporate customers".

"55 per cent of this [A6] range — looking at [sales] volume — will come from the two-litre engines," Hagen said. "If we are successful, this share will increase. These are really important engines for us and we are looking forward to getting them into the market."

Expansion of the A6 range won't conclude with the new four-cylinder models either; there's a hybrid version now confirmed for 2013 and an A6 Avant arriving here next year.

Right at this moment however, the two new variants provide the fuel economy benchmark in the A6 range. Developing 132kW and 320Nm, the TFSI engine consumes 6.4L/100km in the combined-cycle test and emits 149g/km of CO2 in the same test. Offering more torque — 380Nm — and nearly as much power — 130kW — the TDI engine uses just 5.0L/100km and discharges 132g/km of CO2 in the combined-cycle test. To achieve the relatively green figures, the A6 variants feature fuel-saving technology such as electrically-assisted steering and auto-stop/start. Both vehicles qualify for the Luxury Car Tax green car dispensation up to $75,000 by using 7L/100km or less, but the balance of each car's purchase price above the $75,000 ceiling is subject to the 33 per cent LCT. Prices for the two are $77,900 (TFSI) and $78,900 (TDI).

Both engines drive through Audi's Multitronic continuously variable transmission to the front wheels alone. Buyers won't get quattro all-wheel drive at this sort of price. But, trimmed to the same level, the two cars do come well equipped for the price — and against logical competitors in the market.

As standard the two cars offer cruise control, parking sensors front and rear, 17-inch alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, 225/55 R17 tyres, tyre pressure monitoring, auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Audi Drive Select, keyless entry/start, dual-zone climate control, multi-function four-spoke steering wheel bound in leather, Milano leather seat trim, electrically-adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment and memory (driver's only), MMI with eight-inch monitor, satellite navigation and 10-speaker audio with iPod/USB/MP3 compatibility.

Safety features fitted include eight airbags (dual front, side-impact front and rear, side-curtain), ABS/EBD, Brake Assist, stability control, traction control and electronic differential lock.

Key to pictures: A6 2.0 TDI (grey), A6 2.0 TFSI (white)

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