Audi adds frugal oilers to A6 bottom end

Audi has launched two new sub-7.0L/100km diesel models to beef up the economy credentials of its A6 range. Looking to steal some thunder from the most fuel-efficient 5 Series and brand-new E-Class models from BMW and Benz respectively, the new 2.0 TDI and 2.7 TDI A6s both benefit from the Australia Government's decision to discount Luxury Car Tax (LCT) on fuel efficient vehicles.

Priced from $74,500, the A6 2.0 TDI is exempt from LCT and is the new entry-level model of the A6 range.

Powered by a 125kW/350Nm four-cylinder common-rail diesel powerplant matched to Audi's latest eight-speed Multitronic constantly variable transmission, the new A6 is priced at $4000 less than the previous entry-level model, the petrol-engined 125kW/280Nm A6 2.0 TFSI A6.

With claimed combined economy 5.8L/100km, The 2.0 TDI is also 1.9L/100km more economical than the turbo petrol four.

The 140kW/400Nm 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel A6 2.7 TDI arrives Down Under priced from $84,500. Thanks to its 6.4L/100km combined consumption, it is exempt from LCT up to the Government’s mandated $75K level. Like the 2.0TDI it features a Multitronic CVT transmission and is front-wheel drive only.

Both new oilers benefit from the facelift the A6 range received early this year (read our review of the updated A6 range here). Standard equipment includes alloy wheels (17-inch on both new TDI variants), daytime running lights, LED tail lights and Audi’s high-end MMI Navigation Plus satnav and audio system.

The facelift also saw the handsome but aging A6 (the car was launched in early 2004) benefit from visual tweaks to the front end, including new look fog lights, new wing mirror with integrated LED indicators and a revision of the single frame grille. At the rear the executive-sized Audi also added a new apron with a wider 'diffuser' style insert. Interior tweaks included switchgear, new rear seats and head hestraints.

Audi says fuel consumption has been improved across the A6 range by an average of between 12 to 15 per cent. Changes include gearing, redesigned power steering pumps and powerplant friction reduction measures.

Audi claims the new 2.0 TDI accelerates 0-100km in 8.9sec -- 0.4sec slower than the 2.0 TFSI. The 2.7 TDI is 1 sec quicker but still lags 0.2sec behind its nearest petrol equivalent – the A6 2.8 FSI quattro (7.7sec and 9.0L/100km).

By way of comparison, BMW's $76,400 520d takes 8.4sec from the sprint and returns claimed consumption of 6.1L/100km.

Full pricing for the revised Audi A6 range is as follows:

A6 2.0 TDI (125kW) multitronic $74,500
A6 2.0 TFSI (125kW) multitronic $78,500
A6 2.7 TDI (140kW) multitronic $84,500
A6 2.8 FSI (162kW) quattro tiptronic $92,000
A6 3.0 TDI (176kW) quattro tiptronic $108,500
A6 3.0 TFSI (213kW) quattro tiptronic $112,500

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