In a world that’s seeing more customers migrating towards SUVs and Crossovers, cars like the Audi A6 are very important in Audi’s product portfolio. Launched in South Africa this year, I got to sample Audi’s A6 40 TDi S tronic, the firm’s executive saloon that blew me away from the moment I laid my eyes on it.
Styling
Yes, the looks blew me away. Images don’t do this car justice. Finished in Vesuvius Grey, you get to see the cars bold lines. My favourite bit of the car’s design is the rear haunch which kinda sticks out which gives it a purposeful an planted look. At the front, you’re greeted by Audi’s massive single-frame grille, although in the A6 it’s not as controversial as BMW grilles (but that’s a topic for another day). Fitted with optional HD Matrix Headlamps, it’s good to point out that these are some of the best in the business. The ability to light up your surroundings adequately without dazzling both oncoming and preceding vehicles is quite astonishing. Audi’s lighting technology has come a long way.
Our test unit was fitted with the optional Sports package (R29 200) which consists of S line exterior package, high gloss exterior trim, contour ambient lighting, and sports suspension. The standard A6 looks ok, but you have to spec it with the S line to bring out the cars sporty purposeful look. To complete the cars charming looks is a set of optional 21-inch Audi Sport cast alloy wheels (comes standard with 18-inch wheels). I think this new A6 looks better than its competitors in terms of aesthetics but to each their own.
Audi’s virtual cockpit is brilliant and customizable, all the driver information is displayed on a crisp, sharp 12.3-inch screen.
Malusi
Inside
The interior of the Audi A6 is what you’d expect from an Audi. A clean, solid, purposeful interior. For convenience, Audi offers a comfort package which consists of 4-zone automatic air-conditioning, operating buttons in black with haptic feedback, storage & luggage package, comfort key, and seat heaters. The infotainment system is Audi’s Latest MMI touch operating system that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay. It’s a dual-screen setup, so the screen at the top is a 10.1-inch screen which manages the infotainment system. The bottom 8.6-inch display is used for climate control, convenience and vehicle functions as well as for text input. These screens have haptic feedback so it feels like you’re clicking a real button. It looks great, but it’s a fingerprint magnet if you’re a clean freak though you can use Audi voice command to activate the vehicle’s features. Audi’s virtual cockpit is brilliant and customizable, all the driver information is displayed on a crisp, sharp 12.3-inch screen.
The driver’s seat is electronically controlled (passenger too) and comfortable. It allows a lot of adjustment to suit your driving seating needs. The steering wheel is quite big but doesn’t feel too thick and allows good height and reach adjustable. Though it features two 12 vault sockets, it only has two USB ports which is quite sad for a car at this price. The optional panoramic glass sunroof adds ambience to the cabin, and somehow in direct sunlight doesn’t cause the cabin to heat up thanks to sun protection glazing on the glass. Boot space is pretty decent at 520-litres and with the rear seats folded down, you can get more space. It’s a pity the SA market is not a big fan of Avant’s, because you’d get way more space in that.
Audi claims a 5.2 l/100km but I managed a best of 6.5 l/100km which is not a bad figure at all.
Malusi
The Drive
Powering this Vesuvius Grey beaut is one of two engine derivatives available to our local market. It’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 140kW & 400 Nm of torque. That torque figure is between 1750 – 3000 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed automatic. During normal driving situations its quite smooth, but what I did find sometimes is that it’s a bit jerky when taking off on a steep incline. I also found the sports suspension slightly stiff, but not horrible. It’s when you’re driving long distances is where you’ll enjoy the A6 the most, it just eats up the mile with ease and comfort. Audi claims a 5.2 l/100km but I managed a best of 6.5 l/100km which is not a bad figure at all.
Safety
Our test unit was fitted with some Audi safety features that work pretty well like Adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist, Audi pre sense basic, and adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist and turn assist.
Verdict
I truly enjoyed my time in the Audi A6 40 TDi S tronic, it ticks many boxes, but just misses a few which is not a train smash. It starts at R 919, 500 with our test unit coming in at R 1, 189, 520. In my opinion, it’s well worth the money. It’s good looking, comfortable, drives well, and is quite fuel-efficient. If you’re looking for a bit more oomph, Audi offers the S6 which is powered by a 331 kW twin-turbo V6. If diesel engines are your thing and waiting is not a problem, Audi will soon introduce the 45 TDI which is powered by a 3.0-litre TDI with 183kW and 600Nm.
Specs
- Engine: 2,0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder
- Power: 140 kW @ 3750-4200 rpm
- Torque: 400 Nm @ 1750-3500 r/min
- Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
- Acceleration: 8.4 seconds (claimed)
- Top Speed: 237 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 5.2 l/100 km (claimed)
- Price: R 919,500.00 (base price)
