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13/11/2011
REVIEW By DEREK OGDEN
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While too many people are bickering about carbon taxes and emission trading schemes to protect the Earth for future generations, the automobile industry is quietly going about cleaning up its act. Audi is no exception.
The German vehicle manufacturer is moving its products to a position where it will have a lighter touch on the environment. A three-stage engine efficiency, hybrid and full electric power program will eventually lead to the company offering an electric car option in every model range.
The company took a couple of steps in the first stage recently by introducing to Australia a couple of even cleaner variants of its A6 business class sedans. Normally the Audi A6 uses six-cylinder engines, now it can be specified with highly efficient four-cylinder units.
The new Audi A6 2.0 TFSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel are its way, says Audi, of continued downsizing of power units to produce frugal fuel consumption without losing performance or driving enjoyment.
The almost completely revised Audi 2.0 TDI unit becomes the most fuel efficient in the range thanks to a turbocharger with adjustable vanes providing virtually spontaneous torque buildup at an early stage in the powering-up cycle.
Excellent thermodynamics mean that the four-cylinder can run on a higher rate of recirculated, highly cooled exhaust gas, reducing levels of untreated nitrogen oxide emissions.
The motor generates 130 kW of power, and 380 Nm of torque between a low 1750 and 2500rpm. The multitronic transmission makes for miserly fuel consumption of 5 litres per 100km and carbon dioxide emissions of just 132 grams per kilometre.
Efficiency apart, the front-wheel drive still clears out from rest to 100km/h in just 8.2 seconds. This sprint is matched by that of the 2.0 TFSI petrol engine which has the A6 to100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds.
That four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine uses only 6.4 litres of fuel per 100 km and puts out 149 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Once again, this is partly the result of Audi’s advanced valve lift system, which varies the lift of the exhaust valves. Replacing displacement in a lightweight engine with forced induction does the rest.
Also contributing to savings are other Audi efficiency technologies, including innovative heat management that lowers fuel consumption by around 0.1 litres per 100 km, while a start-stop system is standard across the A6 range. The latter closes down the engine after the car has come to a halt, to be restarted when the A6 is prepped to move off. In a standard driving cycle, the system saves fuel by as much as 0.4 litres per 100 km. Finally, energy is recovered from the car as it decelerates.
As with all A6s, the body is relatively light in weight due to use of a clutch of aluminium components, including the links in a sophisticated suspension, and the latest version of Audi’s Drive Select dynamic handling system now includes an additional mode – the Efficiency program.
All this paring back does not mean A6 occupants live a monastic life automotively speaking. The ‘fours’ maintain the touches of luxury found in other members of the A6 club.
For enhanced comfort, Audi offers the option of adaptive air suspension with controlled damping, while dynamic steering will also be available soon. The sedan is offered with a choice of alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Powerful brakes match the power on offer.
The spacious passenger cabin reflects Audi’s commitment to putting the latest automotive technology within easy reach of the driver, while at the same time, retaining the traditions of the European luxury sedan.
A new generation Multi-Media Interface (MMI) features a dashboard-located flip-up screen, which at 8 inches, is one of the largest around. Most of the satellite navigation functions can be operated by touch. A windscreen head-up display is an option.
Quality extends to the standard sound system, which is by Bang & Olufsen. Timber trim imbues surroundings with a touch of class, while leather front seats can be optioned with ventilation and massage facilities.
On a drive in and around Adelaide, best fuel consumption obtained in the 2.0 TDI was 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres, while the 2.0 TFSI, driven a little harder, registered more than 8 litres/100km.
When up to speed it’s hard to tell the difference between petrol and diesel engines with both putting on spirited performances, the latter doing so surprisingly quietly. Only at idle is the engine obviously a diesel, but not in an objectionable aural manner.
Large exterior mirrors and thick A-pillars produce a three-quarter blind spot, while mirrors with a shiny black casing threw up distracting reflections from the car’s surroundings. The latter is an unfortunate case of fashion taking precedence over function.
Audi executives are calling the latest editions to their A6 range ‘a sportsman in a business suit’. Some hyperbole here…
It will be interesting to see if this is matched by their promise of fully electric powered cars by 2020.
The complete Audi A6 range is:
A6 2.0 TFSI multitronic: $77,900
A6 2.0 TDI multitronic: $78,900
A6 2.8 FSI quattro: $93,900
A6 3.0 TDI quattro: $116,500
A6 3.0 TFSI quattro: $121,500
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer charges. Contact any Ford dealer for driveaway prices. |
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