Audi A6 Avant Combines Space With High Quality Feel
Audi A6 Avant Combines Space With High Quality Feel
The Audi A6 Avant boosts a clean look, partially because Audi’s styling so identical these days, it’s easy to forget that you’re looking at the smaller A4 not the A6. The interior is first class in this Avant as is customary with Audi. The controls work with precision, and the standard fit sat-nav comes out smoothly from the dash. It is very spacious, although foot space for the middle passenger is a bit limited due to the large transmission tunnel holding the four-wheel-drive system of quattro models.
The 565-litre boot is the largest in its class, but it’s only five litres more than that of the BMW. There is no hassle faced when folding the rear seats as the levers are located right by the tailgate opening. When the seats are down, the boot space increases to 1,680 litres. This is only five litres better than the XF’s maximum capacity. In terms of practical features, you don’t get that much for your money. The load runner and electric tailgate come as an option while they come as standard on the XF.
It’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel, even though electric seats are optional. The 2.0 litre diesel engine is quiet when you rev it hard. When you drive it the smoothness remains but less power than its articles mean the A6 Avant was the slowest at the test track. However, it wasn’t slow either and the Audi had the best braking in wet conditions. On the move, the Multitronic CT auto is a letdown as it slows down the acceleration, although it’s not that meddling. The biggest flaw is A6’s ride. The S line has stiff suspension which doesn’t absorb shocks and bumps and you feel it inside the cabin.
However, Audi lets you choose from the more forgiving basic SE suspension at no extra cost or you can pay £2000 for the self leveling air suspension. These costs certainly add up before you make a decision to go for the A6 Avant. The A6 has costly optional extras whereas on the XF they come as standard hence cancel-ling out its small list price advantage. The emissions, company car tax burdens, economy and depreciation all very closely in line with the XF. This segment is a very hard fought one and slightest advantage could be key to success. The different here is the gearbox as the Multitronic auto is a huge let down and not as good as the manual. The Audi does however has a big boot and high quality interior.
