Audi Avant: a slick set of sixes

The new Audi A6 Avant comes with a dizzying array of options - six, seven or eight-speed transmissions, anyone? - and next month, UK customers can place orders with deliveries starting in November.

Prices start at £32,100 for the six-speed manual 2.0-litre TDI right through to £43,480 for the 3.0-litre seven-speed S Tronic quattro. If you fancy life with eight gears to play with, the eight-speed models are priced from £33,630 through to £38,550.

The gear ratios on the S Tronic transmissions have been widened for greater efficiency. This also minimises the risk sometimes experience with automatic transmissions where the transmission goes hunting for gears and never quite finds the right one - something that was the bugbear of many an older automatic box.

Diesel again features with a new 313bhp bi-turbo V6 TDI due late this year.

The Avant has been on a diet with up to 70kg less weight for better efficiency. The composite aluminium-and-steel construction of the 2.0-litre TDI weighs just 1,640kg while still being an imposing 4.93m in length. Indeed, the most efficient powertrain is the 2.0-litre TDI with fuel economy of 56.5mpg and emissions of 132g/km. Across the whole range, Audi estimates that all models offer fuel economy improvements around 18% along with the start-stop system and a recuperative energy function.

Along with some excellent eco stats for a not-so-small car, the performance stats are pretty impressive too. The 3.0-litre TDI V6 flagship will be able to do the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.4 seconds, making it the most powerful V6 in the line-up.

There’s some pretty cool technology with the new Avant, with one example being so cool, you might want to just hang around opening and closing the boot. It can be opened automatically by “gesturing” with your foot at two sensors under the rear bumper if you go for the advanced key option.

Other hi-tech options include head-up display (one of those love-it-or-loathe-it options), internet connection, blind spot and lane departure warnings, park assist and touch-controlled navigation with an eight-inch monitor. Audi’s love affair with Bang & Olufsen continues with their stunning sound systems also an option in the new Avant.

UK buyers will be offered two specification levels - SE and S line. Both include alloy wheels, leather upholstery, cruise and front and rear parking controls, sat-nav, Bluetooth, split-folding rear seats and light and rain sensors. Posh it up to the S Line specs and you’ll get bigger 18-inch alloys, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, sports suspension and upgraded Valcona leather upholstery.

















By Georgia Lewis

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