Audi A6 2.0 TDI

AUDI takes a thorough approach to mid-cycle updates, so when the new A6 arrives here in March or April next year, it will bring more than a simple rework of exterior plastic parts and pretty new light clusters.

There is also a more powerful infotainment system, clever Matrix LED headlights (as an option) and extra functions for the car’s suite of sensor-based driver aids. Most important of all, it also introduces an all-new, Audi engineered seven speed dual clutch transmission.

The facelift also presents Audi Australia with the opportunity to rationalise its A6 range. With 65 to 70 percent of Australian A6 customers choosing diesel power, the most powerful petrol V6 in the current line-up is to be dropped. Seems the 220 kW/440 Nm blown V6 of the 3.0 TFSI quattro was quick everywhere except out of the showroom.

Audi will also prune its Avant offerings. Currently the wagon is available with four-cylinder engines, but these models will disappear, leaving the high-riding Allroad and forthcoming high performance RS6 Avant as the only wagons left in the A6 range.

A new 140 kW/320 Nm 1.8 TFSI will replace the current entry level turbo four cylinder petrol, the 132 kW/320 Nm 2.0 TFSI. Stepping up through the Australian A6 engine range, the 140 kW/400 Nm four cylinder turbo diesel 2.0 TDI comes next. Both fours are front drivers. Everything else comes with quattro all wheel drive.

There are a pair of turbocharged V6 diesels 160 kW/400 Nm 3.0 TDI (which will also be the sole engine for the Allroad in Australia) and 235 kW/650 Nm 3.0 TDI biturbo while the 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 of the S6 model has its maximum outputs bumped to 331 kW/550 Nm.

All will be teamed with the new seven speed dual clutch ’boxes, with the exception of the 3.0 TDI biturbo, which has too much torque so must instead use an eight speed torque convertor auto.

At the international launch, we focused on the 2.0 TDI sedan, the best-selling A6 model in Australia and likely to remain that way. The turbo-diesel four is incredibly refined and sufficiently powerful.

While the new seven-speed dual-clutch isn’t quite capable of matching the current Multitronic CVT’s uncanny smoothness, it does go close to equalling a torque-convertor auto.

Refinement remains an A6 strength. This is a quiet and classy car inside. Very comfortable, too, at least on the adaptive air suspension that was fitted to almost every car at the launch.

While the new transmission endows the A6 with a more sporty drivetrain feel, Audi’s preference for almost feel free steering stops it being the driver’s choice in this class. Instead, it’s a car for those who appreciate design, quality, technology and efficiency.