Spatial Avant-age
At every angle that you look at it, the Audi A6 Avant is simply stunning. We tested the A6 Sedan late last year, and we loved how the car was so well sorted out. The A6 Avant adds more utility and style to an already well-built automobile.
Hauling the 1,710kg car round the bends is easy with the precise steering. Though not intended to be a high performance car, there is plenty of torque on tap, with all 320Nm of it made available at just 1,400rpms, 100 revs lower than the previous 2.0 turbo it replaces, and the engine stretches effortlessly on maximum torque to 4,200rpms. Understeer is mild, with vibrations communicated through the electric power steering, is easily created with the amount of available torque, but can be countered by way of lifting off the throttle a little. The available traction control also aids in sorting out any slippage. Compared to the pre-facelifted A6 engine, the new 1.8 tops it by 10bhp, producing an output of 190bhp.
Audi has also done away with the CVT Multitronic transmission in favour of a new internally developed wet dual-clutch 7-speed S tronic. Pushing the car from a standstill, it makes it known that it is a front-driven car with some lightness to the front. Acceleration is rapid, without the the slight hesitation found on the previous model, with the car happily punching through all seven ratios. Century sprint figures for the Avant are 8.2 seconds, a 0.4 second improvement over the previous car, while combined fuel consumption is at 16.9km per litre of unleaded, an improvement of 1.5km per litre.
The long 2912mm wheelbase (longer than the Lexus GS’s 2,855mm), provides excellent driving comfort. Though the car has adjustable performance settings, the 1.8 does not come equipped with the air suspension of its more expensive variants, but it damps well enough for our road conditions.
Night driving aids come in the form of Matrix LED headlamps. In automatic high-beam mode, the in-windscreen camera scans road conditions in-front and laterally, illuminating road signs, and empty portions of the road, without creating glare for other motorists, similar to the one found in the new Mercedes-Benz E Class. Highway driving is made easier, as you are able to spot and read road signs much earlier, allowing you to react quicker.
Outside noise is minimal thanks to the double-glazed front windows, and road noise comes in the form of the firm chassis, subtly communicating road irregularities into the cabin.
The car comes equipped with Audi’s Parktronic system, making parking this 1,874mm wide machine a breeze. Drivers can select from parking the car parallel or vertical with a push of the in-dash selector.
In my opinion, I truly enjoyed driving this car. The imposing road presence and how well-weighted the steering feels, makes this car a joy to be in, and something to seriously consider. If only Audi did pay some attention in making the seats more supportive and selected better materials for them.
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