ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW AUDI A6 AVANT

With the passing of the diesel, well not quite as Audi will offer a diesel engine in their new A6 Avant; news which will be welcomed by many and for many begs the question is the rush to EVs just too fast? Recently, Volvo announced that they are re-introducing two of their estates. Yesm there is still a limited demand for such vehicles in what seems like a sea of SUVs.

With the news of the new A6 Avant it will probably be one of the last diesels to be introduced by the German carmaker, who in company with other premium brands is finding a downturn in EV sales. Petrol and diesel versions will join the E-tron EV; thus providing the customer with the widest possible choice. Just like the new Q5 and A5, the latest A6 Avant is based on the Premium Platform and the electronics architecture delivers modern connectivity, updates and digitalization. It has a long wheelbase and styling is in a conservative manner with this newcomer, large wheels, a feature of most high end German vehicles, and clear lines gives it a touch of elegance. Another first, it has the best aerodynamics of any A6 Avant. The overall length has a positive for the interior, which is spacious, and amongst the options offered, a new switchable panoramic glass sunroof, which enhances a greater part of the cockpit. The luggage compartment is 503 litres and the standard 40:20:40 folding rear seats enables the loading of such items as skis and when the rear seatbacks are folded down, 1,534 litres adds further to the practical nature of this newcomer. There is an electric tailgate which can open with a foot motion; many will find this feature very useful. Technology, no surprise, is a key feature and the digital stage revolves round the Audi MMI panoramic display and the optional passenger display; the panoramic display having OLED technology. As part of the optional Sound and Vision pack it can be equipped with a new, configurable head up display; this is a feature which I would welcome in more cars than at present.

As I often state; to the heart of the matter there are initially two power choices, one petrol and the already noted diesel. With the diesel comes mild hybrid technology; therefore it is partly electrified. This MHEV system supports the combustion engine and as a result enhanced performance and reduced CO2 emissions. The other engine option and the entry to the new A6 Avant range is a two litre four cylinder petrol engine with a stop/start feature and is only offered with front wheel drive.. Power output is a useful 204bhp and like its diesel cousin is partly electrified. I should add the TDI (diesel) is fitted with a dual clutch and Quattro ultra all wheel drive; perfect for when the going gets tough and is legendary feature with this brand. Notes on performance the TFSI (petrol) can reach 100kph (62mph) from rest in 8.3 seconds, 1.3 seconds slower than the TD1. When it comes to top speed, almost equal, the TFSI at 239kph (149mph) and the TDI at 238kph (148mph).

Ian Lynas