AUDI A6 SALOON 2004-2008 Review
Good Points
- Class leading spacious interiors
- Extremely smooth and refined engines
Bad Points
- The steering feels light yet responsive
- Petrol engines can prove expensive to run
Engines
There is a good selection of engines available in the A6 offering both power and efficiency. The range has a good number of petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engines start with a turbocharged 2.0-litre unit producing 170bhp that was introduced to the lineup in 2005. This is followed by a 2.4-litre with 175bhp, a 2.8 V6 with 210bhp, a 255bhp 3.2-litre and the top of the range 4.2-litre V8 producing 345bhp. The diesel engines start with a 2.0-litre unit with 170bhp followed by the 180bhp 2.7-litre and finally a 3.0-litre producing 230bhp. Both the 4.2-litre petrol and the 3.0-litre diesel engines only come with Audi's quarto four wheel drive and the 4.2-litre only comes with an automatic gearbox.
Performance & Economy
When the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol came along in 2005 it pretty much replaced the 2.4-litre engine as it is quicker going from 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds and is superbly economical achieving 37mpg that is the best in the petrol range and is even more economical than the 3.0 diesel. The 2.8-litre V6 joined the range in 2007 but didn't really bring much to the range as it is only a couple of split seconds faster than the 2.0-litre but loses five miles to the gallon compared to it. The 3.2-litre is better being extremely quiet and refined and is fairly quick going from 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds and it still manages 29mpg. The top of the range 4.2-litre V8 (available in the RS6) is quicker by a second and as a result drops 3mpg on the 3.2-litre, but it is immensely powerful and fun to drive.
The diesel engines have proven more popular and it's easy to see why as the 2.7-litre is faster than the 2.0-litre petrol at 7.8 seconds from 0-60mph and is more economical too managing 40mpg. The top of the range 3.0-litre is even quicker at 6.7 seconds, but its fuel efficiency drops down to 35mpg. The 2.0-litre is the engine to go for if you' re looking for economy over performance with the fuel efficiency at 49mpg while it still travels from 0-60mph in 8.6, which is by no means slow.
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Introduction
The Audi A6 is much improved over the previous models with plenty of room inside, a high specification interior and offering a great driving experience. The engines are also extremely smooth and refined with the range topping V8 producing a lovely soundtrack as you fly down the motorway. If you're looking for a luxurious business car that can also be used at the weekends for the family then the A6 is the car for you.
Exterior & Interior
The A6 comes as either an Avant or Saloon with both being extremely good looking cars. The A6 has plenty of room inside and is kitted out plenty of equipment, all of which is built to the highest standard. The Avant seats five adults with ease whilst the Saloon fits four more comfortably due to the high transmission box that takes up vital legroom for the rear middle passenger. Other than that all the other occupants receive ample head, shoulder and leg room with very comfortable seats that offer good support too. The boots in both are large with the Avant having 565litres. There are also plenty of storage places in the cabin that come in the form of door pockets, cubby holes and the glove compartment. The dash is driver focused with the centre section angled slightly towards them and all of the controls and buttons being well laid out, easy to use and see. Everything feels well made and to a very high spec giving you the piece of mind that you are never likely to suffer from problems with the interior trim. For the trim levels opt for the SE as it offers plenty of kit as standard and loads of optional extras too. If you have the extra money then go for the S Line or Le Mans as they come with nearly everything you could ever want in your car.
Drive
The handling in both models is impressive to say the least with the firm suspension keeping the car firmly planted to the road. It has plenty of grip which helps to keep the body roll in the corners to a minimum. The self leveling air suspension is good for drivers who usually carry heavy loads in the boot and was introduced in 2005. There is both front and all wheel drive with the later giving that extra level of control in adverse weather conditions and on rougher roads. The stiff suspension can prove uncomfortable on rougher roads, but not enough to negate all the positives from the overall ride. Inside the driver is supplied with more than enough adjustments in the seat and steering wheel to be able to find their optimum driving position and it offers good visibility. There is only a whisper of wind and road noise in the cabin unless you've fitted larger wheels where some road noise can be heard. The engines are all perfectly quiet apart from the V6 and V8 engines which can be heard in the cabin, but that's definitely no bad thing.
Faults & Repairs
Audi have always built there cars to an extremely high standard and quality level. This has shown throughout its life as there are very few faults ever reported in them and the A6 is no exception. As of yet there haven't been many problems reported, but check the suspension and brakes for problems when looking at buying a second hand model as these have been the weak link in the Audi's otherwise excellent reliability reports. If something does go wrong it will prove expensive so be prepared. By using an independent specialist you can help to keep costs down in this area though although it may affect the re-sale price.
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