Six-y, very six-y!

Thursday, 03 December 2009 11:09

The Audi A6 3.0T Quattro

By no surprise, the German automakers have done it again, proving their slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” – meaning that “Advancement through Technology” is not merely lip service. If one wants an example of excellence in a mid-sized luxury sedan, then look no further than the Audi A6 3.0T Quattro.

The 3.0T quattro is a new addition to the A6 sedan lineup this year, fitting between the front-wheel drive 3.2 FSI and the V8-powered 4.2 FSI quattro models, “quattro” being Audi’s performance-oriented, full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

The Audi Quattro four-wheel-drive system sends power to all four tyres, giving it significant off-road and road-gripping capabilities. A four-wheel-drive system typically only sends power to both car axles when a toggle on the driver’s dashboard is engaged, sending power to only the rear axle the rest of the time. This is because with standard open and locking differentials, it is difficult for a vehicle to turn on flat road when four-wheel drive is engaged. The Audi Quattro has found a way around this turning problem and developed a system that sends power to all four wheels all of the time.

Technically, such a vehicle is labelled an all-wheel drive.

On top of the impressive all-wheel drive is the A6’s new supercharged V6, which goes by the handle “3.0T”.

But wait, is “T” not meant to stand for “turbocharged”? Why, yes; it has in Audi’s past 1.8T and 2.0T models. In this case, though, “T” is for “supercharged”. And supercharged this vehicle certainly is.

Its 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque may be just what the doctor ordered. It is also relatively fuel-efficient and does not command much of a price premium.

The standard package, standard on 3.2 and 3.0T Quattro trims, includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, leather seating, power front seats with adjustable lumbar support, a tilt and telescoping steering column, dual-zone automatic climate control, a trip computer, Audi’s MMI systems controller, Bluetooth and a stereo system featuring a glovebox-mounted CD changer, satellite radio and an iPod input.

All Audi A6 models come with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side air bags and full-length side curtain air bags. This car continues to offer one of the finest cabins in its class, with an attractive dash layout, excellent materials quality and impressive fit and finish.

It also comes with the Multi Media Interface (MMI) vehicle management system, which controls entertainment, communication and optional navigation functions via the dash-mounted LCD screen and a large knob on the centre console. I found the centre console knob somewhat distracting and would not recommend trying to change your entertainment going at a flying speed: it takes your eyes off the road quite badly. But I suppose you would get used to it.

If you are drawn to the A6’s combination of German engineering and available AWD security, we would say it is well worth a look. It is hard to go wrong at this price point, and you certainly wouldn’t go wrong if you ended up with this baby.

Price: R567 500

Robbie Stammers

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