Audi A6 (2001-2004) Review

On the road

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The A6 is a big car, but the driving position is so well-designed that it's easy to use and manoeuvre. The seats are multi-adjustable (up, down, back, forwards, tilt...) with electric controls on the bigger-engined models, and the ergonomics and cabin layout are excellent. All the controls are easy to use and find, and even the sequential-shift gearboxes (five-speed Tiptronic or six-speed Multitronic CVT) are simple to understand and manipulate. The Quattro four-wheel drive versions are better set-up for fun than the front-drives, but none offer the same degree of inspiration or involvement as, say, the BMW 5-Series. The Sport suspension tightens things up a bit, but the A6 doesn't invite you to chuck it around or even play a bit - it's too serious and stolid for that. You have to work the lesser-powered versions - especially the manual gearbox cars - pretty hard if you want to push on, and even with the quick-shifting six-speed Multitronic clutchless transmission (a combination available for the first time) the 2.5 TDI is no BMW 530d.

There's a new entry-level 2.0-litre (130 bhp) which is certainly adequate though a bit of a plodder, as well as a new 3.0 V6 (220 bhp); the 2.4 V6 and 2.7T have gained an extra 5 bhp and 20 bhp respectively. The 2.7T - now 250 bhp - is arguably a better, more versatile, drive than the monstrous Jag XJ-beating 4.2 V8 (300 bhp). The diesels have both gained extra power; the 1.9 TDI has gained 15 bhp (now 130 bhp) and the 2.5 TDI is up 5 bhp to 155 bhp. Thanks to this extra power, the A6's light weight for the class and its aerodynamic shape, none of these are slow... Opt for the steering wheel-mounted controls with Tiptronic or Multitronic versions for superbly quick gear changes - quicker than you could do yourself in a manual.