All Audi A6 reviews

"This entry-level A6 has a strong claim on being the most impressive model in their petrol-engined range"

Step out of an Audi A6 2.0T FSI and it's easy to feel a little confused. We're always bombarded with Audi's 'Vorsprung Durch Technik' (Forward Through Technology) message and while the FSI part of the car's engine features some seriously high tech features, there's nothing cutting edge about what has made this engine so hugely enjoyable ' bolting on a turbocharger.

It's hardly rocket science. Saab and BMW were bolting turbos to their wares in the Seventies and although there have been a few developments since, such as twin, triple, and in some extreme cases, quad turbo application, as well as the emergence of light pressure and variable geometry turbos, the engineering principles of using 'waste' gases to power an impellor are more or less identical. Thus a low-tech approach has lent this otherwise relentlessly cutting edge car a real spark. The most impressive aspect of this installation is that it doesn't feel like a turbocharged car. There's none of the characteristic lag and lurch response of something that relies on a blower to plump up the power figure. Instead, it feels like a large capacity four cylinder engine with at least three litres to call upon. The figures speak for themselves. This car will accelerate to 60mph in 8.1 seconds and breach 140mph yet will still return a combined fuel economy figure of 34.4mpg. When you pause to consider that this A6 is a far larger car than any BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class, that power and economy compromise from a petrol engine is little short of amazing. It even sounds purposeful too, with a meaty growl from up front coupled with a rather naughty exhaust note. There's a broad plateau of torque available to haul you out of tight corners. You'll achieve the car's peak 280Nm torque figure with the needle anywhere between 1,800 and 4,200rpm. Unlike its A4 sibling, no quattro models are offered, and the 2.0T FSi is being positioned as the entry-level petrol-powered A6. Drive one of these and you have to wonder why anybody would bother with the 2.4-litre petrol engine positioned above the 2.0T.

Both saloon and Avant estate models are offered, priced at £25,365 and £26,975 respectively in either SE or sporting S line trim. All the cars offer a six-speed manual gearbox. Audi 2.0T FSI buyers also get the option of the multitronic CVT but not the Tiptronic unit. The first Audi engine to combine turbocharging with Fuel Stratified Ignition, this powerplant borrows features from diesel engines, such as common rail injection and utilises a single piston high-pressure fuel pump. The high-pressure fuel line mounted on the side of the cylinder head injects fuel straight into the combustion chamber. The shape of the pistons and the clever working of a set of valves make the air 'tumble', thus creating more efficient combustion. Where FSI engines really impress is their behaviour under part throttle loads. Whereas before, part throttle meant just that, partially strangulating the output by closing a butterfly valve, the FSI system can be run with the throttles in a more efficient open position by creating a rich fuel mix directly next to the spark plug and a leaner mix in other parts of the combustion chamber. This is not only more efficient in terms of how much fuel enters the chamber in the first place but it also means that less energy is wasted as heat to the cylinder block. In effect, a blanket of air shields the ignited fuel from the walls of the cylinder. When the throttle is pressed wide open, the engine reverts to a more conventional 'homogenous' method of filling the combustion chamber with fuel and air. The 'tumble' effect and the synchronisation of air and fuel along with the careful metering of the high-pressure injection system all combine to offer more power and a cleaner engine. When you're dawdling you get great economy and when you want to drop the hammer you've got more power. Driver enjoyment is a key feature of the latest A6 line up and the car benefits from a quicker steering rack while retaining current suspension settings albeit with fifteen per cent more travel. Existing A6 drivers won't recognise the feel behind the wheel and they can be excused for not feeling instantly at home with the interior. Although much of the look and feel is reminiscent again of the A8, the dashboard features a binnacle and centre console that angles towards the driver and is quite unlike anything yet seen in an Audi. The quality of the cabin remains top notch but there's a little more style and colour contrast here, Audi finally recognising that the coal hole dark plastic look was just that little bit too nineties to cut it these days. With a carbon dioxide figure of just 197 grammes per kilometre and a reasonable upfront asking price, this Audi A6 is guaranteed to be a big hit with corporate buyers. Class leading residual values and a presence that looks like something the MD would drive can only count in the A6's favour. Vorsprung durch technik? That's only the half of it.