We’re in love with Audi’s latest A6 inside and out, and what better for those looking for added utility than to add a wagon into the mix. For Europeans, there isn’t much better, as wagons (estates) with five-doors encompass a majority of sales
Here, wagons are primarily purchased by a smaller segment of the market such as enthusiasts who still want to retain the driving dynamics of a car
As such, cars like Cadillac’s CTS Sportwagon haven’t set the sales charts alight. Given that, don’t expect Audi’s A6 Avant to make it to our shores. So here we will take a look at what you can’t have. Enjoy
Not much is changed stylistically over the sedan, save for the addition of the svelte hatchback that offers a very nice roofline. The rear end design is minimalist, staying true to Audi’s enduring themes
The A6 Avant follows a downsizing strategy in weight and engine options. The base unit powering the car is a four-cylinder TDI turbo diesel making 177 horsepower. It is a new development for the A6 to have a four-cylinder engine; it is part of a new strategy focused on fuel-efficiency. The 2.0-liter TDI is just one of six engine and four transmission options available, however
In the diesel category the next option is a turbocharged 3.0-liter TDI V-6 available in 204-, 245- and 313 hp variations. Two gasoline-fuelled V-6 engines are available, with a 2.8-liter FSI making 204 horsepower and a 3.0-liter TFSI making 300 horsepower. Interestingly enough, the top-end diesel 3.0-liter checks in with a 13 horsepower gain over its 3.0-liter gasoline counterpart. The top end TDI model gives the A6 Avant a 5.4 second 0-60 tun
The A6 Avant is offered with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT), a seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox and on the top end 3.0 TDI model, an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission
Weight has been reduced over the previous generation car, with 66 pounds shed. This is unusual as most new cars gain in size and weight with each passing generation. The base model 2.0-liter TDI A6 Avant comes in at 3,616 pounds. The A6 Avant is expected to be a very strong seller for Audi, going on sale this summer
For now, it’s slated to go on sale in Europe later this summer with a starting price of €40,850 (about $58K USD at current exchange rates). Although you probably can’t have it
07-06-2011, 10:07 PM
Audi Pulls Wraps Off A6 Avant
