Audi is certainly on the offensive now, beginning with the launch of the third generation TT Coupe. With the Four-Ringed principal helming its operations here in Malaysia, things are bound to get more exciting.
In keeping up with the times (and competition, to say the least), Audi has announced their plans to bring in the facelifted A6 and A7 Sportback. Although the latter has been teased on their website since March this year, the former comes somewhat as a surprise.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Audi A6 Ultra 1.8 TFSI | Audi A6 2.0 TFSI | Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro |
| Engine | 1,798cc; turbocharged inline-4 | 1,984cc; turbocharged inline-4 | 2,995cc; supercharged V6 |
| Transmission |
7-speed S Tronic dual clutch transmission |
||
| Max Power | 190 hp @ 4,200 – 6,200 rpm | 252 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm | 333 hp @ 5,500 – 6,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,400 – 4,100 rpm | 370 Nm @ 1,600 – 4,500 rpm | 440 Nm @ 2,900 – 5,300 rpm |
| 0 – 100km/h; Top Speed | 7.9 seconds; 233 km/h | 6.7 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited) | 5.1 seconds; 250 km/h (electronically limited) |
Before spelling out all things new to the A6 facelift, let’s first get its dimensions out of the way. The overall length is now up from 4,915mm to 4,933mm – an increase of 18mm. The wheelbase remains the same at 2,912mm, so the growth in length is merely from its front and rear overhangs. It still stands at 1,455mm tall and is 1,874mm wide.
EXTERIOR
The facelift, in typical Audi fashion, bestows the A6 with restyled front and rear bumper, new front grille, headlights and tail lights – some of its most pronounced upgrades. Forward illumination source is LED (Matrix LED is a cost option) and comes with redesigned LED DRLs. The tail lights also share the new styling treatment, with its signal indicators and reverse light powered by low-energy LEDs.
At the front is Audi’s signature single-frame grille, but this time it comes in a larger one-piece unit that extends to the lower intake. It’s made bolder this time around, featuring eight horizontal chrome struts. Wheel sizes and designs are variant dependent and ranges from 18 to 20 inches.
INTERIOR
Inside, the biggest update is in the infotainment department. The 8-inch TFT head unit still retains its retractability, but Audi’s Multimedia Interface system is now based on their new partner Nvidia.
With a new Tegra 3 chip powering the system, it boosts processing speed and provides a dedicated 4G data connection, allowing drivers to use online services including a number of compatible media streaming apps via Audi Connect. It also acts as a wireless hotspot that allow up to eight devices to surf the web.
Otherwise, the cabin remains largely unchanged, and build quality is still very much synonymous to the brand. It retains the quad-zone automatic air-conditioning units, as well as air vents built into the B-Pillars.
PERFORMANCE
Besides the new look, the engines powering the A6 facelift are also more powerful. Our neighbours in Singapore have three trims to choose from – 1.8L TFSI Ultra, 2.0L TFSI and 3.0L TFSI units. Sources from Audi Malaysia have hinted that we will also be getting the 1.8L Ultra variant for the first time, and all powertrains will be paired to the sole seven-speed S tronic dual clutch automatic gearbox (previously CVT).
The four-cylinder 1.8-litre turbocharged unit is sourced from parent company Volkswagen, but here it is tuned to make 190 hp from 4,200 to 6,200 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 4,100 rpm – that’s 10 hp more than our current 2.0L A6! The strong numbers translate to a brisk 7.9 seconds 0 to 100 km/h sprint time, while top speed is clocked at 233 km/h. Fuel consumption on the other hand, is rated at 5.7 litres per 100km.
Next, the 2.0-litre TFSI unit is the same block powering the outgoing A6, but receives a big bump in power. It now makes 252 hp from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and 370 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. The century sprint is dusted in 6.7 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. It sips just 5.9 litres per 100km traveled.
If both four-cylinder engines aren’t your cup of tea, there’s still the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 unit putting out 333 hp from 5,500 to 6,500 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm. Like the lesser two, it’s more powerful than before – up 23 horsepower from the previous tune. It’s naturally the quickest of the bunch, sprinting from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Top speed is also electronically limited to 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6 litres per 100km.
SAFETY
Here, the A6 comes with Audi’s active lane assist – a system that actively corrects or realigns the car back into the current lane. There’s also Audi Side Assist and Audi Pre-Sense Rear systems, optional Head-Up Display, Secondary Collision Brake Assist, 360-degree Parking System Plus with Park Assist and a host of other safety features.
WHAT ELSE?
In Singapore, the facelifted A6 1.8 TFSI Ultra retails at SGD 250,800 whereas the 2.0-litre variant is going for SGD 276,600 – both COE inclusive. It will be making its way here in the third quarter this year, alongside the A7 Sportback. When it arrives, three trim levels will be offered – 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI (FWD only; Quattro coming next year) and 3.0 TFSI Quattro.
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