Audi A6 update includes TDIe model

Expert Rating: 4 out of 5

Introduction

Audi's A6 gets a mid-life refresh with the focus on economy, emissions and comfort. The key new model in the range for green-minded executive motorists is the new 2.0-litre TDIe model. Featuring low rolling resistance tyres, a reduced ride height, clever power management of auxiliaries and aerodynamic modifications this new A6 has the potential to break through 50mpg and emits just 139g/km of CO₂.

What is it?

The Audi A6 is one of the most successful executive models on the market. The 2.0-litre TDIe model represents the entry-point into the range, offering all the comfort and space of its more expensive relatives with more planet-friendly emissions and fuel consumption. Competing head on with cars like BMW's EfficientDynamics equipped 520d and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Audi A6 2.0TDIe is an executive car you can drive with a clearer environmental conscience.

How does it drive?

The greenest model in the A6 line-up doesn't drive any differently to its other relatives. Unsurprisingly, it's nowhere near as quick as its bigger engined relatives, but the 2.0 TDIe has a different focus. Like all of the revised A6 range the TDIe benefits from new suspension settings that make it more comfortable than the outgoing car. The economy gains over its relatives are made via a number of means, the low rolling resistance tyres, slightly lower suspension and power scavenging brakes doing little to change the comfortable, easy driving nature offered by all the models in the A6 line-up.

Where you do pay for your 'greenness' is in refinement. The 134bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine isn't the smoothest out there, and it needs working hard to shift the A6 along in faster traffic. The 0-62mph time of 10.3 seconds underlines that the powerplant is not as punchy as its BMW 520d rival, the BMW also bettering the A6 for driver interaction and involvement with crisper steering and a more precise gearshift. The A6 counters that with excellent long-distance ability and plentiful interior space. Add a cockpit that leaves its rivals behind for clarity of use, attractive styling and build quality and the A6 makes a convincing case for itself.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

The Government's use of tax to push motorists into lower emitting cars is clearly a policy that's working. Audi is not alone among the premium players to sell a model that offers business buyers a model that's tax-friendly - hence more planet friendly. The A6 2.0-litre TDIe emits just 139g/km of CO₂ and manages to return 53.3mpg on the official combined economy cycle. It's unlikely that you'll achieve that in daily driving, but a mid-40mpg figure in a car as big and luxurious as the A6 is quite an achievement.

Verdict

Audi's new A6 sees economy and emissions improvements across the entire range, though the 2.0-litre TDIe is the real green star of the line-up. You do pay for being more planet friendly with poor engine refinement and performance that's more relaxed than brisk, but the A6 TDIe is not without appeal in the executive class for those wanting a greener drive. Its key rival, the BMW 520d, betters it as a driver's car and is very slightly more economical, but the A6 is a fine choice if you don't want a BMW roundel on your key fob and bonnet.

Kyle Fortune

Wednesday September 24