Motoring
Audi A6 S-line
If you’re looking beyond SUVs and hatchbacks to high-class saloon cars, the sporty, stylish and feature-packed Audi A6 should be at the top of your list, writes Bob Hickman
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FACTS AT A GLANCE
udi is known for super interiors that use plush circumstances and terrain – you really do materials, as well as wonderful infotainment need to try an Audi automatic gearbox to systems that allow you to control virtually all of the appreciate just how good they have become. car at the touch of a screen. If that’s what you’re Audi claims fuel consumption can reach looking for, you are going to be delighted by the around 51mpg. In fact, when I checked with the A6 and its interior facilities and capabilities. computer it indicated 55mpg, which for a vehicle The front seats have huge amounts of of this size and performance level is astounding. adjustment to let you find a comfortable position, Audi being Audi, there are a number of engine with a memory facility in case someone else derivatives you can choose: you can go down the drives it. Headroom is excellent even if, like me, diesel route if you wish, or go for more powerful you are 6ft tall. On a couple of occasions I had derivatives. But whichever engine you settle to transport five adults to a function and the on, it is the extras that Audi always tempt you three in the back (including another six-footer) with, and this adds to the bottom-line price. Bob is a devoted car and had ample head, knee and shoulder room. The abundance of safety features includes motorcycle fan. After If a vehicle can carry five passengers, you also a system that assists you to stay in the right a 30-year career as a need to be able to carry all their motorway lane, stay farther back from police motorcycle patrol luggage. There’s no problem on that the vehicle in front, and accelerate when officer and latterly as a “The quality sergeant, patrolling the front – the A6’s boot is cavernous. necessary. Another feature I found of equipment exceptionally useful was Audi connect, motorways of the Midlands, The quality of equipment is, retirement beckoned and is, as you as you would expect, on the high where you press a button on the steering he embarked on writing side: even the standard Sport wheel and a voice asks for your requests. would expect, about his love of transport. model comes with leather seats, You can choose from numerous on the Bob is a member of the and smart, brushed aluminium options – directions, local restaurants Guild of Motor Writers and high side” trims. The sporty S-line I tested and so on – and although this may the Midland Guild of Motor had part leather and suede trim – a seem a luxury, once you’ve experienced Writers. In his spare time he rides a Royal Enfield very refreshing and eye-catching combination. it you’ll wonder how you managed without it. Continental GT motorcycle The test car was the S-line 50 TFSi e quattro The A6 TFSi e S-line has an on-the-road price and drives a 1994 MG RV8. S Tronic, which had a 1984cc engine with power of £61,955. The extras fitted to the vehicle I tested quoted as being 195bhp; being a hybrid we need to increase that add an extra 105bhp for a total just under 300bhp price to £66,650. – an exceptional amount of power. The battery It includes a • MODEL TESTED: AUDI A6 S-LINE 50 is a small lithium one, not huge but sufficient to three-year or TFS TFSi e QUATTRO S TRONIC give an extra boost: it can run on battery only 60,000-mile • PRICE: £66,650 but the total mileage I achieved was around 30 warranty, and • ENGINE: 1984 CC miles. In reality, it is merely an assistance feature. suggested • MAX SPEED: 155 MPH The test S-line had a wonderful all-wheel servicing • 0-60MPH: 6.2 SECONDS drive system and was equipped with an intervals are two eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. years or 19,000 It always knew the correct ratio for the given miles. November/December 2021 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 115
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