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2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
 
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AUDI A6 3.0 TDI Quattro |
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The Audi A6 has taken the title in this re-jigged class (formally luxury cars) for the second year in a row. Although the exterior looks the same, there is a big difference under the bonnet. This year’s winning A6 is powered by Audi’s cracking 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. Developing 176kW of power and 500Nm of torque and coupled to Audi’s quattro permanent AWD system, this luxury sedan has few peers in this class when it comes to performance. It scores an impressive eight out of 10 while retaining respectability at the fuel bowser. That’s part of the attraction that’s increasingly drawing buyers to these latest -generation diesel-powered executive expresses: fantastic performance but miserly fuel consumption. Another is that, unlike their predecessors, which were noisy and not environmentally-friendly, this A6 3.0 TDI scored high marks for smoothness and quietness with an eight out of 10, and seven out of 10 for environment. The A6 shades the finalists with its standard features list which includes rain-sensing wipers, automatic-dimming rear mirror, electric driver’s seat, parking sensors, a premium audio system, bi -xenon headlights, electric park brake, 17-inch alloy wheels , satellite navigation and daytime running lights. Add dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, power steering and cruise control and the Audi starts to stack on the points. Like most luxury drives in this class, though, the options list is expansive and expensive. Safety-wise, it’s 10 out of 10 with a full complement of safety gear including six airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD and BA and a five-star ANCAP safety rating. All this is boosted by the sure-footedness of Audi’s permanent all-wheel-drive system. The interior finish and ambience sets the benchmark in this class. Build quality and finish is what we have come to expect from a luxury carmaker such as Audi, and the A6 3.0 TDI doesn’t disappoint. Supple leather covers the supportive seats, and detailed finishes are evident throughout the spacious cabin. Even in the boot, the attention to detail is obvious, with quality carpet and chrome luggage tie-downs. With 500Nm of engine torque under the right foot, the last thing you want to be driving is an average-handling luxury car. Ride quality is important in this class and the A6 scores impressively with an eight. The ride quality is equally matched to a steering and suspension package that’s communicative and sure-footed. And for those out there who are wondering what happened to lasts year’s winner, the A6 3.0 TFSI? We test the volume-selling model and this year the 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol model was scored. It was a sound performer and an attractive value-for-money proposition at $76,114 (that’s almost $30k cheaper than the winner) but it was no match for the 3.0 TDi quattro in terms of performance, handling and standard features.
Finalists
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