The Audi a6 we drove early last year was already hard to fault with its 3-liter V6 petrol engine. This time we are test driving the 1.8-liter TFSI version. It drives and handles well on all surfaces. This new petrol engine provides plenty of midrange pull and top end highway power. There is sufficient pace in the lower gears, but it’s once you get out of first gear that the true power of the beast comes to life. From second gear on, this TFSI produces a high torque rate up to 320Nm that translates to impressive midrange speed. There is plenty of power on tap for that high speed run where available.
The 7-Speed gearbox moves through the gears smoothly and allows for minimal loss of power. “Normal” and “Dynamic” modes are available, separated by longer stints in the gears, and higher on road performance. Manual gear changing is available through the use of paddle shifts which induces more fun from this luxury sedan. Cruise control is easily activated through steering wheel controls and works pleasantly enough. The car sticks to the road when cornering (under high speeds) perfectly. The engine purrs with a pleasant grunt of power. A nice engine growl emits from the engine through to the cabin as you travel in the lower gears. Pick up the pace and the noise becomes sweeter.
