Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro

The all-new Audi A6 (internal codename C7 body) represents a new direction from Audi and parent company Volkswagen. It’s smaller by a measure of 12 millimeters, lighter by as much as 80 kilos, yet increases its wheelbase by seven centimeters to provide even greater stability, space and comfort. The overhangs have been reduced by as much as 8 centimeters to aid in tight driving situations such as parking and making u-turns. How’s that? Audi’s catch-phrase for the A6 is engineered with a lighter touch.

More weight was lost by optimizing the 3.0 TDI engine, eliminating unneeded ancillaries, and as a result saving 20 kilos alone in the engine bay, helping the A6 shed more of its nose-heavy feeling and improving steering feel. Assorted parts previously made of steel were replaced with aluminum and magnesium to save weight. Quattro AWD is standard, and with the Quattro sport differential, combined with the lighter weight, active air suspension and reduced overhangs, the A6 is brought to higher levels of agility and dynamic responsiveness. Matched with AWD is a choice of 6-speed manual, 8-speed Tiptronic automatic or a 7-Speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission which is what the local market gets.

Less weight means that the new A6 can now get by with less fuel and thus a smaller fuel tank which further saves weight. PGA Cars-Audi expects the 3.0 TDI to achieve as much as 10 km/liter in city driving on normal conditions, and as much as 14 km/liter out on the highway in a steady high-speed cruise. You’ll be tempted to achieve a personal land speed record each time you step into the A6 because the engine delivers a heady 240 hp, and more importantly, a monumental 500 newton-meters of torque. A drag coefficient of 0.26 helps lower wind resistance, wind noise and reduces fuel consumption further at high speeds.

Stepping inside, the A6 is indeed very roomy. Soft leather covers most of the interior, with a choice of different wood trims, aluminum or carbon-fiber to liven up the interior and LED mood lights brighten up the mood via door sidings and the foot-well. Audi’s MMI all-in-one multi-media interface device allows the driver to intuitively manipulate the audio system, climate control, vehicle lighting settings and Audi’s Drive Select which alters the 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission, steering, engine mapping and suspension height and firmness from comfortable and smooth, to that of one with a velvet gauntlet. The steering column adjusts for both reach and rake, allowing the driver to find a position most comfortable for him. The increased interior cabin space allows four 6-foot adults to fit comfortably inside, with quad-zone climate control allowing four unique temperature zones. Aside from a/c vents placed behind the center console for the rear occupants, there are a/c vents placed on the A6’s B-pillars for the rear passengers as well.

Vorsprung durch Technik has been an Audi ethos since the day it revolutionized the World Rally Championship with its Quattro AWD technology. Advancements continue with further refinements to the Quattro system providing greater levels of grip, stability and cornering speed as well as ensuring sure-footedness in the most adverse of weather conditions. Aluminum is used extensively in the all-new A6: almost all of the exterior body panels are made from aluminum. Aluminum is also used in key structural components at the car’s ends to help reduce unnecessary chassis movement such as pitching under heavy braking, squatting under hard acceleration, yawing and body roll. It also helps centralize the A6’s mass further, improving directional stability and control, better able to resist understeer or oversteer. The rest of the car utilizes a hybrid mix of steel in varying grades of strength and thickness: high boron and manganese steel for greater strength is used for example at the base of the B-pillars to give better strength, stability and integrity in the event of an accident, and yet the upper portion uses a lighter, softer steel alloy to help crash absorption/deformation better, giving improved protection of its occupants. Another upside to this? Center of gravity is further lowered, improving handling and responsiveness. The mix of hybrid steel components help the chassis shed 30 kilograms on its own. The now trademark LED headlamps and daytime driving lamp strip are also fitted onto the A6.

Large 4-wheel disc brakes all around with ABS, EBD, Brake-Assist and Cornering Brake Control allow the sprightly A6 to steer and stop on the go to avoid accidents. Traction/Stability Control are also standard, as well as four side airbags, a curtain airbag spanning the length of the doors and of course dual front airbags ensure the safety of all the A6’s occupants in the unlikely event of an accident. Eighteen-inch Continental Efficiency all-season high-performance rubber is standard, and offers reduced rolling resistance, yet again for better fuel savings.

Out on the road, the key difference is that the A6 feels very light and easy to drive, very effortless and yet still very much connected to the road. The steering feel is very un-Audi like: feelsome, accurate and responsive whereas the brakes have lost the traditional over-assisted feel, replaced with better progression for improved modulation and feel. The suspension, even in Dynamic Mode feels comfortable and isolated from all harshness one might expect from a low-slung sports sedan. A push of the button, however, raises the A6 an inch higher to help clear steep ramps and driveways, and the occasional foray into very rough roads.

In pouring rain, high-speed cruising at 140-160 km/h is effortlessly easy. The A6 catches some standing water, hydroplanes for a short while but quickly regains traction. Definitely not something for the faint-hearted, but highly rewarding for the keen driver pressed for time on a busy and rainy day of work. Up the tight Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay National Highway, the A6 devours the uneven surface and tight, off-camber switchbacks and blind sweepers confidently, staying in line like a faithful steed. What would normally be a highly stressful drive turned into a relaxing cruise as the BOSE surround sound system played  tunes from U2, Sting and musical sensation Glee.

The A6 is packed with the latest technology yet has surprisingly improved both the driving feel and passenger comfort, while using less resources and emitting less carbon. The future has indeed arrived with the new A6.