Audi A6 Avant 2005 - Present

The Audi A6 Avant is looking to offer executive drivers a useful, adaptable car that offers good quality motoring with ample load room and an engaging drive. The 2007 model is larger than the car it replaces and has quality upgrades inside and out that show Audi's ambition to take on German rivals BMW and Mercedes.

The Avant is brilliantly finished estate car with quality components adorning the interior. The materials used in the cabin are of the highest quality and really enhance the feel of the car. Seats are extremely comfortable, offering great levels of both support and padding. As you'd expect from a car of it's size the Avant offers great levels of room for all it's occupants, with room for five adults to travel in comfort. The ride is comfortable under all but the most testing of road surfaces. It's set a little firm to offer ultimate comfort and the Avant does come up a little short when compared to some of it's rivals but it's a pretty fine line. The dashboard is uncluttered with easy to read instruments. Controls are logical and natural and made from top quality materials they feel solid and dependable. The doors shut with the authority of a bank vault and the NCAP maximum rating assures that occupants are safe in the event of a crash, front, side and curtain airbags come as standard.

The Avant is powered by one of four engines, three petrol and one diesel. All are more than enough to power the big Audi and offer good performance. The 2.0L kicks off the range with 0 - 60 in 8.4 seconds and tops out at 138 mph, it does this while returning 34 mpg. As you move up in engine sizes the performance levels increase commensurably and the fuel figures tend to go down too. The 4.2 Quattro option is nothing short of rampant with a 0 - 60 time of 5.9 second and top end of 155 mph but with returns of 23 mpg you'll certainly pay for the privilege. The big diesels offer a better blend of performance and economy with the 2.7 TDI weighing in with 8.0 seconds and 139 mph and a much more prudent 39 mpg. The decision is pretty simple, more cost for small performance increases.

The A6 Avant does offer an alternative to the big boys in the class and is a reliable, quality motor. You certainly are likely to feel pretty pleased with yourself each time you take your mates or family out in it, but if you've test driven a 5-Series you may find you're thinking of another as you drive it.

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