KEY POINTS:
Once you get to executive sedans with six-figure price tags, there's a tendency to assume that more is better. I can't remember the last time I drove an Audi A6 that didn't have a massive engine, massive wheels and massively stiff suspension.
But here's one: the new entry-level A6, which is powered by a 2.8-litre V6 petrol and engine and can be driven away for $109,900. Why buy one instead of a 3.2-litre A6?
Well, you can have the 2.8 without the pretentious S-Line styling package for a start, which means the newcomer is a handy $12,000 cheaper. If you must, you can also have a 2.8 S-Line for $113,900. The 3.2 is a second faster to 100km/h, but the 2.8 sips over a litre of fuel less per 100km thanks to a new two-stage valve-lift system claimed to cut fuel use by 10 per cent.
It's not short of performance, either, 154kW/280Nm (3.2 188kW/330Nm).
The A6 is not a particularly nimble car, but the 110kg weight-saving compared with the 3.2 certainly helps the 2.8's cause in the corners.
Nor could you accuse the A6 2.8 of short-changing you on equipment. It's as beautifully finished as any other A6 and comes with 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery with power seats, Bluetooth cellphone connection and Audi's easy-to-use Multi Media Interface system for controlling the major cabin functions (that computer mouse-type thing with the quadrant of buttons).
In short, it's a package that really works on every level.
How much? $109,900.
Engine and transmission: 2.8-litre direct-injection V6, 154kW/280Nm, 6-speed auto, full-time four-wheel drive.
Performance: 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds, and a Combined
fuel consumption of 9.7 litres per 100km.
