I have a weak spot for diesel engines. The lower fuel costs. The juicy torque on offer at lower revs. The possibility to use biofuel (i.e. biodiesel) or a biofuel blend. Truly, diesels have a lot to recommend themselves. So when I saw the Audi A6 2.7 TDI, I sat up and took notice. A lot of notice. Because who can resist the combination of a very desirable diesel engine wrapped in a luxurious skin?

The Audi A6 2.7 TDI is a luxury saloon par excellence, as all A6 are. These cars are designed to appeal to the upper end of the market. Not as aristocratic as the highfalutin Rolls or Bentleys (or as in-your-face ostentatious), the Audi A6 2.7 TDI is more of a CEO than a duke. The Audi A6 2.7 TDI is one of six A6s on offer, and is the largest of the diesel units. But this is not meant to imply that the 2.7 litre TDI turbodiesel engine is inferior to the petrol offerings. On the contrary.

So what has the Audi A6 2.7 TDI got under the tasteful tailored lines of the bonnet? Yes, it’s a turbo-diesel. Yes, it’s a 2.7 litre engine. But what’s the full story? Well, when the Audi A6 2.7 TDI hits its peak power at 3500–4400 revs, it offers the lucky driver 140 kW of power to play with through the multitronic transmission. The torque curve, however, peaks in the 1400–3500 range (just the way a diesel should) at 400 Nm. Acceleration-wise, the Audi A6 2.7 TDI does the 0–100km sprint it in a very respectable 7.9 seconds. And in spite of being the largest diesel on offer in the A6 range, the Audi A6 2.7 TDI boasts a combined fuel economy figure of 6.4 l/100 km, consuming less than the smallest petrol variant. And when it comes to speed, the Audi A6 2.7 TDI has a top speed of 277 km/h, which actually makes it faster than its sportier and speed-limited siblings.

But a good car is not just about torque and power at low levels. If that was all that was wanted in a car, we’d all be driving farm tractors (which have torque levels that make even the sportiest of sports cars look wimpy). A good car is about handling. It’s about traction. It’s about comfort. And the Audi A6 2.7 TDI has all of this. Take the suspension, for example. The 18” 10-spoke wheels may fly around corners with steepish camber but the dynamic chassis with four-link suspension at the front and trapezoidal link suspension at the rear ensures that body roll is minimized for your comfort – and the comfort of your passengers – while still providing excellent feedback. The servotronic speed sensitive steering combines with the ESP package comprising traction control, electronic differential lock, ASB brakes and brake assist to make sure that the wheels go exactly where you want them to and stay there.

And should things turn to custard, the Audi A6 2.7 TDI does its best to protect you with the airbags (front, side and curtain) and the patented “Backguard” head restraints to prevent whiplash.

The Audi A6 2.7 TDI has a superb range of features on offer inside and out for the driver and passengers to enjoy – and to make things just as smooth and easy as the looks of the sedan. The Audi A6 2.7 TDI has rear acoustic park assist, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic halogen headlights that look subtly powerful when viewed from outside, cruise control, a dual-zone climate control system, electrically adjustable leather-trimmed seats with lumbar support, a leather-covered four-spoke multifunction steering wheel and the “coming home” lights. And don’t forget the MMI Navigation system, which doesn’t just tell you where to turn left but also integrates the radio/CD/DVD audiovisual entertainment centre via the seven-inch colour screen – and the optional BOSE surround sound system just has to be heard to be believed!

And, of course, you can upgrade the basic (if such a word can really be used) Audi A6 2.7 TDI with a number of options. My pick of these options would have to be the memory function for the driver’s seat that includes heating in its settings as well as driving position, closely followed by the electric sunroof.

The Audi A6 2.7 TDI is sure to be a very popular choice with drivers at the upper end of the market who require the best in comfort, luxury and convenience.

The current model series includes the:

• Audi A6 2.7 TDI

For any more information on the Audi A6 2.7 TDI, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Audi dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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