Audi A6 3.2 FSI SE

Costs

No car in the executive bracket could be described as cheap to buy and run, but the A6 makes a surprisingly good job of keeping costs down. List prices undercut most of the competition (on low- to mid-range cars at least) and fuel costs compare well, too. Reliability remains to be proven and there is certainly the possibility that some of the more complex electronic systems could be costly to fix if they do develop glitches, but given Audi's generally solid reputation for reliability, this scenario is unlikely. Still, business users may be tempted to trade down to a Toyota Avensis or Honda Accord rather than trading up to an A6, in order to save on tax.

Space and practicality

Both front-wheel-drive and quattro models offer luggage capacity of 546 litres - an increase of a whopping 112 litres over the previous A6 and more than several cars in the next class up such as the Jaguar XJ.

Controls and display

With the A6, Audi may well have leapfrogged Volvo's XC90 to produce the most impressive interior in any modern car. What it lacks in clever seating arrangements it makes up for with the sheer beauty of its instrumentation. Comparing attractive dials to expensive watches is something of a cliche, but in this case it does hold true. The precision with which all instrumentation and switchgear is constructed, built and illuminated is stunning. One gets a positive feeling of pleasure simply from watching the needles move and hearing the click with which buttons operate.

Comfort

Seat design combines the best aspects of soft executive coddling with the beefy bolsters and firm support expected of sports seats. It is almost surprising to find oneself settled snugly in position while tackling a quick corner. Rear legroom is much better than the previous A6. There are even ten different steering wheel set-ups to choose from, an indicator of the level of personalisation offered by the options list. Expect to pay for the privilege in some unexpected areas.

Car security

Make no mistake, thieves will crave the A6, but they will have their work cut out to actually make off with one. Anti-theft devices include an interior ultrasonic protection system, electronic transponder vehicle immobiliser and an anti-towaway facility. Thatcham category One approval applies to all models. Additionally, the optional advanced key function provides keyless access and ignition if it is carried in a pocket or bag.

Car safety

All of the A6's technical wizardry does not seem to have been included at the expense of safety. Indeed, the same advanced approach results in an impressive array of active and passive safety features including plenty of airbags, a stiff body structure and a safety steering column that comes with a double telescoping function, meaning that like the pedals it is disconnected from any intrusion into the car. Rear airbags are optional, as is a first aid kit located in the rear centre armrest is a cost option - surely at this price, Audi could have thrown in a few bandages and sticking plasters.

Driver appeal

BMW's 5 Series is generally regarded as the benchmark for driving pleasure in the executive class. The A6 at least matches it and many people will actually prefer the extra grip of Audi's quattro system to the rear-wheel drive setup favoured by BMW. Steering and power delivery blend supremely well and the A6 responds keenly to the manner in which it is driven. Work the throttle and it becomes surprisingly involving. If you prefer to watch the miles slip by at a more genteel pace, it feels as if it will cruise effortlessly all day. Special mention should be made of the exhaust note, which has been cleverly engineered to be noticeable without being obtrusive.

Family car appeal

A well-heeled family might relish turning up relatives' houses in a swanky A6 but it is not really suited to the school run or picking the kids up from football practice. This is far too adult-oriented a car and operates on the premise that its occupants will not try to scrawl on the windows in crayon or disassemble the rear seats. A child might occasionally be allowed on board though, if only to explain how the MMI system works.

First car appeal

Though first-time buyers will undoubtedly lust after the A6, very few will realistically be able to consider buying one. Still, it does provide an excellent incentive to knuckle down at work and progress up the corporate ladder.

Quality and image

Audi's stock has been rising relentlessly for years now and it is currently one of the most fashionable brands to be seen with. To many it's even viewed as more desirable than a Mercedes, with a more modern, sporting edge. The A6 will only enhance the reputation further, particularly as it is the first car to showcase the firm's aggressive new nose. The only danger is that Audi's relentless plugging of its own brilliance will start to wear thin. Arch-rival BMW rarely brags, and remains the strongest brand in the automotive world as a result.

Accessibility

Another benefit of the A6's step up in size is that no squeezing is required to get in through any of the doors, and even the doors themselves aren't as heavy as they look despite the satisfying clunk with which they close. Interior space is generous enough to accommodate even the most sizeable of business fat cats.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

Based on the system first seen in the A8, the Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI) bundles the stereo settings into the same screen display as the car's other electronic items such as air conditioning, light settings, warning signals, diagnostics and satellite navigation. Initially, the MMI system seems over-complex but once the driver realises that he or she is only ever likely to fiddle with around ten per cent of what's on offer, it becomes less daunting. Confusingly, the standard MMI package is labelled 'MMI Basic Plus' and contains a 6.5-inch monochrome display, single CD player and DSP 10 speaker sound system. Upgrades introduce a colour screen, TV, DVD player and BOSE surround sound system.

Colours and trim

The A6 comes with a range of 15 different exterior paints. Businesslike metallic hues seem to suit the car's technocratic demeanour best. Inside, Audi delivers one of the most immaculate interior treatments seen in a car of any class. The variation between different trim levels is dazzling with two different types of fabric upholstery, three different leathers or a fetching Alcantara and leather combination. Inlays include aluminium, walnut and beige birch.

Parking

For such a large car, the A6 is simple to park. That's partly due to the confidence it inspires and the way it kids the driver that it is far more compact than it actually is. That said, parking sensors are still useful and can be specified at extra cost for the rear only or for front and rear. They are not cheap, but cheaper than frequent minor repairs to bodywork. Throttle response is conducive to low-speed parking; often cars in this class can tend to offer too much power in a tight squeeze.

Spare wheel

All A6 models are equipped with a full size alloy spare wheel as standard (to match the wheels on the car), and this can be replaced by an optional Tyre Mobility System (essentially a can of repair mousse) at no cost. A permanent tyre pressure monitoring system is also available as an option.