2015 Audi A6 1.8 TFSI Review: Fresher Face, Stronger Heart
What’s Hot: New engine and gearbox, sublime cabin comfort.
What’s Not: FWD-only, it's not as sharp as its Quattro siblings, wheelspin in the wet.
X-FACTOR: More than just a facelift, the updated A6 base model is surprisingly potent, comfortable and sips fuel like a miser.
Vehicle Style: Large prestige sedan
Price: $79,900 (plus on-roads), $85,700 as-tested
Engine/trans: 140kW/320Nm 1.8 turbo petrol 4cyl | 7spd dual-clutch auto
Fuel Economy claimed: 5.7 l/100km | tested: 6.8 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Besides some rhinoplasty and a butt-lift for the 2015 model year, Audi’s A6 sedan range was also given a fairly significant mechanical revision at the bottom end of its price spectrum.
The old 2.0 TFSI turbo petrol engine was deleted and replaced with a new 1.8 litre turbo.
This brought with it a modest increase in power (by 8kW) and a more sophisticated seven-speed twin-clutch auto (rather than the rubbery CVT of the 2.0 TFSI).
So while the badge is numerically 'inferior' to the outgoing model, the 2015 A6 1.8 TFSI should be an easier car to live with. Then again, thanks to a $2000 price rise it had better be.
We borrowed one for a week-long stint behind the wheel. Is the 1.8 TFSI proof that less is more?
THE INTERIOR | RATING: 3.5/5