The Audi A6 Avant has never been short of success. Aside from being the most successful business class estate in Europe, it has also enjoyed countless positive reviews and praise. Carrying that theme across to a new model is always going to be difficult with so much weight bearing down on its shoulders. That said, the 2012 Avant is once again looking to be something of a winner with the Business and consumer crowd alike.
On its exterior, the Avant has become more refined since its last outing with a number of subtle adjustments being just enough to satisfy the worthwhile change. For an estate, it looks amazingly agile and sleek despite its length - its proportions are perfectly sporty and the low roof line flows perfectly into the flat D-pillars. The one piece grille returns along with somewhat edgier LED assisted lights and the whole car measures in at about 16.17ft in length. Thanks to more use of aluminium on this year's model you can also expect it to weigh around 154.32lbs less than the previous model; a pretty heavy crash diet in comparison to last years.
Inside you can expect the usual lavish Audi luxury, with a wrap around interior adding yet more to the sleek, agile feel of the car. Dashboard trim is available in either aluminium or one of three different types of wood, which compliments an all leather interior. Colour choices are also available should you want to go for a classy crème interior rather than an understated black. For top end models, the seats feature ventilation and massage functions. On the centre console you can expect a wash of techy gadgets available via the onboard computer, which is handily controlled via a main rotary knob used to cycle through the various menus. This can all be seen clearly on the screen in the centre console. Audi have partnered with Google to provide online services including news and weather information directly to your car while on the move. These can be setup from a home computer and then downloaded wirelessly to the Avant's centre console command unit. Audi and Google say this would be beneficial for somebody who wants to plan their journey before they actually set off, giving you more time to assess the traffic scenarios and available routes.
In terms of engine choices the Avant will be offering several forms at launch - six to be exact. At the bottom is a 2.0 litre TDI option with 177bhp and an impressive fuel economy of approximately 47 miles to the gallon. Heading up the list is a twin turbo 3.0 litre diesel offered in three different horsepower variants of 204bhp, 245bhp and 313bhp. Expect the latter to get you from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. With the four diesels out of the way there are then a further two petrol engines to choose from that finish the range nicely. A 2.8 and 3.0 litre will be offered each producing 204bhp and 300bhp respectively.
As if being content with that many engine choices wasn't enough, they're also giving you the choice of a further four transmission options as well to further enhance the customisation options available. Aside from the usual six speed manual, you can also choose from their Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), a seven speed S-Tronic, or for 3.0 litre TDI versions only, an 8 speed Tiptronic.
With all the engine and transmission options available, the quality of the interior and their partnerships with big corporate players such as Google, Audi is once again onto a winner with this year's Avant. It's scheduled to go on sale in Europe sometime in the summer with a quoted price of ?40,850 - or approximately £35,955 with the current exchange rate at the time of writing. It's a very respectable price considering what you're getting and it stands up well against the other German competition. This is definitely one to check out if you're after a business class mover with more space than a typical saloon.
Thinking the price seems unaffordable for you at the moment? Why don't you do business and personal contract hire?
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