German automaker Audi has launched the petrol version of its executive sedan A6. Initially, A6 was launched only in the diesel variant- the Matrix 35 TDI, but judging the mindset of the Indian consumers, the carmaker was quick to launch the petrol version of the car too. The price of Audi A6 35 TFSI is INR 45.90 lacs (ex-showroom New Delhi and Mumbai). The new engine which has been introduced by Audi is high on fuel efficiency and more powerful than the outgoing engine.
Focusing on the design of the Audi A6, the front exterior have LED headlamps, the front grille is huge which extends from the headlamps right up to the fog lamps with the Audi logo right on the top of the grille. The petrol variant does not get Matrix headlamps, they are only available in the diesel variant. The rear portion has dynamic turn indicators and LED taillights.
Inside the cabin, the car gets upholstery in Milano leather and Fine Grain Ash Natural Brown Inlays. Audi A6 now has a Next Generation Modular Infotainment System which has a retractable screen, there is a voice dialogue system which is intuitive and very easy to use. The front seats can be electronically adjusted and the driver seat has memory function which remembers the seating options chosen by the driver and automatically adjusts when the driver sits in the seat. There is a four zone deluxe automatic air conditioning system.
For driving on the broken, hilly, potholed roads, the car has a specific feature known as Audi Drive Select with Adaptive Air Suspension and controlled damping which makes the ride comfortable and easy on such roads. The Drive Select helps the driver to choose from either Comfort mode for relaxed city driving or Dynamic mode for the highway driving fun. The steering wheel is multi-functional with four spokes, the front seats have centre arm-rest and auto dimming interior mirrors.
The petrol variant gets updated engine which is 1.8-litre TFSI and is smaller than the previous one which was 2.0 litre. According to Audi, the new A6 engine is 12.7 percent more fuel efficient and 5 percent more powerful than its predecessor. The power output of the 1.8 litre TFSI is 190bhp and the maximum torque is 320Nm with the transmission duties handled by a seven-speed S Tronic dual clutch automatic gearbox, which sends power to the front wheels. The car comes with auto start/stop along with Energy Recovery System that enhances the efficiency and help in returning a better mileage of 15.26kmpl.
The safety features include eight airbags, parking assist, basic Audi Pre Sense, adaptive cruise control, etc. Other features like high-end Bose system and reverse camera are missing and are available on demand.
Audi A6 currently competes with Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 5-series in the segment. Hopefully the petrol version should enhance the sales further, but that will be in sometime till then, let's wait and watch.