Test drive Audi A6 1997 - 2001 sedan

Merry family

Updated Audi-A6 for every taste and color

Audi A6 debuted at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show. It is produced with a body sedan and station wagon (Avan model). In 2001, the A6 family was modernized: four new engines appeared in line four- and V-shaped six-cylinder gasoline 2.03.0 liters (96162 kW) and turbodiesel 1.92.5 liters (96114 kW), as well as six-speed mechanical gearboxes and gearboxes and the Standed transmission.

The giant concern Volkswagen-audi bakes new models with an enviable speed barely beckoning on the roads alone, it is already replaced by the following. And the modifications and even more so pour, just like donuts from the machine, just have time to catch. In the middle of this year, the renewal line reached popular both abroad and in our country Audi A6.
A thousand little things
The appearance of the car as a whole remained the same by the creators limited themselves only to cosmetic changes. Among them are new front bumper, radiator grille, right external mirror, lighting equipment and wiper leashes. The equipment of the salon was redeveloped more thoroughly a complete list of improved security and comfort systems, electronic devices, upholstery, inserts, switches will take more than one page. However, the abundance of polished aluminum in the interior of the last squeak of fashion will immediately catch the eye. These are rifles of round dials, a stylized Audi emblem on the stupid of the steering wheel, edging the gear lever, the handles of ventilation deflectors. Small details, but with them the salon looks rich and beautiful. Many will be pleased with the unobtrusive white backlight of the device scale of the former crimson-red version frankly annoyed.
And what about iron? There are plenty of innovations here. The hardness of the body has been increased, and thanks to the use of aluminum alloys, the unsubstantiated masses in the front suspension are reduced by 35%. The characteristics of the springs and shock absorbers have changed, the steering hydraulic power steering was improved, the contrasting system (ESP), the vacuum brake amplifier, and agree on a number of modifications and brake mechanisms, even in a very good car (Audi A6 is undoubtedly from these), there is always what to improve.
What kind of delay?
The question is not idle. In the modernized family of sedans and station wagons Audi A6 48 (!) Modifications, of which 22 are all -wheel drive. Add a dozen motors (seven gasoline, three diesel), coupled with a wide range of mechanical and automatic transmission, the choice of the desired combination can drag out. To prevent this from happening, we will get acquainted with the three most interesting models.
According to statistics, in Russia the leader of the previous lineup was the Audi A6 2.8 sedan. Today, a 2.8 liter engine has been discontinued, but he has a three -liter heir with a capacity of 220 liters. With. This is a V-shaped six-cylinder gasoline engine with an aluminum unit, an intake path of variable lengths, variable phases of gas distribution and hydraulic compensators of the gaps in the valves. By the way, five valves per cylinder. The sedan equipped with this engine will cost from $ 40,900.
A short acquaintance with him left a conflicting impression. On the Autoban, Audi A6 3.0 Croatro with a mechanical six -speed gearbox is simply magnificent. Excellent dynamics, tenacious brakes, instant reactions to the rotation of the steering wheel. Review is good, and vibrations, tire noise and wind whistle are not annoyed. What else does? After getting in, you begin to note the shortcomings. The engine is quiet exactly until you use the gas pedal delicately. But it is worth sharply pressing the accelerator, as the release system begins to itch. And this is not a deliberate summation for the delight of hearing, but a rapidly tiring unpleasant noise. Another observation of the right leg of the driver’s lifting is too tightly in contact with the central console. From a car of this class I want more space. City traffic jams revealed a fuzzy clutch: when touched in its bowels, something vibrates, and it is not possible to start without jerking the first time on several drivers. The winding local paths only added tar for this engine to the selection of gear numbers of a six -speed gearbox of non -optimal, and you have to get used to the car’s hole in stressful turns.
Of the noted minuses, some can be attributed to the features of a particular machine, others can be addressed to an all -wheel drive transmission additionally loads the engine, and affects controllability. Maybe this is an inevitable reckoning for outstanding qualities of the Quattro on slippery coatings? Be sure to check! So far, the conclusion is this: Audi A6 3.0 quattro fashionable, prestigious, solid, but still not the perfect car.
The next modification of A6 2.5 TDI costs from $ 44 900. A device with a unique transmission of multitronics, easier with a variator that also supports manual switching (six positions). Its main advantage is that the dynamic qualities of the car equipped with it and the fuel economy are almost the same as in a similar machine with a mechanical box, and certainly it wins from ordinary machines. True, multitronics does not fit with all -wheel drive and is designed to transfer torque to 300310 N.M. And this means that the variator is not suitable for all Audi engines. To work with it, a 2.5-liter turbodiesel has a deformed V-shaped six with four valves per cylinder, the power of which is reduced from 132 to 114 kW, and torque from 370 to 310 NM.
Contrary to expectations, Audi-2.5 TDI turned out to be alive and mobile. The motor gave out diesel origin only with increased noise at idle. The rest is a song. You add roller to gas, acceleration, excessive, maximum speed of 200 km/h, and it is not difficult to develop it. The stranded automatic machine itself is pleasant: neither jerks nor thoughtfulness. Manual switching by a selector located in a traditional place, or buttons on the steering wheel! But, perhaps, the most important thing on the asphalt to drive a front -wheel drive car is easier than an all -wheel drive. It is clearer, faster and easier in general, more clearly reacts to the turn of the steering wheel.
In addition to those presented, they plan to supply Audi A6 with a 2.0 and 2.4-liter gasoline engines to Russia, as well as 1.8- and 2.7-liter with turbocharges. A total of 19 modifications, of which nine can be equipped with all -wheel drive. The price is the cheapest from $ 31,700.
THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT
As you know, it is sweet. What is the option to drive along German roads and will not be on ours? Here it is the cheapest equipment, the weakest engine: a one four -cylinder turbodiesel 1.9 (96 kW), modest two valves per cylinder, an unpretentious five -speed manual gearbox.
But how well all this works! In the motor, almost gasoline temperament, he loves speed and high speed. The box with clear inclusions, the gear rates are selected with knowledge of the case allow you to completely disclose the capabilities of the engine. The clutch seemed to replace any unpleasant vibrations, problems with touching. Even seats with a minimum set of adjustments and textile upholstery are more convenient for other chic chairs stuffed with servo drives.
The numbers confirmed subjective sensations: acceleration to hundreds of 10.5 s, maximum speed of 203 km/h. This is one and a half tons of equipped mass. But the final chord, of course, fuel consumption indicators: an average of 5.7 l/100 km. Given the volume of the tank (70 l), the course of the course of 1200 km on the highway is guaranteed. And if you do not drive a little, then you can master 1500. From Moscow to St. Petersburg and vice versa, and even with travel! The company is not cunning: during trial trips, the consumption of diesel fuel carefully monitored the readings of the route computer.
We let us down. Updated Audi A6 prestigious car in luxurious, solid or practical performance. It is a pity that the large family is not yet fully represented in Russia. However, everything flows, everything changes.
Text / Vadim Kryuchkov

Source: The magazine "Driving"