Test drive Audi A6 2001 - 2004 sedan

Motor, another motor ...

The most popular Audi A6 model in Russia has received a new engine
 
The more actively the model is sold out, the more it needs fresh blood. So that interest in it does not fade away, and the circle of consumers expands. That is why one of its most popular cars in the market - Audi A6 - the company from Ingolstadt equipped with a new three -liter engine.
 
Our regular reader must remember that last year AB survived a cosmetic operation called Face Lifting (AI No. 1, 2001). The car began to look more solid and more dynamic at the same time. A new form of bumper, which have become more massive and located lower, the original grille of the radiator, chrome -based air intake edging in front and the same exhaust systems brilliant under the sun - all this emphasizes the style and nature of the car. And he makes him look like a sports version 56. Very in the spirit of time and a new lifestyle of wealthy Russian citizens: hard work, and then - a fitness club, sports or outdoor activities.
 
Talking about the car, one cannot but remind you of Shika in the cabin. In the test version, this is creamy skin, pleasantly contrasting with it, a black (the same skin) steering wheel, adjustable both vertically and horizontally; comfortable seats with good lateral support; Separate climate control; An excellent Bose audio system, which sounds the louder, the higher the speed. In a word, a business class car.
 
Fighting character
 
Audi A6, taken for a test, is equipped with a 5-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox with the possibility of a mechanical transition from one stage to another. I smoothly leave the parking lot and immediately check the electronic emergency braking system, because some kind of, let's say, a strange person who suddenly decided to park himself sharply stops ahead. The benefit of making A6 freeze in place, especially at low speed, is not labor. To do this, you don’t even need to press the pedal with all your might, the main thing is to do it sharply, then the electronics will understand the task and react instantly.
 
However, of course, not this ability of the car, but the smoothness of the move can make you forget about its price. Acceleration is fast, but without excessive jerks, the programs switch unnoticed. You can feel the moment of transition from one step to another only after the automatic transmission lever is transferred to the Sport position. But even if on a slippery coating, and on the day of the dough it was raining, pressing the accelerator pedal to the end, there will be no industrialization. Full -wheel drive allows not only confidently to accelerate, but also to pass turns at good speed. What I was happy to do at this hour of the Yauza embankment, noting small body rolls and the ability of A6 Quattro to follow the course that was set. And here is the second in a day a strange man in a powerful car decided to engage with me. Well, on a straight line, perhaps, he could still count on success. But why try to overtake when one arc replaces another? In general, the speed grew until the moment I in the rear -view mirror not notice how the opponent’s car went into a serious skid.
 
Frankly, I was scared for him and managed to scold myself for the fact that, one way or another, it became the cause of an abnormal situation. Slowed down. But everything, fortunately, did. He did not risk anymore. But this is what is indicative: throughout the race, the ESP stabilization system has never entered into force. She made herself felt a little later, when on a completely empty road I decided to still understand who was scared earlier, a driver or a computer. Ahead is a well -viewed bend of the road. Gas to the floor, and went. And only when it seemed to me that the cervical vertebrae was already starting to crack and could not withstand, a yellow light bulb blinked on the instrument panel, sitting that ESP had come into effect. And she did it very correctly. Having thrown off the gas and slowing down one or more wheels (frankly, I did not understand how much), ESP forced A6 to follow the given path without any drift. As if somewhere in a secluded place under the hood, another driver was hidden, capable of fixing the mistake of the main one.
 
I want to say a kind word about the steering. With the increase in the speed of the steering wheel, it is noticeably heavy, however, on the Moscow Ring Road, at a speed of more than 140 km/h, I really wanted the feedback to be better. However, I would not attribute this to the shortcomings. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, not very successful, in my opinion, model of the Goodyear tires. Secondly, during previous trips to A6 with a less powerful engine, no problems arose. In general, A6 with a new 3-liter engine provides an excellent combination of smoothness with good dynamics. No wonder the previous A6 2.8 was one of the best -selling versions of the car.
 
The leader should stay
 
A6, as already mentioned, the most sold out Audi model in Russia. The situation is unlikely to change this year. Although the A6 can not be attributed to available cars. The price of the tested car is $ 57,000. In general, the price -liana A6 for official dealers begins at $ 32,000.
 
There are a lot of competitors-both Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the BMW of the 5th series, and Nissan Maxima-this list can still be continued. However, not all competitors have all -wheel drive modifications, but some more expensive in service. Audi, meanwhile, during the years of operation in Russia has established itself from the best side. In addition, a rather aggressive policy of both Audi and its dealers itself should be taken into account. A striking example of this is an increase to three years an increased car guarantee. And this is with the quality of our roads. It seems that even the expectation of the debut of the new A6, which may take place this year, is not able to reduce the demand for the car.
 
Andrey Osipov
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 6 (9), 2002]