All-new Audi A6 makes Malaysian debut
Local Audi distributor Euromobil Sdn Bhd has launched the latest generation model of the A6 luxury mid-sized sedan for the Malaysian market. The A6 badge first came to use in 1994, when Audi revised its model nomenclature, renaming the Audi 100. The new model is the fourth generation of the lineage; seventh, if you include three generations of the predecessor.
Competing squarely against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series, Audi’s opening gambit for the A6 starts with the strong 3.0 TFSI quattro model at RM515,000 on-the-road without insurance. Majority of the A6’s international line-up consists of diesel models, none of which will be in our shores anytime soon.
Another petrol engine in the catalogue is a 2.8-litre naturally aspirated FSI model, which has also not been selected by Euromobil for Malaysian consumption. Instead, the next coming alternative would be the 2.0 TFSI model which we have been told is already ‘on its way’ to Port Klang.
Global debut of the A6 took place earlier this year, and Ingolstadt’s latest challenger to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class is very much a technological powerhouse. The drivetrain specs alone make for impressive reading – the launch-spec 3.0 TFSI comes fully loaded with turbocharging, direct injection, quattro all-wheel drive, 7-speed dual clutch transmission, innovative thermal management and automatic start/stop as standard.
The numbers that result are similarly impressive, though for a turbocharged direct injection engine, its peak torque of 440Nm comes at a rather high 2,900rpm being maintained until 4,500rpm. Maximum output of 300hp is produced between 5,250 and 6,500rpm. Extensive use of aluminium construction has allowed Audi to maintain a lean mass of 1,740kg for the A6 3.0, and as a result, the V6 motor up front is able to provide a century sprint of 5.5 seconds whilst returning a claimed fuel consumption rate of 8.2 litres/100km.
However, we know from experience that published and actual fuel consumption figures usually differ, and in some cases by huge margins. With the A6, Audi has programmed the Audi Drive Select system with an Efficiency Mode that optimizes engine and transmission settings for the smoothest driving style possible. Energy consumption by the ancillaries are also monitored, and the system’s activation is indicated by the letter “E” displayed in the instrument cluster. The mode is deactivated when you slam the throttle and trigger the kickdown switch.
Other functions of the Audi Drive Select system are Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic. A fifth setting, Individual, allows the driver to individually adjust the various characteristics of the car to suit his/her preference, so if you think that the handiwork of Audi’s engineers are not good enough for you, you are more than welcomed to programme your own settings.
There is a generous offering of standard kit in the A6. The instrument cluster features a 7″ driver info system (DIS) colour display in addition a dashboard-mounted 6.5″ screen for the Audi MMI system. Both these screens allow the driver and passenger access to the suite of infotainment systems packed into the A6 that includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and DVD among others.
Illuminating the road up front, the A6 is equipped with Xenon bulbs integrated to an adaptive light system. At speeds between 10 and 110kph, the lights swivel based on steering inputs to provide optimum illumination along curving roads. It also features variable headlight range control, which automatically adjusts from high to low beam based on traffic conditions to avoid dazzling other road users.
Options that can be ticked to further spice up your A6 include pearl paint (RM5,000), heads-up display (RM6,500), LED headlamps (RM13,000), Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System (RM28,000) and the S line package (RM30,000). The new A6 is available for viewing and test drive at Audi showrooms starting from today 10 September 2011.
So, what’s next for Audi?
At the Audi A6 launch yesterday, DRB-Hicom Group Managing Director Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil spoke of Audi’s increasing prominence in the Malaysian market. He said that, “In 2011, we sold 1,000 cars, which represent a 30% increase from the previous years – thus, increasing the brand’s market share in the luxury segment.”
It was further added that Euromobil will also be joining the fun selling approved used cars like several other makes in the market. In October, the Audi Approved Plus programme will commence operations. Dato’ Sri Khamil said, “With the opening of this centre, it offers the finest selection of pre-owned cars at attractive retail pricing and the confidence that all vehicles have undergone a stringent safety and mechanical 110-point check, complete with proper road-test by qualified Audi engineers.”
A new 3S centre will also be opening in Taman Tun Dr Ismail in 2012, and talks are also in progress for the possibility of CKD assembly of Audi vehicles in DRB-Hicom’s plant in Pekan in a number of years. It should be noted however, that even if this plan comes to fruition, an Audi CKD programme would be operated and managed separately from the Volkswagen CKD programme that DRB-Hicom has already secured. This is because the Volkswagen Group manages all its marques as separate business and legal entities.
