First look: Audi uncovers all-new A6 Avant

AUDI has unveiled its seventh-generation A6 Avant ahead of its European launch in the second half of 2011, although its future in Australia is uncertain as the local branch continues to work through a business case for the model.

Audi Australia spokesman Sean Poppitt told GoAuto this week that the redesigned station wagon, which would line up against the BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes-Benz E-class Estate among other models in the segment, was not an automatic starter for sale here alongside the all-new A6 sedan range, which arrives in local showrooms after its launch at the Australian International Motor Show in July.

The current A6 Avant was discontinued in Australia early in 2009, save for the off-road-oriented Allroad – a model that Mr Poppitt said was a “very strong (sales) performer and occupies a segment where it has no genuine competitors”.

“This is not to say that the A6 Avant wouldn’t be a great addition to our range with its own unique appeal, but as I mentioned the A6 Avant is currently being evaluated for a possible local introduction,” he said.

In 2010, Audi recorded 39 sales for the circa-$107,000 Allroad, while to the end of April this year it has managed 21 units.

As expected, the latest A6 wagon takes on much of the design and engineering improvements wrought on the fourth-generation A6 sedan, including increased aluminium content – accounting for roughly 20 per cent of the body, as per the sedan – and more efficient powertrains.

Six engines – two petrol and four diesel – will be offered in Europe, although any Australian release would likely see a restricted range tailored to variants offering the highest sales volume potential.

As GoAuto reported when we drove the new A6 sedan in Europe earlier this year, the Australian four-door line-up will launch with three engines (all with idle-stop technology), starting with a 150kW/280Nm 2.8-litre FSI petrol V6 and moving up to a 220kW/440Nm 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6 and a single diesel variant: a 180kW/500Nm 3.0 V6.

BMW’s move to a (135kW) 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine for its 5 Series Touring earlier this year – dropping the entry level to $92,800, plus on-road costs – might also prompt Audi to introduce a direct rival in Australia, namely the 130kW 2.0-litre TDI.

Audi claims that fuel consumption across the A6 Avant range has been reduced by as much as 18 per cent compared with the current model, while the baseline 2.0 TDI is the economy leader on 5.0L/100km when paired with a manual gearbox.

With a much sportier demeanour than its predecessors, including a low roofline that flows into ‘flat’ D-pillars, the new wagon rests on the same 2910mm wheelbase as the sedan – a considerable 70mm gain over the current model – and measures 4930mm in overall length, 1870mm in width and a lower 1460mm in height.

Luggage compartment volume is 565 litres – extending to 1680 litres with the rear seats folded – while access to the back end improves with a new optional ‘gesture-controlled’ automatic power rear hatch that opens in response to a sensor signal.

Audi also points to the standard inclusion of lashing eyes in the cargo area, side restraining straps, bag hooks, a ‘double cargo’ floor, a rail luggage fixing system, a dirt-resistant tray and, on the outside, roof rails, while options run to a skiport, ‘fixing sets’ for the rail system and a host of accessories for transporting sports and recreational equipment.

The engineering focus on reducing weight has seen up to 70kg taken off the current model, leaving the A6 Avant 2.0 TDI, for example, tipping the scales at 1640kg. The body alone is 20kg lighter than its predecessor.

Like the sedan, the Avant chassis includes an aluminium five-link front and trapezoidal-link rear suspension, and electro-mechanical power steering. Standard wheel sizes are either 16 or 17 inches, depending on the engine, while wheels of up to 20 inches in diameter are optionally available.

All versions regardless of the engine are equipped with the ‘Audi drive select’ system that allows drivers to modify engine/chassis set-ups through four modes: comfort, auto, dynamic and individual.

An ‘efficiency’ mode is added with forced-induction models, while air suspension with variable damping will be optional.

A ‘dynamic steering’ option, which adjusts the steering ratio to the speed driven, will be available further down the track, though from launch overseas there will be an S-line sports package on offer that lowers the body 30mm and includes bigger wheels, aesthetic enhancements and an all-black interior.

Speaking of which, the A6 Avant interior mirrors that of the sedan with a wrap-around inlay and a host of hi-tech features, including optional head-up display and various choices in infotainment area.