Audi A6 Allroad Quattro (from The Northern Echo)

SOMETIMES you just have to admire a car for what it is. In our politically correct world it is easy to criticise a new design for not being this, or having too much that; for needing too much in it or for giving too much out.

But every now and then you just have to take a step back and say "that's a mighty fine car".

It's too big, it has a huge petrol-engine and its expensive, considering some of the alternatives, and that's just for starters.

But put those piffling little issues to one side and just look at it as a piece of automotive and engineering art.

The 4.2 litre powerplant is super responsive, given the size of the car, and will keep pace with many smaller and more sport-orientated vehicles.

Travelling from nought to 62mph takes just 6.3 seconds and it will keep going all the way to a limited top speed of 155mph . For a car only a little shorter than the Ark Royal that's no mean feat.

The six-speed auto box has been lightened and ratios lengthened, the result of which means greater acceleration at lower speeds, which makes it great for overtaking safely on country roads.

At the higher end, the fuel economy has been increased, meaning you can avoid even more of those annoying motorway service stations, presuming you have filled up your 80 litre tank that is.

On the outside, the Allroad cuts an imposing figure with its aggressive, almost clenched-teeth, stance. Alter the suspension and the look can be even more dramatic.

The FSI version comes with colourcoded wheel arches as opposed to the black versions seen on some models, which has the effect of giving it a more luxurious and less mudplugging look.

Stainless steel undertrays and huge alloy wheels allude to its capabilities though. While we never ventured further than the B-roads of this fair country, the Allroad devoured them in style.

It consumately negotiated potholes and undulations and meant that rather than in some cars, where traversing them would be a question of zig-zagging wildly from one side of the road to the other, the Audi just thundered on unabated.

For the country folk among us, a mere touch of a button can raise the suspension by 18.5cm and thats more than enough height to ensure an unhindered passage to the grouse shoot.

Inside, the leather seats are almost armchair-like in their comfort levels and allied to the legroom provided, make for a hugely satisfying ride.

Even with the pedal down on a twisty, turning back road it is hard to make the heart beat faster, such is the effortless way you can drive it.

All the controls are within arm's reach and the centre console, despite its plethora of buttons and knobs, is very easy to use, whether it be checking the sat-nav system, the status of the car or even activating the handbrake, which comes in the form of a delicate switch rather than a hulking lever than needs three Shredded Wheat and more to lift it.

The boot can easily accommodate a bike, a pushchair and a variety of shopping bags with ease and still leave room for a pooch of sorts.

At a time when many manufacturers are pandering to the green vote, many of whom do not even drive cars, it is satisfying that some are still brave enough to go against the grain.

Specification Price (as tested): £54,240 Engine: 4.2l V8 petrol Max power: 345bhp Max torque: 324 lb/ft Max speed: 155mph (limited) 0-62: 6.3secs Average fuel consumption: 25.2mpg Equipment (includes): automatic tiptronic transmission; alloy wheels; satellite navigation system; electric, leather, heated seats; CD changer; BOSE surround system; aluminium look trim.

I have the Allroad 2.7 diesel. It is a nice car but I find it a bit sluggish. The 3.0 diesel would have been a better choice. However, the 2.7l is thirsty so I guess the 3.0l would be really quite expensive to run. The adjustable ride height is OK but it really isn't that important. You'll ghet better value from buying the A6 avant with all the extras than the Allroad basic which comes with very few.

I have the Allroad 2.7 diesel. It is a nice car but I find it a bit sluggish. The 3.0 diesel would have been a better choice. However, the 2.7l is thirsty so I guess the 3.0l would be really quite expensive to run.

The adjustable ride height is OK but it really isn't that important. You'll ghet better value from buying the A6 avant with all the extras than the Allroad basic which comes with very few.

What are these links for?

If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.

At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.

Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.

Newsquest
Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy © Copyright 2001-2008 Newsquest Media Group A Gannett Company
This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network

Jobs of the week