Decision time - Is quattro necessary for me on the Avant?

[uservii]

Hi there,

I'm one of the lurchers on this site who has found the site invaluable these past weeks and months as I have antagonised over what car to plump for in our quest for an upgrade. Thank you to you all for all of the incredible information you guys share with us, all of it so very useful.

Anyway, thanks to your help I have now reached a decision that it will be the A6 Avant SE for me with just a couple of extras to boot (Tech pack, lighting, advanced key and reversing camera), I am close to ordering however the last point I am trying to decide is, whether I can justify the extra spend onthe baseline quattro model, that would see me stretching my budget by a further c.£60 more per month

I appreciate there are lots of threads on the wonders of Audi's AWD and how many people's response will be "if it's not quattro, it's not a proper Audi" or that without it I just won't be safe. However, bare with me, my situation is this:

- I will be going for automatic transmission, but without quattro it would just be the 2.0 multitronic for me (though this is changing to s tronic with Ultra I believe), I would only stretch to 3.0 engine for quattro
- I live in the city centre but do a mix of urban and motorway driving, however the amount of motorway driving will drop over the next year and it will be mainly city driving
- I occasionally go up North to see family, however my current car (a FWD hatchback) has proved adequate in all conditions to date including in the winter for this without any real off road or treacherous driving required

Therefore my questions for you are:

1. Will a 3.0 204 quattro be an unnecessary expense that is wasted on me?
2. Is the s tronic gearbox worth holding out for over the multitronic, even on the 2.0 TDI?
3. MPG is purely individual, but seeing as though the 2.0 multitronic comes in for stick on this - Will shifting to a 3.0 quattro actually not diminish my fuel efficiency all that much v. a 2.0 multitronic?

If you have made it this far, well done! As you might tell, I am not really a connoisseur of driving and the subtleties of a quattro may well be lost on me, but with the multitronic seemingly on the way out and the added 'grip' that the quattro brings is it worth it?

Any insight hugely appreciated.
Thanks

[zollaf]

get the quattro.
you can justify this by this : do you want to tell your friends you own an 'audi', or an 'audi quattro' ?

[Wuffles]

I'd go for the quattro over the 2.0 Multitronic if I had my time again, was put off by the fuel economy figures in the brochure but as you know, that's written by someone with a more vivid imagination than Dan Brown.

The multitronic in real world is fine most of the time, delicate manoeuvres can be a trial, but that's perhaps just me (I don't drive it much any more, I have a habit of breaking bits of it). No experience of the S Tronic, but imagine it's more like the DSG boxes on the VW range.

I'm waffling now, suffice to say, why not go for the quattro?

[Whippy53]

This may come across as a biased view but I love the multitronic. It's smooth and responsive, and enables you to waft when you want to. The 2.0lt lump is quite quick, yes more power equals more fun but the smaller lump is adequate. Road holding? Mine never feels like It's gonna let go even when I push.

I know that a lot of responses will say Quattro or die but you pays yer money etc. It's all a bit of a trade off in the end. Drive both and make your own mind up.

[wja96]

I have the 204PS allroad and it's a great combination of engine and gearbox.

The Multitronic has had LOTS of issues in the past and the new S-tronic in the Ultra is actually the old 6-speed S-tronic which is the one everyone has all the problems with while the 7-speeder seems pretty bullet-proof. What's quattro worth? Every time I drive through standing water on the motorway I KNOW that the car will power through it. I know I can pull away at a junction and the car will GO with no drama or wheel spin. And on snowy or icy days I'll be moving where some others won't be (but that's probably more to do with winter tyres than quattro).

If you can afford the 204PS with the 7-speed S-tronic then I'd have to say go for it. It's also pretty economical. I get a genuine 42-45 on a tight engine and that's pretty close to the official 45MPG. I've yet to meet anyone with the 2.0 TDi who is happy with the fuel economy. I'm utterly convinced that the 2.0l is only just enough to move the A6 the way most A6 drivers want it to, whereas the 3.0l has just enough in reserve to do it and be economical with it.

[uservii]

I have the 204PS allroad and it's a great combination of engine and gearbox.

I'm utterly convinced that the 2.0l is only just enough to move the A6 the way most A6 drivers want it to, whereas the 3.0l has just enough in reserve to do it and be economical with it.


wja96, thanks for the input this point you make is one that I have pondered too - is 2.0 enough for a hunk of car like the A6?

Wuffles, Whippy - Thank you also - good to hear both sides. I know that the actual quoted figures are purely a benchmarker and not the real world - just thinking if the 3.0 quattro might actually manage to be closer to its official figure than the multitronic.

I've never driven a DSG before (due to go out in the s tronic quattro this week though) - Are they generally a bit more juddery than a multitronic, or for someone of my driving perception will I think them both equally smooth?

[Whippy53]

Huh? No drama here! and I can get 47mpg on a run without breaking into a sweat.

[uservii]

Fair dos! Glad to hear it can return decent figures.

[Whippy53]

One thing I would urge, and that is take a look at the spine, lots more bang for your buck, nicer interior and good handling. Just my two pennies worth.

[Wuffles]

wja96, thanks for the input this point you make is one that I have pondered too - is 2.0 enough for a hunk of car like the A6?

Wuffles, Whippy - Thank you also - good to hear both sides. I know that the actual quoted figures are purely a benchmarker and not the real world - just thinking if the 3.0 quattro might actually manage to be closer to its official figure than the multitronic.

The manuals can get reasonably close (give or take 10mpg) to the quoted figures, the multis are WAY out*, which was annoying as the comparison figures of the multi and manual put them about the same. Even more annoyingly the 3.0 figures were set much lower than the 2.0 and it seems in real life this is completely wrong. This was the brochure at the time we were buying which was some time ago now, no idea if they've fixed that error.

*apart from Whippy, he's driving his car jammed to the rafters with helium.

[EssexGonzo]

FWIW my opinion would be that if you're up against a budget, get the 2WD and some winter tyres. For most people, the Quattro doesn't play a part of their lives apart from down the pub and in their trousers. ;):D:confused:

Tongue firmly in cheek of course. :sly:

If you've a bit of budget left then go for the 4WD. You won't get the money back at resale bit you will find it easier to sell.

[ukgroucho]

s-tronic is (in general) very very smooth to drive. Probably better than the 8 speed tiptronic auto we have in the BiTdi, it just could not handle the torque (I'd have definitely preferred the "robot-ized manual" s-tronic to a slush box auto, although, to be fair the ZF box in the BiTdi is pretty good except for 2nd gear).

I've driven s-tronic in a 204 Allroad and my brothers S4. In the 204 it was silky smooth... my brothers S4 (3 years old) is seeing the odd clunky change which Audi (US - California) are struggling to diagnose. But I suspect that the S4 engine pushes that gearbox pretty hard too.

[Whippy53]

The manuals can get reasonably close (give or take 10mpg) to the quoted figures, the multis are WAY out*, which was annoying as the comparison figures of the multi and manual put them about the same. Even more annoyingly the 3.0 figures were set much lower than the 2.0 and it seems in real life this is completely wrong. This was the brochure at the time we were buying which was some time ago now, no idea if they've fixed that error.

*apart from Whippy, he's driving his car jammed to the rafters with helium.

No, but seriously, it helps if you cut some holes in the floor so you can push it with your feet, a la Fred Flintstone!!

[Whippy53]

Just remember, what ever you get you're gonna luv it to bits, seven months on and I still find every excuse under the sun to go for a drive!

[wja96]

I've driven s-tronic in a 204 Allroad and my brothers S4. In the 204 it was silky smooth... my brothers S4 (3 years old) is seeing the odd clunky change which Audi (US - California) are struggling to diagnose. But I suspect that the S4 engine pushes that gearbox pretty hard too.

Is the S4 the old 6-speed box? DQ-250? The one in the A6 is the newer DQ-300 I think. It has a higher torque rating and 7-speeds.

it should always be very smooth. If it's not then you probably have a mechatronic issue.

[ukgroucho]

Thought about this a bit more. If I were buying a car to do some serious mileage in ... where I needed some economy but a bit of urge occasionally would be good, and dealing with corner case weather would be invaluable, I think a 204 Avant quattro (SE) would be what I would get. Or the allroad version if I could afford the difference.

My old car was a C6 3.0 TDi SE quattro.. around 225 PS or so if I recall. It was a trooper - I recall the nasty snow we had 2 or 3 years ago. I watched a 2.7 Tdi A6 struggle to pull out of a parking space in a Waitrose supermarket - a very shallow incline. I could just drive around with absolutely no issues - on summer tyres. The only thing you have to watch with quattro in snow with summer tyres is stopping ... you have no more grip than other cars for the most part (although as someone pointed out, engine breaking is helpful).
The 204 allroad I drove felt very similar to the A6 3.0 Tdi SE quattro - but is probably 20 - 25% more economical. My BiTdi allroad is 10 - 15% more economical :)

I liked the old SE suspension - although the 'generic' / auto mode on the allroad feels little different. Comfy and perfectly adequate for normal to slightly spirited driving. Push too hard and it is a bit soft (dynamic mode helps a bit on the allroad but it is still a big old barge).

quattro vs. front wheel drive.. see comments above re snow. I had a FWD A4 1.9 Tdi for many years, P plate that I kept for 9 years. Belting car.. always did 48 MPG and was comfy and nice to drive... but the quattro drive of the A6 was a revelation. You never get wheelspin... or restrained acceleration - so pulling out of a busy sideroad in wet conditions is no drama. It always feels planted and secure

[ukgroucho]

Is the S4 the old 6-speed box? DQ-250? The one in the A6 is the newer DQ-300 I think. It has a higher torque rating and 7-speeds.

it should always be very smooth. If it's not then you probably have a mechatronic issue.

Pretty sure it is the 7 speed.. it is current generation S4 with the 3.0 supercharged engine (one of the first).. it's has a boatload of replacement bits under warranty INCLUDING a new gearbox. There is some niggling issue in the sensors or the mechatronic (although that has been replaced also) or "something" where occasionally you get a slightly crashy change. Like I said they struggle to work out what it is.. it is not a horrible terminal to drive issue.. but it is really niggling on him.

[uservii]

Thanks for all the input guys, all really helpful.


Just remember, what ever you get you're gonna luv it to bits, seven months on and I still find every excuse under the sun to go for a drive!
This is true Whippy, I'm sure I will!

Though in trying to make a decision, if I drop the parking camera and folding mirrors with my deposit upped by £500 to c£5,000 my solutions finance would come in at about £420 a month for the 3.0 TDI 204 quattro, rather than £480 for the multitronic 2.0? Worth it??

[ukgroucho]

Parking camera is pretty neat but the parking sensors also do a pretty good job..
- Parking camera use = 1% of time in car .. and sensors do a pretty decent job. If I could afford the camera I would have it but I ain't loosing sleep 'cos I don't have it (and reality is I CAN afford it and elected not to have it.. but it would still be cool :) )
- Folding mirrors.. ahhh.. Well if you NEED them (regularly) then you need them - as in you park at the side of the road and folks regularly get their mirrors removed, or you have a very narrow garage entrance. Beyond that, they are a novelty.. I take a view and as required fold back mirror(s).

I've made exactly the same comment in a different thread..
Think about the basics of what makes a car a good car.. performance, drivetrain, suspension. Stuff that affects every second that you actually drive the thing.
After that the friperies are down to you personal desires and circumstance and you have to weight them based on the impact that they have on your wallet, everyday convenience, happiness, trousers

[Whippy53]

Weeeell,I love the camera and I should have gone for the mirrors (forgot) but, on balance I would say yes. Go for it. You get the lovely six pot lump, extra torque, and no timing belt issues, and it will seem a tad smoother. I would have gone for the FWD version with the 204hp but as a cash buyer it just put me over my self imposed limit and that was something I just wouldn't do. (had to buy the missus a new car as well) "four pots good, six pots better"

[Whippy53]

Parking camera is pretty neat but the parking sensors also do a pretty good job..
- Parking camera use = 1% of time in car .. and sensors do a pretty decent job. If I could afford the camera I would have it but I ain't loosing sleep 'cos I don't have it (and reality is I CAN afford it and elected not to have it.. but it would still be cool :) )
- Folding mirrors.. ahhh.. Well if you NEED them (regularly) then you need them - as in you park at the side of the road and folks regularly get their mirrors removed, or you have a very narrow garage entrance. Beyond that, they are a novelty.. I take a view and as required fold back mirror(s).

I've made exactly the same comment in a different thread..
Think about the basics of what makes a car a good car.. performance, drivetrain, suspension. Stuff that affects every second that you actually drive the thing.
After that the friperies are down to you personal desires and circumstance and you have to weight them based on the impact that they have on your wallet, everyday convenience, happiness, trousers

True, very true.

[ScottyA6]

When it comes down to toys us men need to be honest about it, we are all a bunch of big kids, car makers know this and set up their own little Toys 'R' Us in the options section to satisfy our need to be entertained by things that mainly are about as much use as t*ts on a Bull.

As to the original question I have a 245 S-Line Avant so have Quattro and S-Tronic and for me they were worth every penny. So far as the Quattro is concerned I work in a job where I get to go to some pretty mucky out of the way places in a less than hospitable part of the country and having told myself previously that a carefully driven RWD car with good tyres and all the electronic trickery available would be fine I was dead wrong. Quattro is like that stuff that does exactly what it says on the tin, use it sensibly and it will get you in and out of just about anything, it won't defeat the laws of Physics but it comes damn close.

S-tronic v Multi ?. I drove the Multi for a weekend and I could not get my head around it, I have a friend who has one and he loves it. In the S-tronic I don't even think about the transmission (and never did) which tells me its doing its job and doing it well, in the Multi I seemed to always aware of it. I think that is a personal choice thing tbh.

The 2.0 vs 3.0 debate is always going to be down to how you drive. I have no doubt that a 2.0 going down a motorway at 70 MPH will use less fuel than a 3.0 of either flavour but I do think that over a tank the benefits of the smaller engine are far less than Audi let on in terms of fuel enonomy. You do get a damn sight better BIK than me so its all good. I wanted to love the 2.0TDI BE I tried (because it was loaded up with more kit than Starship Enterprise and they were obviously desperate to shift it) but the Multi box plus the performance difference was too much for me. The killer for me was Quatttro though, and I don't regret my choice for a second, looking out of the window this morning it is icy and nasty- Not a problem.

[MarkTM]

I bought my C6 quattro purely so that I could have a car to safely transport my two children in comfort and security 365 days a year, after 18 months of ownership and 20k miles it's never let me down. I've changed to winter tyres Dec-Mar for the last two winters but am wondering why I bothered this year as it's too warm, rarely dipping below 5 degrees so far. Am sure a FWD with winter tyres and good summer rubber for warmer months will fare as well. That said nothing will beat a quattro shod in winters in rain/snow/ice...natch you've got to be mindful that braking is exactly the same as anyone else and not be blaisé about it :)


As to economy I get 28-32MPG even on the school run of 1.5 miles on a cold start and have achieved 58MPG on long trips 20% (50 before remap), and a max of 920 on a single tank, up on Audi's stated extra urban figures and taking into account a 3% DIS discrepency. But much depends on your driving style and mine is quite conservative having competed in nationwide economy runs on my LPG coverted Jag (which I can get 80MPG out of in real cash terms). I've never failed to exceed stated figures on brim tests, from Fiat 500's and a Prius right through to my 4lt lump.

Will run my current car for a few years and then get a 3.0 BiTdi quattro at a decent price, get that remapped for economy....only concern is it will have a DPF (which mine doesn't) and as we know new MOT rules mean removing it won't be acceptable.

Still a few years off as budget will be £25k and the cheapest I've seen are around £40k :(

[robbyg]

In response to original question
1 you definitely don't need quattro. 95% of other drivers manage without. Maybe think what you would do instead with that 60quid a month. Thats 2 quid a day for something you don't need. However I do like having four wheel drive. Its great in the snow but is no better stopping andin is just as likely to get smashed in to by someone else out of control asnany other car. I get the train and dont drive in the snow appart from on a quiet evenng just for the fun of it. I can confirm from experience that fwd on winter tyres all round is better than four wheel drive on summer tyres my because mainly you get the benefit of braking and steering which is much more important than putting power down. Quattro is a touch noisier due to extra driveshaft and diffs and heavier and worse on fuel. Regardless of all that if mine was written off today I would replace it with exactly the same spec.

2 dont know can't comment. I have a collegue with a 204 multi who is very happy with it. I have driven a few dsg boxes on test dribes and always found them very good though occasionally jerky, but not to the point of being annoying or a problem just lackijg a tiny bit of finesse. I susoect driving style would adapt and jerks would go with subconscious practice.
3 having read these forums extensively in summary it seems the majority are disappointed with fuel consumption on the 2.0 and pleasantly surprised on the 3.0. I guess in town the 2.0 to is better. My bitdi hits high20s or low 30s on short runs but that isnt what I bought it for. On a long run under 80mph I consistently get mid 40s. I am light footed and usually get better than manufacturers figures. The 3.0 is high geared so perhaps thats why there is little diferrnce between the two on the motorway.

Thats my opinion. Hope it helps.

[uservii]

Cheers again guys, robbyg some definite food for thought there, thank you.

I'll get out in the quattro and see if I really feel it is worth it for me.

[ukgroucho]

In response to original question
1 you definitely don't need quattro. 95% of other drivers manage without. Maybe think what you would do instead with that 60quid a month. Thats 2 quid a day for something you don't need.

ARGH this statement is the road to ruin!! ;)
"You don't NEED an Audi" is the logical extension ... think of what you could do with the extra £250 a month saved by making payments on a Mondeo estate...

[MarkTM]

But only I think applies to those purchasing as a company car and the relevant BiK, for those making a private purchase a different set of priorities.

And I think on resale quattro's do command a better price, esp if sold in Autumn/Winter, like a convertible will just before/during the Summer (?)

[Whippy53]

If it was a company car I'd have gone for a Quattro like a pitbull on a kitten.

[retired99]

I drove around in a 2.0 FWD multitronic for a few weeks while waiting for my Quattro to be delivered.

Prompt starts, especially from damp T junctions, were often accompanied by wheelspin. Could be a bit stressful when trying to get into a gap in the traffic.

This just doesn't happen in my Biturbo Quattro. Puts down all of the power all of the time (slight exaggeration but you've got to really try to lose traction even in the wet). I travel to Germany a few times a year and the sense of composure the Quattro has on fast autobahn is reassuring and leads to a relaxed drive.

Totally agree with UKgroucho when he says 'Think about the basics of what makes a car a good car.. performance, drivetrain, suspension'. I'd add to that list the seats. I found the standard seats to be distinctly average, the sports seats in the S line I drove were much better but I eventually went for the Comfort Seats which are excellent.

You experience the seats every moment you're in the car, if you're not comfortable it will colour your entire perception of the car.

[ianc1990]

Mine is the 180 2L engine on a manual gearbox. Power is certainly not an issue and is more than adequate to overtake 99% of things on the road with ease.

However - I had a 7 speed automatic Quattro the other week as a courtest car and it's safe to say that my next Audi WILL MOST CERTAINLY be a Quattro with an auto box. As other members have said, it's the difference between attempting to set off from a junction but getting frustrated with spinning wheels and missing your chance, or quite simply, just getting there in the blink of an eye.


I was always one who didn't like auto gearboxes and never even considered them, but after driving the 7 speed, It's safe to say that I have changed my mind..


£60 a month is nothing for what you get - just do it :)

[Allroad_2013]

And don't forget, only with the 3lt will you be able say "fire up the Quattro" !!:D

Given what the OP said about the types of driving he does/will be doing I'd say the 204 Quattro will be lucky to return anything much north of low to mid 30's mpg, irrespective of what the brochure says. We're averaging 33/34 with our 245 Allroad, though this improves to low 40's on a longer motorway journey, but drops to mid 20's when towing.

[ScottyA6]

We are getting a displayed mid 40's on a motorway trip down to Oxfordshire from North Yorks (@ 190 miles) in our 245 Avant and that is driving with the general flow of traffic and not deliberately trying to economise. A trip to York from home (@15 Miles) and yes, its mid 30's. Having had 11 out of a V12 Jag its mega !

Good point about being able to say 'Fire up the Quattro- has to be worth 10 MPG at least. Seriously, I have a trip up to a farm in the butt end of creation on Friday, the forecast is minging but for that kind of work Quattro is worth every penny, if I was poddling up the A58 to Leeds every day it would be a different story.

[ianc1990]

I live in York Scotty - Nice to know someone on here is close!

I must say, when I had the courtesy car(3.0 but not sure what variant), I did 2 trips from York to Leeds and back and spend just under £20 for each trip (70mile round trip) - displayed around 20mpg

I didn't really care because the car brought me so much joy(and I was pressing it hard)! :)

[uservii]

Cheers guys, I'm swaying to having it if I can, though not purely to say "fire up the quattro"!

Thanks for all the advice so far, really helpful and much appreciated.

I'm considering going through Drive the Deal to clinch the deal, any experience on what their lead times are like (i.e. 12 weeks+ or more/less)? Do they have spec amend cars on order to allow for an order to be relatively swift?

[fest0r]

Checkout this thread for info on my order from DtD:

Big thanks (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?154149-Big-thanks)

I guess all the Q3 delivery fuss was over the release of the Ultra, but they found me a spec amend that’s estimated for May delivery. They were very professional and much cheaper than other brokers.

[uservii]

Checkout this thread for info on my order from DtD:

Big thanks (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?154149-Big-thanks)

I guess all the Q3 delivery fuss was over the release of the Ultra, but they found me a spec amend that’s estimated for May delivery. They were very professional and much cheaper than other brokers.
Cheers fest0r, good to hear. Thanks.

[belly buster]

I was going to do a 4 month / 6k miles mini-review of the 245 Quattro, then spotted this thread which seems a sensible place to put in.

Engine: Having test driven the 177 and 204 engines, I was in no doubt (mostly from comments here) that the 245 would be a great choice. I was half tempted by the BiTdi, but having come from a 143 A4, this would be more than double the horses, so ruled this out. Have to say the engine is absolutely great, tons of power all the time.

Gearbox: This was tricky for me. I've never had an auto before. I really disliked the mutlitronic on the test drive. The S-tronic seemed a better bet. The gearbox does what I want it to 95% of the time, so I think this is pretty good. I've learned the right time to use S and M (via the paddles) to get the most out of it. Annoys me a bit with how quickly it shifts from 1 to 2 at slow speed. All in all I think this is a good gearbox and probably the best auto in the range.

Quattro: Really impressed with the 4WD. Just so good pulling out of the T junction with a bit of welly and no drama no wheelspin. Properly planted in all weather conditions. Useful for getting out of muddy spots as well.

Driving: Very comfortable cruiser, solid handling, and capable whizz-off-the-lights rocket all rolled in to one.

Build Quality: I actually think the previous A4 was more solidly built than the A6. Have heard a few little squeaks and rattles, but nothing to worry about.

MPG: Didn't buy it for fuel economy, but pottering round town = 30mpg, motorway run = 45mpg, averaging 38mpg which I'm really pleased with.

So to answer OPs questions, go for the quattro, you won't be disappointed. S-tronic > Multitronic. MPG on the 3.0 isn't much different to the 2.0 Mutli.

[belly buster]

Cheers guys, I'm swaying to having it if I can, though not purely to say "fire up the quattro"!

Thanks for all the advice so far, really helpful and much appreciated.

I'm considering going through Drive the Deal to clinch the deal, any experience on what their lead times are like (i.e. 12 weeks+ or more/less)? Do they have spec amend cars on order to allow for an order to be relatively swift?

DtD are good to deal with. A number of people here have bought through them including myself. As long as you know exactly what you want, they just introduce you to the dealer and you deal with them from there in the same way as any other dealer.

[ukgroucho]

And don't forget, only with the 3lt will you be able say "fire up the Quattro" !!:D

Given what the OP said about the types of driving he does/will be doing I'd say the 204 Quattro will be lucky to return anything much north of low to mid 30's mpg, irrespective of what the brochure says. We're averaging 33/34 with our 245 Allroad, though this improves to low 40's on a longer motorway journey, but drops to mid 20's when towing.

Hmm I am averaging 36 MPG and change on my BiTdi allroad. Motorway runs 'staying with the traffic' are low 40's. I've had a high 40's by being very restrained on motorway use (65 - 70) whilst on conf calls.

I tend to do a couple of weeks of shorter trips - 2 miles, 3, 8 etc.and then some longer 100 mile jobs.

Overall I'm pretty pleased with the fuel economy .. it's better than 10% improvement over my old C6 3.0 TDi and a HUGE gain in performance.

[rickerby]

I have the 204PS allroad and it's a great combination of engine and gearbox.

The Multitronic has had LOTS of issues in the past and the new S-tronic in the Ultra is actually the old 6-speed S-tronic which is the one everyone has all the problems with while the 7-speeder seems pretty bullet-proof. What's quattro worth? Every time I drive through standing water on the motorway I KNOW that the car will power through it. I know I can pull away at a junction and the car will GO with no drama or wheel spin. And on snowy or icy days I'll be moving where some others won't be (but that's probably more to do with winter tyres than quattro).

If you can afford the 204PS with the 7-speed S-tronic then I'd have to say go for it. It's also pretty economical. I get a genuine 42-45 on a tight engine and that's pretty close to the official 45MPG. I've yet to meet anyone with the 2.0 TDi who is happy with the fuel economy. I'm utterly convinced that the 2.0l is only just enough to move the A6 the way most A6 drivers want it to, whereas the 3.0l has just enough in reserve to do it and be economical with it.



The Ultra has the same 7 speed S-tronic as any other A6 using that box

[rickerby]

Are we saying here that for a given spec, deposit etc, that a 245 Quattro works out only marginally more a month than a 2.0tdi on a PCP?

[newA6]

Power up the Quattro.... I should have pushed the Quattro last time, I love my 2.0 l tdi s line avant but I will swap for a quattro later on in 2014 I hope,

[rickerby]

Power up the Quattro.... I should have pushed the Quattro last time, I love my 2.0 l tdi s line avant but I will swap for a quattro later on in 2014 I hope,


Well yes, I'm having similar thoughts although there is the small matter of a £9K difference between a 2.0tdi and a 245 Quattro. My friendly dealer tells me that there isnt that bigger difference on the "monthlys" between them. I can only assume then that you must claw back most of that extra cost through residuals or the up front discounts are considerable bigger on the Quattro.

[ukgroucho]

I believe that they are offering a 204 bhp (V6) quattro A6 now also... they have offere an allroad derivative with that engine since the allroad A6 launched.
Not sure how much cheaper it would be though.

There is additional "claw back" from the grin factor associated with the bigger engines and the "fire up the quattro" aspect also of course :)

Whilst fuel consumption does not seem to be much worse than the 2.0 Tdi - in fact some 245 owners get very close to the 2.0 Tdi numbers, the Bitdi (309 bhp) is a bit more fuel hungry but still a lot better than my old C6 3.0 Tdi quattro (maybe 10 - 15% overall).

They will eat more tyres of course, and servicing costs will inevitably be a little higher.