Audi A6 Ultra

[Passatier3]

I actually was initially of the same mind, however, I love my multitronic, damn the consumption, if I was really trying to save money I would have bought a Polo Bluemotion. It's just more things to go wrong just to appease a bunch of treehuggers. Anyhoo, the other interesting point is that while the Ultra has 190ps as opposed to 177ps the 0-60 time remains unchanged at 8.2 sec S-Tronic vs multitronic. So, my question is, where's the extra power gone? midrange perhaps? or perhaps weight and other losses via the box? dunno. (Stops to scratch head and sniff fingers!)

It's all down to our own individual circumstances but I'm with you on the fuel consumption. I've got a cheaper more economical car I sometimes use for work and dodging about and later this year I'm going part-time so that will reduce my 20 miles each way to work.

Taking it easy it approaches what I was getting in the Passat (which I wasn't really banking on anyway) and whilst at this time of year it is more like in the mid/high 30s when compared with what cars were doing years ago (my dad's Triumph 2.5 estate did about 25) then it ain't bad really for a car of it's size and performance.

[Passatier3]

Not to mention the environmental concerns about Urea spillages - the Environment Agency are concerned after a few spills (probably truck related) 'cos when this stuff gets into waterways it has serious impacts.

Exactly. I think the EU/government need to do some serious thinking about where some of their legislation is leading because it's obviously not very joined up and this fixation on mpg/emissions whilst ignoring other implications etc. isn't sensible at all. But dream on!

[rickerby]

I actually was initially of the same mind, however, I love my multitronic, damn the consumption, if I was really trying to save money I would have bought a Polo Bluemotion. It's just more things to go wrong just to appease a bunch of treehuggers. Anyhoo, the other interesting point is that while the Ultra has 190ps as opposed to 177ps the 0-60 time remains unchanged at 8.2 sec S-Tronic vs multitronic. So, my question is, where's the extra power gone? midrange perhaps? or perhaps weight and other losses via the box? dunno. (Stops to scratch head and sniff fingers!)

I cant imagine the STronic having more losses than the Multitronic. The main benefits of the Ultra are lower CO2 numbers that translate into smaller tax bills for company car users, that lets face it will make up the largest proportion of A6 drivers. For us private buyers a decent 2.0 litre Petrol like the 247ps BMW unit used in the 328i/528i would make more sense. I think thats where my money will go next.

[Passatier3]

We've had a long discussion in another thread about the fuel consumption of the multi and rather than losses in the system I for one think it is more to do with the characteristics of the box i.e. it revs more than a manual or an S-tronic/DSG does under similar speed/load conditions and you have little control over it. Hence me thinking that it's days are numbered as it has no place in the relentless pursuit of more mpg/lower emissions.

It is a lovely smooth, effortless box though, particularly if in no mad hurry.

I agree that for private buyers (like myself) and particularly those who don't do high miles that a petrol engine would probably be a better bet. Trouble is that for cars like the A6 we are seriously limited in that respect and residuals would be badly hit. Would probably miss the torque as well!

[belly buster]

The petrols do seem to have been the victim in the race towards ever lower emissions targets. It seems like Audi's view on those that do a lower mileage is buy an A1 or maybe an A3.

[johnsimcox]

The petrols do seem to have been the victim in the race towards ever lower emissions targets. It seems like Audi's view on those that do a lower mileage is buy an A1 or maybe an A3.

I think it is probably more to do with taxation system in the UK and the continued dominance of the company car at the executive end of market. In Germany (which is driven by the same overall emissions targets as us) Audi offer a wide range of petrol A6s (2.0, 2.8 and 3.0) as well as Diesels. Here we can only have a petrol A6 if we go for an S6, RS6 or Hybrid. Presumably Audi UK do not see sufficient demand for petrol versions here in the UK to warrant their inclusion in the model mix, although BMW and MB do offer 2.0 petrol versions of the 5 Series and E-Class. This of course may change as the industry continues to shift to smaller high efficiency turbo petrol engines (all Volvos including the XC90 will only have 4 cylinder engines in the future) and increased emissions pressure on Diesel engines start to make them more expensive and less attractive

[Passatier3]

Yeah, I think you are bang on guys.

The taxation system over here does seem to have a very strong influence on what manufacturers provide.

Given my own particular circumstances a 3.0 litre petrol would have been nice.

Whilst the current diesels are excellent, the 2.0 litre in the A6 is so much smoother and quieter than that in the Passat, I still have a soft spot for a nice petrol engine.

[rickerby]

The petrols do seem to have been the victim in the race towards ever lower emissions targets. It seems like Audi's view on those that do a lower mileage is buy an A1 or maybe an A3.

I was intrigued by a rather nice A3 SLine saloon my local dealer had in with the 1.4 cylinder on demand petrol engine and STronic until the salesman revealed that after all the various discounts and incentives are taken into account an A6 would actually be cheaper.

[ukgroucho]

WOW!
Understandably discounts on A3 will be limited / non-existent as it is a brand new model - and, I have to say, a significant improvement on the old model(s) which I never really liked that much (especially the interiors).
However... an A6 for less than a 1.4 A3?

[Passatier3]

My thoughts exactly!

Doesn't make any sense at all.