Alternative review of Audi A6

When I told my (male) friends that I would be driving an Audi A6 the results were the same. 'What? They are letting you loose on a car like that?' Executive Saloon cars like the A6 are stereotypically associated with male drivers, in particular this new version, the A6 S-Line a model that adds a new dimension in sportiness to the standard A6. My first instinct is that this is very much a masculine car. It reeks with gizmos and gadgets and understated luxury. It comes as no surprise that I have never thought of Audi's as the kind of car for me. I find them intimidating but with a strange sense of class, not the kind of car you would want to try to beat at the lights. Especially not the A6 S-Line, Audi's attempt at 'sportifying' the line up with the A3 and the A4 all coming in S-Line versions. My incentive for driving the car was to dispel the myth, the typical "What is a young woman doing in an expensive car like that? She can't drive that, surely?" The cigarette lighter in the back of the car possibly ruled out the A6 as a family car, so my aim is to test its suitability for the female business executive.

This luxury saloon vehicle is not so great for the family orientated. With posh interior and various nooks and crannies, as well as the potentially dangerous cigarette lighter in the rear probably not the best option for the family, which is a shame seeing as it comes with lots of valuable boot space and plenty of room in the rear. The boot operates a rail system and fixing set, which means that loads can be fastened securely. There are also great storage solutions with everything from executive drinks holders to a compartment holding a comprehensive first aid kit, which again, is not suitable for children. The A6 comes with a phone accessory kit and a detailed centre console with a mini-television screen for the SatNav.

Driver enjoyment has obviously been a key consideration in the design of the A6 S-Line. The drive was smooth and enjoyable; you would expect nothing less in a luxury vehicle. This A6 is a completely different drive from it predecessor, even the interior has been changed. Out goes the rigid coalhole dark plastic that looked dated, and in comes style and contrast, unmistakably similar to the A8. If you are searching for a small petrol engine then you are looking in the wrong place. For those of us with tight budgets or filling station phobias, the A6 S-Line comes with a V6 or V8 engine with the entry-level car being a 2.4-litre V6. The range is topped by the 4.2-litre V8 which manage an impressive 6.1 seconds to cross the 62mph barrier, but requires a gallon of fuel for every 24 miles. The car I road tested was the 2.7-litre TDI S-Line manual and that gave a luxurious ride with a feeling that you could really push this car to its limits. With a top speed reported at 140mph, going from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds this is not the car to mess with.

It took me a while to get used to the size of the A6. Its size was somewhat overpowering and I felt like a little girl driving daddy's car without permission. This car is worthy of consideration when looking for a sensible family car; but a few safety changes would have to be made in the rear. The A6 S-Line definitely has a masculine feel about it and seems to have little personality, a trait that I value in a car. If you are looking for ultimate luxury saloon crossed with bags full of modifications then you have found your vehicle. If you like your wheels to have a quirky, fun-loving quality then stick to that supermini.

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