Audi's Limited Edition A6 2.0 TDI is based on the popular SE trim but adds interior and exterior upgrades that increase the executive car's visual impact and enhance its comfort. Coupled with its surprisingly low fuel consumption, the high specification should help the Limited Edition A6 prove a big hit with private and corporate customers alike.

The SE trim is usually regarded as the range-topping level of style with the A6, but in this Limited Edition, Audi have styled it up a further notch. Both inside and out, the 2.0 TDI A6 has seen a host of cosmetic improvements and added technology. The engine also offers excellent fuel consumption figures and as a result, this Limited Edition 2.0 TDI A6 is likely to boost the range's popularity in a crucial period before the car's forthcoming facelift.

When it debuted in 1997, the A6 represented a viable alternative to its BMW and Mercedes rivals, the curvaceous forms of its styling suddenly making the establishment look a little old hat. Since then the German manufacturer has gone on to consistently break its annual sales records year-on-year, thanks in no small part to the A6. Its stylish looks and range of powerful engines have kept this executive car as a real favourite with private and corporate customers alike.

Executive drivers should have no problem chewing up the motorway between appointments in the A6 Limited Edition. Although the 137bhp 2.0 TDI engine is not the biggest powerplant in the A6 range (2.7 and 3.0 TDIs are available), it is still plenty powerful, with a 0-62mph time of 10.3s and a top speed of 130mph.

Driver enjoyment is a key feature of this A6 line up and the car benefits from a quicker steering rack while retaining more conventional suspension settings compared to the previous generation model. The quality of the cabin remains top notch as with all A6s and if anything, is even more impressive in this Limited Edition thanks to its huge range of gadgetry. Gearbox options extend to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed multitronic CVT. Quite why the twin clutch DSG gearbox used in the TT 3.2 doesn't get a look in remains to be seen but seems a serious omission. Both the Saloon and Avant models in this MK3 version benefit from double wishbone front and multi link rear suspension, banishing the memory of the rather agricultural torsion beam rear axle that front-wheel drive A6 models have traditionally campaigned with.

"With the Limited Edition value proposition factored in, this A6 is a strong choice.."

In this Limited Edition version, the 17-inch alloy wheels you'd expect to find on the usual A6 are upgraded to 18-inch, twelve-spoke wheels and the interior upholstery is swapped from Meridian cloth to supple Milano leather. The key styling feature of this car is that prominent grille or, as Audi prefers to call it, the 'single frame'. Look beyond that and you'll notice the curvaceous flanks, topped and tailed by a sharp longitudinal crease line that forms a definite hip and the rising edge in the door sills that creates a great deal of tension and shadow in the A6's profile.

The Ingolstadt company prides itself on its tight shut lines and the panel fit around the door is indeed superb, the 2.5mm apertures between the doors and body panels being astonishingly uniform. Gone are the days when the 'pound coin test' would separate the best from the rest when it comes to panel fit. The boot is a whopping 546 litres in both the saloon and estate Avant, which is not only bigger than some of its class counterparts, but also manages to put this car's big brother, the A8, in the shade. Despite being significantly larger than the previous generation A6, the weight has swelled very little.

So what separates the A6 2.0 TDI Limited Edition from its standard stablemate? Well, in a nutshell, the Germans have taken the SE trim level and added a load of stylish bits and clever gadgets on top. These would usually cost around £4,000 but are available to the A6 Limited Edition customer for just under £1,000. That all means prices that span between £26,670 and £28,240.

Audi has also thrown in a separate enhancement package that is usually available at a premium in all four-cylinder petrol and diesel versions of the A6, at no extra cost. This features DVD satellite navigation which incorporates an upgrade to a seven-inch high resolution colour monitor for the Multi Media Interface control system and a six-disc CD changer. The Limited Edition specification is available in both saloon and Avant styles.

In addition to the Limited Edition changes, you can expect to find all the fancy gadgets that come in the standard A6 specification. Namely, an electronic climate control system, cruise control, light and rain sensors, electric front and rear windows and mirrors, a 10-speaker, 160-watt audio system and a Driver's Information System.

If you want a big car, the general rule is you have to pay big money. But the initial outlay for the Audi A6 should not be as bank-breaking as some of its executive-class competitors. The Audi A6 is a big car that you might think needs a big powerplant. However, the 2.0 TDI is not the biggest engine in the range and, although powerful, should offer better running costs than its 2.7 and 3.0 TDI relatives. It emits 154g/km of CO2 and has the potential to return 46.3mpg. That's class-competitive, if not quite as good as some rivals. Corporate or private customers who cover a lot of miles will be encouraged by the comparatively low running costs, which should offset the initial outlay.

The Audi A6 Limited Edition 2.0 TDI is a stylish and enjoyable twist on a winning formula. The A6 has always been a car that rewards you for doing your homework and, as one of the most affordable ways of buying a German executive car with a premium badge, it has a head start right from the word go. Emissions aren't class-leading and of course, there's a facelifted model on the horizon. If you don't care about either of those things, with the high specification on offer at low prices in this Limited Edition model, it may be time to purchase your next executive car.

Getting the most metal for your money might not be the ethos of this premium sector but it's one that will appeal to those looking for plenty of family space or those merely wanting to make the biggest splash in the executive car park. Certain Audi trademarks can be taken for granted - the build quality is excellent, there are some great engines available and the attention to ergonomics is quite brilliant. With the Limited Edition value proposition factored in, it makes this A6 a strong choice.