The 300bhp Audi A6 3.0T quattro is a superb sports saloon, but what about the car at the other end of the A6 tree, the 2.0T?
Its 2-litre turbocharged 4-pot delivers a decent 180bhp and 320Nm of torque, but unfortunately channels it to the wheels via a CVT. Audi has done its best to disguise the CVT’s soporific characteristics by equipping it with paddle shifters and programming-in a set of change-up points to mimic an 8-speed automatic, but the vehicle’s tardy step-off is still a dead giveaway. A conventional autobox or, better yet, a dual-clutch S tronic, would have made a world of difference here.
“Aluminium” trim goes well with the cockpit’s high-tech features and modern architecture.
Things improve on the move, with the engine delivering a useful swell of torque from 2000rpm and spinning nicely to its 6000rpm redline. The paddles are useful for flicking down the CVT’s “gears” to drop you into the engine’s sweet spot. Driven with gusto, the car hits 100km/h in a keen 8.3 seconds, neatly splitting its class rivals – the BMW 520i (8 seconds) and Mercedes-Benz E200 (8.4 seconds).
Locally, Audi has chosen to fit sports suspension as standard – it lowers the A6 by 20mm and gives it a more purposeful, aggressive stance. But it also results in a slightly pattery low-speed ride (exacerbated by the optional 19-inch wheels), although the extra firmness pays dividends at higher speeds – stability and body control through bends and over undulations are resolute and confidence-inspiring.
The current A6 is certainly much sharper than the old A6 ever was, and its electro-mechanical steering trumps its predecessor’s for accuracy and consistency of response. But without the all-wheel drive and sport differential of the 3.0T, the front-driven 2.0T does feel more understeer-prone at the limit. It is an able-handling saloon, just not an exciting one.
Sporting dynamics aside, the 2.0T acquits itself very well as a luxury machine. Being an A6, it’s very roomy and airy inside; being a modern Audi, it’s classy, well-built and comprehensively equipped. The boot is immense, too, and with its low loading lip and wide aperture, extremely useable. Thanks to the mid-range torque and tall gearing, this is also an effortlessly relaxed cruiser. Cabin refinement is top-notch, too.
Audi A6’s 2-litre engine is a detuned 180hp version of the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s fizzy powerplant, but it is hampered by the Multitronic CVT transmission.
Notably, the new A6 is slightly shorter and lighter than its predecessor, and this benefits the overall performance. The familiar Audi Drive Select now features an additional, fuel-saving “Efficiency” mode (essentially a sluggard setting that slows down the throttle response, “economises” the gearchanges and even makes the air-con blow less strongly). This, coupled with stop-start technology, means mileage of over 15km per litre.
So, the A6 2.0T lacks the dynamic thrills of its 3.0T stablemate, but it’s still very refined, plush, spacious and stylish. Entry-level A6 it may be, but it’s by no means a non-starter.
Audi A6 2.0 (A)
ENGINE 1984cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged
MAX POWER 180hp at 4000-6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 320Nm at 1500-3900rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 97.8hp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 8 seconds
TOP SPEED 226km/h
CONSUMPTION 15.6km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE $237,800
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