Long-term test: 2015 Audi A6 Avant

THE Audi A6 is one of those cars that we’ve all plonked our behinds in at some point in our lives. It’s been around in one form or another for what feels like forever but we’ve got our hands on the very smart 2015 Avant Ultra Black Edition.

FIRST IMPRESSION

From the outside not much has changed for 2015 unless you care to break out the magnifying glass. Inside there’s a new infotainment system but the big change is with the engines. Audi have wrung 68.9mpg and 109g/km from the greenest version. We’re getting  47.9 in stop-start traffic – nowhere near the claimed 67mpg, but that should improve on longer journeys. Being an estate the Avant packs enough space for more or less anything you’re likely to need to carry. With the rear seats folded down there are van-like proportions to play with, but the normal boot area alone is enough for pushchairs, big suitcases or smaller pieces of furniture and will hold four golf bags with ease.

BEST BITS

Where to start? It’s quiet, comfy, smooth and simply oozes quality. On the weekend Scotsman Motors were testing a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta that was noisier than a kids’ party with a bouncy castle I realised how quiet the A6 was when I swapped between them. Having double glazing as standard makes a huge difference to road noise, especially on the daily commute to Edinburgh. Where the Ferrari left me feeling every bump and pothole the A6 soaked them up and, with its figure-hugging plush leather seats, left me feeling like I was sitting in my comfy chair. On top of that, the S tronic automatich gearbox is amazing, I mean amazing! Gear changes are as smooth as a jet carving through clouds. On the road it immediately feels big and stable both in a straight line and through corners, where it grips like a newborn child to its mother.

WORST BITS

It’s hard to find anything. The integrated infotainment system can be a bit tricky at times, requiring you to take your eyes off the road, but my ten-year-old son got my phone connected, showing how easy it is to use. Apart from that the only downside with the A6 will be the call from Audi wanting it back.

MARKS

10/10

VITAL STATS

Model: A6 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra Black Edition (190 PS) S tronic

BASE PRICE: £39,465

OPTIONS: Daytona grey pearl effect paint £655; Technology pack, includes MMI Navigation Plus, Driver’s Information System (DIS) with 7” colour display, Audi connect and Audi Phone box, £1,625; Heated front seats, £300.00

Total COST, including OTR charges: £42,690