Audi has introduced updated versions of its A6 and A7 Sportback models in South Africa. Besides the expected visual upgrades, the range also gets new engines, transmissions and infotainment systems in a bid to take the fight to the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class/CLS, Jaguar XF and Lexus GS more effectively.
The exterior upgrade includes changes to the trademark Audi grille, headlights, air ducts, bumpers, tail lights and even the exhaust outlets. Audi’s eye-catching LED or Matrix LED headlight technology systems are available as optional extras.
Inside, the big news is really the various high-tech info-tainment systems that are offered. The flagship navigation system with its electrically retractable eight-inch screen is based on a new technology platform that uses the Tegra 30 graphics chip from Audi’s tech partner, Nvidia. The Audi connect module, meanwhile, turns the cabin into a Wi-Fi hotspot and makes several on-line services available, too.
In terms of safety Audi offers a vast range of systems, including adaptive cruise control with a stop & go function. There’s also Audi side assist, which uses radar to monitor those pesky blind spots and Audi Active Lane Assist, which was developed to prevent unintended lane changes. A heads-up display feature is offered as an optional extra and the night-vision assistant has been honed to include more features.
Revised engine line-up for Audi A6
Although the engine line-up for the revised A6 will eventually include three TFSI (petrol) units with power outputs ranging from 140 to 331 kW and two TDI (turbodiesel) units, at launch only the 1,8T FSI and S6 will be available. A 160 kW 3,0 TDI S tronic joins the line-up in June and the 2,0T FSI Quattro S tronic comes a month later. The 2,0 TDI S tronic will arrive near the end of the year. An interesting side note is that the Multitronic (CVT) transmission has been replaced by the S tronic on all A6 models.
Audi A6 standard specification
Audi A6 1,8T FSI (140 kW), 2,0 TDI (140 kW) and 3,0 TDI (160 kW):
- Audi drive select with efficiency mode
- Xenon plus headlights (new)
- 4-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel
- Exterior chrome package for the front grille (new)
- USB interface for connecting external media devices (new)
- Audi sound system
- 18-inch, 5-twin spoke, V design alloy wheels (new)
- Partial leather
- Interior mirror with auto anti-glare action
- Parking aid plus (front and rear)
- Cruise control
- Automatic air conditioning
- Bluetooth interface
- Electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, heated
- Interior lighting package
- Sideguard airbag system
Audi A6 2,0T FSI quattro S tronic (185 kW):
The A6 2,0T FSI with 185kW has the same equipment as above but adds the following:
- quattro all-wheel drive
- Leather-covered, multifunction sports steering wheel, in 3-spoke design with shift paddles
- Front electrically operated seats with memory function for both seats (new)
- 19-inch alloy wheels (new)
- Parking system plus with reverse camera (new)
Audi S6 4,0T FSI 331 kW quattro S tronic:
S6 spec level adds the following items:
- Full LED headlights (new)
- MMI Navigation plus with Audi connect
- Inlays in dulled aluminium
- Split rear seat
- Audi Drive Select with efficiency mode
- 4 zone air-conditioner
- Storage package
- Alcantara / leather seat trim on sports front seats
- Aluminium exterior mirror housing
- 4 corner air suspension – sport
- 3 spoke multi-function steering wheel with S tronic controls
- 19-inch, 5 parallel “S” design alloy wheels
Audi A6 price in South Africa
- Audi A6 1,8T FSI 140 kW S tronic: R 601 000
- Audi A6 2,0TDI 140 kW S tronic: R 631 500* (available November 2015)
- Audi A6 3,0TDI 160 kW S tronic: R 689 000 (available June 2015)
- Audi A6 2,0T FSI 185 kW quattro S tronic: R 749 500 (available July 2015)
- Audi S6 4,0T FSI 331 kW quattro S tronic: R 1 054 500
* Indicative pricing
All prices include VAT and the standard Audi Freeway Plan (5 year/100 000km).
Similar changes to A7 Sportback
The stylish A7 Sportback gets similar enhancements but the engine line-up and specification details are subtly different.
The range kicks off with the 3,0 TDI Quattro S tronic (200 kW/580 Nm). Offering a stonking 235 kW, the 3,0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine option sees the A7 rocket to 100 km/h in 5,2 seconds. Still… with a claimed combined cycle consumption figure of 6,1 L/100 it is also remarkably economical. This engine is the only one mated with the brand’s eight-speed tiptronic transmission. All other engines gets the seven-speed S tronic gearbox.
As far as “entry level” petrol engines go, the 4,0T FSI is quite a beast, delivering 331 kW and 550 Nm of torque. Equipped with this engine the A7 Sportback reaches 100 km/h in 4,6 seconds.
Of course, the flagship remains the fearsome RS7 Sportback. With 412 kW and 700 Nm of torque (from 1 750 to 5 500 rpm), the 0-100 km/h dash is completed in only 3,9 seconds. An optional dynamic package allows for a top speed of 305 km/h. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is, however, standard.
Audi A7 Sportback standard specification
Audi A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI quattro S tronic (200 kW):
- 3-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel (new)
- 19-inch 5-spoke V design wheel (new)
- LED headlights (new)
- Advanced key (Keyless entry)
- Aluminium trim on window surround
- Audi Drive Select
- Audi Music Interface with USB integration (new)
- 3 rear seats (excludes S7)
- Auto dim interior mirror with light and rain sensor
- Bluetooth cell phone preparation, wireless
- Child seat anchor, on front passenger seat
- Climatronic air conditioner, 4 zone
- Cruise control
- Electrically adjustable exterior mirrors with memory function
- Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for driver’s seat
- Inlays in brushed aluminium (new)
- Interior lighting package
- MMI Radio Plus with active speakers
- Park Distance Control Advanced, with rear view camera
- Partial leather seat trim
- Power closing tailgate
- quattro with self-locking Crown-gear differential
- Rear side airbags
- Sideguard airbag system
- Standard suspension
Audi A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI bi-turbo quattro S tronic (235 kW):
The A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI Bi-Turbo adds the following:
- 20-inch 5-spoke W-design wheel (new)
- Leather-covered, multifunction sports steering wheel, in 3-spoke design, with shift paddles (new)
- MMI navigation plus including MMI Touch
Audi S7 4,0T FSI quattro S tronic (331 kW):
The S7 adds the following features to the above:
- Alcantara / leather seat trim on S sports front seats
- 4 corner air suspension
- 20-inch 5 parallel spoke “Star” design alloy wheels (new)
Audi RS7 4,0T FSI quattro tiptronic (412 kW):
In addition to the above, the full-house RS7 adds:
- Carbon Fibre inlays
- RS-tuned air suspension
- Full LED headlights with RS7 specific look
- MMI 3G Navigation with connect and MMI touch
- Valcona leather upholstery with diamond pattern
- Electrically operated glass sunroof
- Heads-up display
- Night vision with pedestrian detection
- Dynamic steering
- quattro sports differential
- Keyless entry
- 21-inch light alloy wheels
- Aluminium styling package with quattro wording on front bumper
- RS-braking system with “wave” design discs
Audi A7 Sportback price in South Africa
- Audi A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI quattro S tronic: R 943 500
- Audi A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI BiTurbo quattro S tronic: R 1 040 000
- Audi S7 Sportback 4,0T FSI quattro S tronic: R 1 176 500
- Audi RS7 Sportback 4,0T FSI quattro S tronic: R 1 596 000
