Crossing the Blues

Monday, January 14, 2008

New Audi A6 Avant - In Depth


Page 1 - Design
Page 2 - Engines and transmissions
Page 3 - Engines and transmissions (cont.)
Page 4 - The chassis
Page 5 - The chassis (cont.)
Page 6 - The body
Page 7 - Comfort and communication electronics
Page 8 - Comfort and communication electronics (cont.)
Page 9 - Standard equipment
Page 10 - Optional equipment


Optional equipment

The range of optional equipment available for the new Audi A6 Avant also leaves nothing to be desired. Just one example is the choice of 15 different paintwork colours.

Drivers of the new Audi A6 Avant will only have to actually use their car key on rare occasions: as on the Audi A8, “advanced keyâ€Â', which is available as an option, acts as an electronic access and authorisation system. The key incorporates an electronic pulse generator whose signal is registered and checked by a sensor. If the signal is accepted, the system unlocks the doors as soon as the driver or passenger pulls the door handle.

The steering and ignition can also be released electronically and wirelessly before setting out thanks to advanced key. The engine is started by pressing the starter switch on the centre console.

Numerous trim options are available to provide a pleasant ambience inside the car: a wide range of leather and cloth versions as well as a number of different wood inlays provide sufficient scope for transforming every A6 Avant into an unmistakable, unique specimen.

The standard MMI basic system can be upgraded to MMI basic plus and MMI, both of which are options. The latter comes with a 7-inch colour display. Further components such as a TV tuner and a DVD navigation system can be added on request. Like the audio system, the navigation unit is also operated via the MMI terminal.

The BOSE surround sound system specially tuned to the A6 Avant guarantees outstanding listening pleasure: five amplifier channels distribute the sound around the listener as in a concert hall – an acoustic experience that sets new standards even in an executive-class car.

The BOSE system in addition includes electronic adjustment to take account of the vehicle's specific level of background noise. Customers wishing to keep out exterior noise even more effectively can opt for insulating glass. This offers the additional advantages of reducing the degree by which the cabin heats up in hot weather and improving protection against break-ins.

A hands-free car phone with cordless handset is available for the new A6 Avant for the first time. Bluetooth technology has not merely paved the way for cordless communication between the handset and the built-in base station. All important telephone functions can be activated both via the handset and the MMI terminal.

The voice control system for a great many infotainment functions enhances the ergonomic convenience of MMI even further.

Front sports seats, which are available as an option, ensure supreme comfort on long journeys and perfect side support. They also offer a wide range of adjustment functions: backrest and seat angle as well as the thigh support are all individually adjustable, as are the height and fore/aft position of the seat (also electrical as an option).

The comfort and well-being of all passengers can be enhanced with deluxe automatic air conditioning plus. Apart from separate air distribution and temperature control for the driver and front passenger, this sophisticated system provides indirect, draught-free ventilation, centre air vents with temperature control and an air humidity sensor. Other features include the residual heat function, automatic air recirculation and additional ventilation for rear passengers through the door pillars.

3-spoke leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheels are available in addition to a 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel with leather rim.

Additional functions, such as the shift paddles behind the steering wheel and a heating function, can be ordered as add-on modules.

The 3-spoke wooden sports steering wheel with multifunction control is a particularly attractive option; its rim is finished Walnut. This steering wheel may also be combined with shift paddles on models fitted with an automatic transmission. The gearshift or selector lever knob are also available in wood.

Numerous options can be ordered to enhance the luggage compartment’s variability and the rail system's versatility still further to suit individual requirements: a telescopic bar can be engaged into both rails to divide up the luggage compartment diagonally or horizontally, thus providing another means of reliably securing items of luggage. Additional support is provided by a retaining strap, which – when both ends are engaged in a rail – lashes objects down securely against the sides of the luggage compartment at the push of a button, or divides up the compartment transversely when engaged in both rails, to keep large, bulky items of luggage in place.

The cycle rack system, which has been developed specially for the A6 Avant and is likewise mounted on the rails and around the dirt-resistant tray, is a means of transporting two mountain bikes securely.

The large storage box for the luggage compartment is a particularly versatile item. Secured to the rails by means of the lashing eyes, it can be fitted in two different positions: with its opening facing to the rear, it can be used for storing smaller items of luggage and for dividing up the luggage compartment.

When pushed up flush against the rear seat with its opening facing forwards, the box can be accessed via the load-through facility in the rear seat and is thus transformed into a storage compartment that is well away from inquisitive eyes.

The improved reversible mat (option) has exclusive velour in the interior colour on one side; when turned over, its rubberised, easy-to-clean surface protects the load area floor. The reversible mat now also incorporates a fold-out section that can be pulled down over the bumper.

The removable ski and snowboard bag is another new feature that will be of particular interest to winter sports enthusiasts. Winter sports equipment can be packed away swiftly and easily in the bag outside the car, then stowed in the luggage compartment, avoiding snow or meltwater drips.

For the first time on an Audi, the tailgate opens and closes automatically at the push of a button. The opening process can also be initiated by pressing the button on the car key. The required opening angle – in other words, by how much the tailgate opens – is infinitely variable.

Even better visibility on the road is ensured by adaptive light including xenon plus. Featuring swivel headlight units, this dynamic cornering light system illuminates twists and turns in the road far more effectively above a speed of just 12 km/h. Xenon plus lighting includes daytime running lights and LED brake lights as standard.

The radar-assisted distance control system adaptive cruise control makes it much easier for the driver of the new Audi A6 Avant to keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead. Enhancing "regular" cruise control, which is also available as an option, this system significantly increases driving comfort by automatically regulating the speed of the car in relation to the preselected distance to the vehicle ahead.

Customers opting for adaptive air suspension will experience even greater driving pleasure in the new Audi A6 Avant.

Sports suspension with the body lowered by 20 millimetres is available as an option from launch. To match this there is a choice of different alloy wheels up to 18 inches in size, further refining the car's driving dynamics and sporty appearance.

Another convenient feature is the trailer hitch with mechanically swivelling ball head bar, offering quick and easy handling as and when required.



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New Audi A6 - In Depth