Audi isn’t as active in Malaysia these days as it was some years ago but that has not stopped it from keeping its range reasonably up to date. Until it can come up with numbers that provide a business case for local assembly, it will have to be content with low numbers as its pricing cannot be competitive without the sort of incentives its rivals receive.
The offerings current available at 5 showrooms total nine models, four of which are SUVS. They cover the main segments, including the top end with the A8. Now the new A6, announced earlier, is finally in the showrooms in 3.0 TFSI quattro S tronic form, retailing for RM589,900 (excluding insurance).
Audi Mild Hybrid Technology
This is the eighth generation (C8) of the full-size sedan and it has a hybrid powertrain using the carmaker’s mild-hybrid technology. A key feature of this technology is the 48V main electrical system which incorporates two elements: a powerful lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter. With the V6 turbocharged petrol engine already generating a high output, total system output is 340 ps/500 Nm to give a claimed 0 to 100 km/h capability of 5.1 seconds. The top speed is higher than 250 km/h but Audi has chosen to limit it to that speed.
Fuel economy is maximized not just with the efficient 7-speed S tronic transmission but also the ability of the car to coast between 55 and 160 km/h. The start-stop function kicks in up to 22 km/h and the engine is restarted from standstill predictively as soon as the vehicle in front of the Audi A6 starts moving. During deceleration, the belt alternator starter (BAS) recovers up to 12 kW of energy. In real-world driving, the Audi technology is said to reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 kms.
The bodywork of the new A6, like the pioneering Audi 100 of the early 1980s, has advanced aerodynamics to minimize wind resistance. Thanks to sophisticated aeroacoustics, it also runs quietly, even at high speed.
A second important factor is high body rigidity which provide the high quality feel and sporty handling. Audi uses an intelligent mixed construction of steel and aluminium in the bodyshell. Components such as the front suspension strut dome are made of aluminium, as are the doors, bonnet/boot lids and fenders.
The lighting design – technology brought to life
The lighting design emphasizes the technical character of the A6 with the standard for Malaysia HD Matrix LED headlights best exemplifying the concept. This high-end lighting system features 5 horizontal lines form the daytime running light signature. They emphasize the width of the front. Above them are the dipped beam modules that look like pupils. The lighting signature of the taillights is made up of a single horizontal line and nine vertical segments for each unit; the brake light fills the areas in between.
The dynamic indicator is included with the top-of-the-line equipment. When unlocking and locking the doors, a pulsing coming and leaving home function brings to life the combination of design and technology that is the hallmark of Audi.
Class-leading interior space
The interior has increased space with key dimensions beating core competitors as well. The luggage compartment offers more loading width – two golf bags can be accommodated horizontally – even though the capacity remains unchanged at 530 litres.
MMI navigation plus
The new A6 offers an extensive range of connectivity solutions for superb safety, convenience and personalization. The standard specification for Malaysia is with the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus – a media hub with a new design. The data transfer module uses the new LTE Advanced standard.
The MMI touch response system of the new A6 sets new standards in terms of intuitive operation and personalization. With extensive intelligent personalization options, the car is tailored to the driver. The all-digital operating system allows central vehicle functions to be placed in the required position in the MMI screen using drag-and-drop – similar to the user experience with smartphone apps. Shortcuts and favorites buttons form the ideal basis for individual preferences and superb ease-of-use.
Up to 7 drivers can store their preferred settings in individual user profiles and set up to 400 parameters. Thanks to its logical and flat menu structure, the system provides fast access to vehicle functions. The configurable favorites buttons help tailor the system to the user’s preferences.
The driver manages the infotainment on the top display, which has a 10.1-inch screen diagonal if MMI navigation plus has been specified. The bottom 8.6-inch display, located in the console in the center tunnel, is used for the climate control and for the convenience functions and text input; the driver’s wrist can sit on the selector lever of the automatic transmission.
In addition, the head-up display projects important information onto the windshield. MMI navigation plus also includes the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch display.
Agile as a sportscar
The new A6 is claimed to be noticeably sportier than the previous one. The already sporty ratio of the standard progressive steering becomes even more direct as the steering angle increases; a new damping concept also conveys intensive, finally differentiated feedback from the road.
The dynamic all-wheel steering is a key component in this agility and maneuverability. It combines direct, sporty steering response with unshakable stability, resolving this classic conflict of aims. Depending on the speed, the steering ratio varies between 9.5:1 and 16.5:1. This is thanks to a strain wave gearing at the front.
At the rear axle, a spindle drive turns the wheels as much as 5 degrees. At low speed, the wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels, thus enhancing the agility of the A6 and reducing its turning circle by up to one metre to 11.1 metres. At high speed, the wheels turn in the same direction, thus optimizing stability when traveling in a straight line or changing lanes.
with the 3.0 TFSI engine.
Like the dynamic all-wheel steering and the controlled damping, the drivetrain settings are integrated into the control function of the electronic chassis platform. These systems are closely networked for innovative precision. The driver can select various driving profiles via the Audi drive select system – the widespread from comfort through sportiness is even more pronounced than in the outgoing model.
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