Performance from every single part

THE updated version of Audi's best selling saloon, the Audi A6, has arrived in the Middle East.

And, for those who like their four door executive saloon not only comfortable and luxurious but blisteringly fast, Audi has brought the A6's racing version, the Audi RS 6, into the market at the same time.

For the launch Audi Middle East invited 850 VIP customers and members of the Press - including GulfWeekly editor Stan Szecowka - to test the new machines on the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, putting them through serious track time as well as numerous handling exercises.

With an evolved exterior design and lots of new technology and innovations on board, both models are likely to ensure the Audi success story in the region continues.

Managing director Jeff Mannering said at the launch: "The Audi A6 is one of our core models in terms of sales volume. Customers can expect performance from every single part of this car: drive-train, 'info'tainment, engines, even lighting. The sum of all these considerations is both power and efficiency."

In its new generation the entire engine range has been updated resulting in higher-performance engines with an average of 10 per cent lower fuel consumption simultaneously.

Aside from the RS 6 with its 580 bhp V10 engine, the Audi A6 is available with a 170 bhp 2.0T engine, a 220 bhp 2.8 and a completely new engine, the 290 bhp 3.0T.

Among the many technological innovations on the Audi A6 and RS 6 are the advanced dynamic suspension, which ensures outstanding ride quality with excellent handling and agility, and the latest electronics in form of, for example, the even more powerful generation of the multi media interface (MMI) with 6.5" colour display, 3-D navigation and automatic high beam assistant.

The new Audi A6 and RS 6 are available now throughout showrooms in the Middle East, starting from $43,200 (BD16,473) and $122,500 respectively.

Stan's verdict: Impressive handling and control as we played follow the leader around the race track at high speed. The power behind the RS 6, in particular, is awesome. These cars go where you want them to as we pushed them across an obstacle course and later braked sharply on a freshly watered surface. Audi has produced another saloon to feel secure in with added quality, class and comfort throughout.