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The Road Ahead Sampler : April May 2013
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ROADAHEAD.COM.AU THE ROAD AHEAD APR/MAY 2013 50 KEY STATS Audi says its A6 allroad quattro is 'a very versatile Avant' (wagon), pointing to an ability to handle rougher road surfaces, thanks primarily to a host of adjustable ride height settings. While Cape York is probably out of the question, we suspect potential buyers wouldn't be put off too much. Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre TDI (turbo- diesel) engine, which gets its 180kW of power and massive 580Nm of torque from 1750rpm down on the ground through a seven-speed, dual-clutch S tronic transmission and quattro all- wheel-drive. Audi claims 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds, a time we wouldn't doubt. Despite this sort of muscle, the ADR fuel consumption average is 6.3 litres/100 km, a significant 16 percent less usage over the previous model. The three-setting adaptive air suspension results in a quality ride, regardless of road surface. The seats, well shaped and bolstered to support and comfort, offer a diversity of adjustment. And there is space aplenty -- 565 litres of capacity with the rear seats in place, 1680 with them folded. Extra features on the 150-run limited edition to what is already a bristling equipment inventory include special 20" alloy wheels, four-zone airconditioning, choice of four metallic or pearl paint colours, heated front seats, Milano leather seats and tailgate with electric opening and closing function. audi a6 allroad limited edition Volkswagen's introduction of an auto transmission to the Amarok ute will add buyer appeal. It's a ZF design and, with eight ratios, it's sophisticated, even by passenger car standards, and a 'first' for a ute. Automatic dual cab Amaroks feature the new TDi 420 engine and permanent 4Motion all- wheel-drive system. The auto's spread of ratios work effectively to reduce fuel use and keep revs low at highway speeds (a low 1650rpm at 100km/h, just below the revs at which maximum torque is available), while still providing low gearing for off-road use, towing and the like. Our first exposure to this drivetrain was at launch in the Flinders Ranges, where it proved its off-road abilities crawling up and down steep rocky ridges, and ploughing through red sand dunes and rutted tracks turned to mud by recent rain. It's no shrinking violet, despite lacking the conventional low-range transfer box. On road, Amarok is very car-like to drive compared to most dualcab utes. Its ride quality is pretty much class- leading, and dynamically it's adept. The TDi420 performs well, despite being only 2.0-litre capacity, and with minimal turbo lag. Folding the rear seat backrest is awkward, requiring the release tabs at both extremities of the backrest to be pulled up simultaneously. Three child restraint points are located on the seatback. vw amarok tdi420 highline dualcab ute KEY STATS RRP: $53,990 (auto)^ SAFETY: Dual front/front side, head and thorax airbags, electronic stability/ traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, daytime running lights. KEY FEATURES: Dual-zone climate control, 17" alloys/full-size spare, security alarm, bluetooth with audio streaming, CD, rear park sensors, differential lock. ENGINE: 2.0-litre, common-rail bi-turbo-diesel 4-cyl. MAX. POWER: 132kW @ 4000rpm. MAX. TORQUE: 420Nm @ 1750rpm. 0-100 KM/H: 11.9 sec. 80 KM/H-STOP: 25.2m. FUEL (ADR FIGURE): 8.3 litres/100km. ANCAP CRASH RATING: EMISSIONS RATING: FOR: Ride and handling, safety, eight- speed auto, off-road ability. AGAINST: Price, rear seatback awkward to fold. MOTORING | NEW CAR REVIEW REVIEWS BY BARRY GREEN AND JOHN EWING MLP: $117,900 (as tested) SAFETY: Dual front/side/curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability/traction control, electronic diff lock. KEY FEATURES: Adaptive air suspension, front/rear park assist with rearview camera, powered driver's seat with memory and lumbar support, sat- nav, bluetooth with voice control. ENGINE: 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel V6. MAX. POWER: 180kW @ 4000- 4500rpm. MAX. TORQUE: 580Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm. 0-100 KM/H: 6.6 sec (claimed). 80 KM/H-STOP: N/A. FUEL (ADR FIGURE): 6.3 litres/100km. ANCAP CRASH RATING: EMISSIONS RATING: FOR: Versatility, exclusivity. AGAINST: Pricey compared to standard Avant.
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