Indeed! Yet
another hybrid—they do seem to be catching on these days…
·
Design
& Engineering:
Just as BMW’s AH (see
above reviews) and Lexus’ GS 450h (see above reviews), the A6 Hybrid is based
completely off the standard base model—being the 2-liter TFSI A6. I’m glad to
say though, that hybrid or not, I admire the bold changes in the new A6—as
compared to the previous gen., where things were simply…odd. With the hybrid,
it sports rather unconventional LED headlamps, which give it a one-of look, as
well as a sense of clean energy. From the side, one begins to notice the
difference in size, when compared to its closest rival—the AH 5. Resting at
4915mm in length, it makes the Bimmer seem to pale ever so slightly in size.
The rear is where I make my complaint. To cut a long story short, to me, Audi’s
are all about futuristic design—yet with curves. That’s why the A7 is one of my
most favored cars—blessed with sweeping and clinical lines, as well as a 22nd
century feel. As for the A6, apart from the modern taillights, there’s not much
to say about it, apart from the fact that it’s flat (not to sound crude). It
seems rather vertical to me, making it a misfit in design from the rest of the
vehicle. Also, being a hybrid, there’s not much to indicate of its
eco-friendliness; apart from a notable hybrid
label stenciled on its bum. Still, S-line package or not, one gets a pretty
good vibe from the A6 hybrid.
·
Interior
As I’ve mentioned before,
Audi makes one of the world’s best mass-produced interiors. I’m going to say it
again. With the A6, you can open and shut the door a couple hundred or so
times, twist the MMI controller back and forth a couple thousand of times, and
feel reassured by the German marques reliability and build quality. How very
German and precise. With the non-hybrid A6—the truth is, one feels more
pampered, via the contrasting colour schemes, intricate (new style) of wood
inlays, as well as through the optional S-line packages. In the A6, (well, at
least in the 2.0 TFSI variant), black leather and mini mosaic styled aluminum
is about all you get for an ‘Audi experience’. Some argue that it is to enhance
the sense of eco-friendliness, the sort. I beg to differ. Nevertheless, space,
be it at the front or the rear is more than ample—with the option to include a
4-zone climate control available as well. With the hybrid, the major change
lies in the dashboard. Instead of showing the number of revolutions per minute,
an intricate hybrid indicator lies in place—a nice touch to the vehicle. As for
the MMI system, it now includes an extra hybrid tab, allowing the driver (and
interested passengers) to get a sense of how the futuristic system powers the
vehicle. Cool eh?
·
Ride & Handlings
Due to the hybrid
system, the A6 hybrid weighs roughly a 170kg more than the non-hybrid variant. Despite
the extra kick from the hybrid pack, one does notice the extra weight—especially
when swinging hard round corners. Still, one must appraise the subtle switch
between hybrid and ‘normal’ mode, for the change seems to happen without one
being aware of it. Thankfully, the A6 Hybrid isn’t a dull vehicle at all (yes,
that’s because its not a Prius), for it churns out a light enough burble from
the 2.0 TFSI power plant—just enough to make one smile.
·
Verdict
Futuristic styling—though
most will find it hard to differentiate it between the non-hybrid variant (you
will though, considering the extra cost you had to pay in order to get the
eco-friendly variant). Seemingly flawless interior—cool MMI system; though I
must admit that the AH 5 over in the Bimmer does a better and more interesting
job of depicting the hybrid system. Great engine, satisfying sound.
Going green? Here’s another noteworthy
option.
o Pictures from:
