Audi A6 now available with 2.0 TDI engine, prices start at Rs 37.7 lakhs

Looks like Indian car segment is flooding with so many options in Diesel engines, the latest to enter the league is the German luxury car manufacturer, Audi with Audi A6 2.0L TDI. Audi India launched an entry level diesel variant of the A6 with a 2.0L TDI engine.

 

The Audi A6 has always been a successful executive sedan all over the world. Earlier, the A6 was only available in 3 engine options 2.8 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI. So those of you looking for a smaller engine than 3.0 TDI in Audi A6, because of higher price range, can have a big smile with this launch. Priced at Rs 37,70,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) Audi A6 2.0 TDI will be available at Audi dealerships from October 2011.

However, Audi India has realized the potential of the entry level diesel executive sedan market and has dropped the 2.0L TDI from the Q5 in the A6. This lighter car is more fuel efficient and Audi say that their car has been tested by an independent body and found to return a scarcely believable 18.9 kmpl under real Indian road conditions with 4 cylinder producing 177 horsepower.

 

On the launch, the Head of Audi India, Michael Perschke, commented on the new A6 by saying, “It gives us great pride in showcasing that the new Audi A6 has again established a new benchmark globally and now proven on Indian roads. With the reversion of the weight spiral, we were able to make the new A6 lighter than its predecessor thanks to the use of hybrid materials and using our years of experience with aluminium. We have now proved on Indian road conditions that our diesel technology leadership is very relevant and successful. This technology made us the winner at the world famous endurance race - 24hrs of Le Mans this year again. The new A6 2.0 TDI is a new benchmark globally and in India for sporty, yet efficient driving, paired with Audi’s progressive design. We achieved consumption levels with a 1585 kg weight car, which many smaller cars in India cannot achieve. This clearly signifies our philosophy - "Vorsprung durch Technik". With the arrival of this important model and the 2.0 TDi engine in India, we are confident that we might even increase our forecast for this year based on a strong response to the new A6."

Engine specifications are as follows –

Engine	2.0 TDI Diesel engine
Engine Displacement(cc)	1968
Maximum Power	130KW @ 3750-4200
Maximum Torque	380Nm @ 1750-2500
Mileage-Highway(kmpl)	18.9
Fuel Tank Capacity(litres)	70
Seating Capacity	5

Aston-ishingly Rapide

“The Rapide is a sport car,” says Ulrich Bez, the chief executive of Aston Martin. He doesn’t want this car to be misunderstood. It is not a rival for the Bentley Continental Flying Spur or the uber-sedans from Mercedes, BMW and Audi and it differs fundamentally from its most obvious counterpart, the Porsche Panamera. Aston distinguishes it’s Rapide like this: the Porsche was designed as a low-line car providing generous space for four adults and the body was shaped accordingly, hence its hump backed look. Whereas the Rapide is an Aston Martin DB9 with more room for people and luggage but no compromise to its gorgeous, flowing style.

Rapide is not a car for the part-time driver who likes to conduct business from the back seat while the chauffeur negotiates weekday traffic. Neither is it suitable for making the grand entrance at a film premiere or society ball, or we should say, it would be difficult for a skirted lady (or a Scotsman) to retain modesty while emerging from the back. The Rapide’s rear doors hinge forward and slightly upwards-Aston calls this ‘swan wing’- and there has been extensive paring of the structure and trim around the seats to allow the maximum amount of space and ease of entry and exit through the small door apertures. There is more room in the Panamera but the Rapide’s rear passengers are cozier and also have better visibility because the seating position is slightly higher than in the front.

 
The 6-litre V12 engine is familiar and has the same power (474PS) and torque output as the latest DB9. The ubiquitous ZF six-speed automatic transmission is the only gearbox available. It works beautifully and allows manual operation from paddles behind the steering wheel. A fascia switch marked Sport speeds up the automatic shifts as well as sharpening the throttle response. Again, the effect is not as marked as in some other models, as Aston always seeks to make the Rapide a more comfortable Grand Tourer while maintaining its sporting character.
The Rapide’s performance - maximum speed 296kmph and 0-100kmph in 5.2 seconds -is only fractionally slower than the DB9. It has the same rich exhaust tone when the ‘active bypass valve’ in the exhaust is opened. But it has suppleness on undulating roads and broken surfaces that the other cars lack. 

 
If we talk about the in-car entertainment, the Rapide comes as standard with an impressive 1,000- watt Bang & Olufsen stereo system with 15 speakers including two ‘acoustic lenses’ that pop up from the top of the fascia. Options include a DVD player with screens in the back of the front seats and a cooling system incorporated in all four seats. Also available is a set of fitted luggage, in leather to match the car’s trim. Actually the advantage of the Rapide is that, unlike the two-door Astons, it can accommodate a reasonable amount of ordinary luggage, including suitcases. For many owners, this will be the clincher: an Aston Martin that you really can use for the family holiday.

Audi Q5 Business Edition coming up in October 2011

Armed with a two liter mill with Quattro, Audi Q5's will be available in showrooms across India from October this year priced at Rs. 35.13 lakhs ex-showroom Maharashtra as a CKD unit.


The German car manufacturer, Audi has announced the launch of its Audi Q5 Business Edition. The small SUV from Audi is powered by a 2.0 liter TDI motor pumping out 172 PS of power and 300 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm with a fuel efficiency of 12 kilometers to a liter. 17 inch alloys, xenon plus headlamps, daytime running lights, and an infotainment system with concert radio will run as standard equipment on the car.

“The Audi Q5 2.0 TDI q is perfectly equipped to further strengthen our leadership position in the luxury SUV segment. As the Audi Q5 already has a broad fan base in India, this attractive price will now make this premium experience accessible to a wider customer base who aspire to own a luxury SUV endorsed by our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ philosophy. The Audi Q5 2.0 TDI q powered by a dynamic and efficient engine is also equipped with best in-class interior and infotainment features,” said Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.

In order to enhance the driving pleasure, a multi-function steering wheel, leather interiors with wood panels and rear parking aid would also be a part of the Audi Q5 Business Edition. “Audi India has experienced formidable growth, even surpassing annual sales of 3003 cars for 2010 in the first seven months of 2011. In July 2011, we sold 343 cars – a growth of 52 percent over the same period last year. Our focus is on strengthening our portfolio through the introduction of products like the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI q which are extremely relevant for India and also the expansion of our dealer network. With the opportunity that India presents, we are confident of achieving our retail sales target of 5000 cars by the end of 2011,” added Perschke.