Audi A6 Hybrid 2.0 TFSI (A) Review
10 Oct 2012|24,852 views
Audi has finally mustered its effort to bring on board its first hybrid offering for the local market. Based on the A6 sedan, it looks all set to hop onto the bandwagon of its highly successful petrol-driven brethren. In fact, the 'standard' A6 overtook the smaller A4 to become the marque’s top seller in Singapore.
The A6's entrant makes for a more enthralling segment which was previously dominated by the Japanese with the Lexus - we all love variety don't we? And now with Audi's A6 hybridised, the Four Rings seems set to take on its peers, with its clever engineering and seamless hybrid set-up.
Exterior
Like its competitors from Lexus and BMW, the A6 is basically a standard sedan with a bolt-on hybrid drivetrain. Visually, little sets the hybrid variant apart from its pure petrol brethren, with a trio of small badges on its flank and rump - none of the sort of shout-out 'eco-friendliness' one gets from the ActiveHybrid 5 (AH5).
The optional LED headlamps (the one that our test car has been blessed with) are different from the ordinary HID - it accentuates a delightful ambience when viewed at night thanks to the glowing white hue. Speaking of optional preferences, the two-tone 'turbine-styled' 18-inch rims that you see here are also part of the options list (17-inch comes as standard).
At 4915mm long and 1455mm tall, the A6 hybrid is longer and sits lower than the BMW AH5, pulling off a more stream-lined stance, which is further helped by the sweeping headlamps.
The A6's entrant makes for a more enthralling segment which was previously dominated by the Japanese with the Lexus - we all love variety don't we? And now with Audi's A6 hybridised, the Four Rings seems set to take on its peers, with its clever engineering and seamless hybrid set-up.
Exterior
Like its competitors from Lexus and BMW, the A6 is basically a standard sedan with a bolt-on hybrid drivetrain. Visually, little sets the hybrid variant apart from its pure petrol brethren, with a trio of small badges on its flank and rump - none of the sort of shout-out 'eco-friendliness' one gets from the ActiveHybrid 5 (AH5).
The optional LED headlamps (the one that our test car has been blessed with) are different from the ordinary HID - it accentuates a delightful ambience when viewed at night thanks to the glowing white hue. Speaking of optional preferences, the two-tone 'turbine-styled' 18-inch rims that you see here are also part of the options list (17-inch comes as standard).
At 4915mm long and 1455mm tall, the A6 hybrid is longer and sits lower than the BMW AH5, pulling off a more stream-lined stance, which is further helped by the sweeping headlamps.
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Doing without the 'S' kits, the hybrid is properly elegant with long overhangs forming a flowing silhouette - purposeful without feeling overtly bulky.
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Interior
The choice of interior colours will radically change the mood of the cabin, as with the experience one gets. The dark-coloured interior on our test car gives rise to a solemn ambience, with textured aluminium trims adding an intrinsic touch.
The hybrid is every bit as roomy as its direct competitors. But it's the sweeping dashboard, intuitive layout and top-notch materials that make it that much more desirable to have.
Textured aluminium trims flow well with the 'cutting-edge tech' feel of the car
The choice of interior colours will radically change the mood of the cabin, as with the experience one gets. The dark-coloured interior on our test car gives rise to a solemn ambience, with textured aluminium trims adding an intrinsic touch.
The hybrid is every bit as roomy as its direct competitors. But it's the sweeping dashboard, intuitive layout and top-notch materials that make it that much more desirable to have.
Perhaps the only complain we have is the rather hard rear centre-seat which is better left for shorter commutes. Otherwise, the leather-swathed seats are snugly supportive and plush, which stirs both the aesthetics and sensory experience.
Like the AH5, the A6 hybrid is only available in sedan guise. But unlike the former, the A6's battery pack is stowed horizontally onto the boot floor. While that allows for an extended boot space via the fold flat rear seats, it hampers functionality due to the restricted height.
Stowed battery pack allows for fold-flat rear seats
Like the AH5, the A6 hybrid is only available in sedan guise. But unlike the former, the A6's battery pack is stowed horizontally onto the boot floor. While that allows for an extended boot space via the fold flat rear seats, it hampers functionality due to the restricted height.
 |
The Drive
Like any other hybrids, the A6 starts off with an eerily-quiet hum. When fully-charged, the battery has enough juices to see to a range of three kilometres (at speeds of up to 60km/h), or accelerate up to 100km/h - boasting notable figures considering that this is not a fully-electric car.
The efficiency meter on the dash, seemingly, has a profound effect on the driver. More often than not, you'll find yourself keeping the gauge in the 'efficiency' zone, with the payoff being a fairly impressive fuel economy figure of 8L/100km. It simply curbs your urge to put the hammer down on the hybrid.
Power metre has a profound effect on driving style
Substituting the conventional torque converter is an electric motor, together with a multi-plate clutch, tasked for coupling / decoupling duties of the drive-train. Praiseworthy is the silk-like swops between the two sources (electric and petrol), ensuring smooth pickup.
Tipping the scales at just 1,770 kg - almost 130kgs heavier than the A6 Sedan - the heft of the hybrid sedan can be felt over the bends, especially when taken at speeds.
Like any other hybrids, the A6 starts off with an eerily-quiet hum. When fully-charged, the battery has enough juices to see to a range of three kilometres (at speeds of up to 60km/h), or accelerate up to 100km/h - boasting notable figures considering that this is not a fully-electric car.
The efficiency meter on the dash, seemingly, has a profound effect on the driver. More often than not, you'll find yourself keeping the gauge in the 'efficiency' zone, with the payoff being a fairly impressive fuel economy figure of 8L/100km. It simply curbs your urge to put the hammer down on the hybrid.
Substituting the conventional torque converter is an electric motor, together with a multi-plate clutch, tasked for coupling / decoupling duties of the drive-train. Praiseworthy is the silk-like swops between the two sources (electric and petrol), ensuring smooth pickup.
Tipping the scales at just 1,770 kg - almost 130kgs heavier than the A6 Sedan - the heft of the hybrid sedan can be felt over the bends, especially when taken at speeds.
Usually, in cases where the car is packed with commensurate amount of power on tap, it is a constant struggle to not utilise them on the road. And it's the same with the A6 Hybrid. There are little bits of exhilaration which can be achieved from short sprints off the line, accompanied by a screeching sound from the front tyres that will garner stares from the driver beside you.
When the occasion calls for it the hybrid packs generous amount of 'kick' to put you through aspirated acceleration. The electric drivetrain provides instantaneous propulsion with the least effort. Surprising, the blown 2.0-litre engine can churn out quite a bit of rumble (unlike the quiet, inert impression we have of hybrids) when driven pedal to the metal.
Unfortunately, the steering feels like it could do with more weight. Once up to illegal speeds, the steering gets a tad numb, limiting the much needed feedback to the driver. That said, the A6 Hybrid has a rather planted stance whenever thrown into bends, as you push the car's limits of adhesion.
Conclusion
The point of having a hybrid, no doubt, lies in its augmented efficiency. There are no qualms that the A6 hybrid aces in this aspect.
The Germans have also gone to show that hybrids aren't always boring, disenchanted bits of motoring that are meant solely for the tree-huggers. It could very well be the solution for smart car-buyers who are looking for the extra bit of cost savings without losing the fun and sporting bits.
When the occasion calls for it the hybrid packs generous amount of 'kick' to put you through aspirated acceleration. The electric drivetrain provides instantaneous propulsion with the least effort. Surprising, the blown 2.0-litre engine can churn out quite a bit of rumble (unlike the quiet, inert impression we have of hybrids) when driven pedal to the metal.
Unfortunately, the steering feels like it could do with more weight. Once up to illegal speeds, the steering gets a tad numb, limiting the much needed feedback to the driver. That said, the A6 Hybrid has a rather planted stance whenever thrown into bends, as you push the car's limits of adhesion.
Conclusion
The point of having a hybrid, no doubt, lies in its augmented efficiency. There are no qualms that the A6 hybrid aces in this aspect.
The Germans have also gone to show that hybrids aren't always boring, disenchanted bits of motoring that are meant solely for the tree-huggers. It could very well be the solution for smart car-buyers who are looking for the extra bit of cost savings without losing the fun and sporting bits.
Audi has finally mustered its effort to bring on board its first hybrid offering for the local market. Based on the A6 sedan, it looks all set to hop onto the bandwagon of its highly successful petrol-driven brethren. In fact, the 'standard' A6 overtook the smaller A4 to become the marque’s top seller in Singapore.
The A6's entrant makes for a more enthralling segment which was previously dominated by the Japanese with the Lexus - we all love variety don't we? And now with Audi's A6 hybridised, the Four Rings seems set to take on its peers, with its clever engineering and seamless hybrid set-up.
Exterior
Like its competitors from Lexus and BMW, the A6 is basically a standard sedan with a bolt-on hybrid drivetrain. Visually, little sets the hybrid variant apart from its pure petrol brethren, with a trio of small badges on its flank and rump - none of the sort of shout-out 'eco-friendliness' one gets from the ActiveHybrid 5 (AH5).
The optional LED headlamps (the one that our test car has been blessed with) are different from the ordinary HID - it accentuates a delightful ambience when viewed at night thanks to the glowing white hue. Speaking of optional preferences, the two-tone 'turbine-styled' 18-inch rims that you see here are also part of the options list (17-inch comes as standard).
At 4915mm long and 1455mm tall, the A6 hybrid is longer and sits lower than the BMW AH5, pulling off a more stream-lined stance, which is further helped by the sweeping headlamps.
The A6's entrant makes for a more enthralling segment which was previously dominated by the Japanese with the Lexus - we all love variety don't we? And now with Audi's A6 hybridised, the Four Rings seems set to take on its peers, with its clever engineering and seamless hybrid set-up.
Exterior
Like its competitors from Lexus and BMW, the A6 is basically a standard sedan with a bolt-on hybrid drivetrain. Visually, little sets the hybrid variant apart from its pure petrol brethren, with a trio of small badges on its flank and rump - none of the sort of shout-out 'eco-friendliness' one gets from the ActiveHybrid 5 (AH5).
The optional LED headlamps (the one that our test car has been blessed with) are different from the ordinary HID - it accentuates a delightful ambience when viewed at night thanks to the glowing white hue. Speaking of optional preferences, the two-tone 'turbine-styled' 18-inch rims that you see here are also part of the options list (17-inch comes as standard).
At 4915mm long and 1455mm tall, the A6 hybrid is longer and sits lower than the BMW AH5, pulling off a more stream-lined stance, which is further helped by the sweeping headlamps.
Doing without the 'S' kits, the hybrid is properly elegant with long overhangs forming a flowing silhouette - purposeful without feeling overtly bulky.
Interior
The choice of interior colours will radically change the mood of the cabin, as with the experience one gets. The dark-coloured interior on our test car gives rise to a solemn ambience, with textured aluminium trims adding an intrinsic touch.
The hybrid is every bit as roomy as its direct competitors. But it's the sweeping dashboard, intuitive layout and top-notch materials that make it that much more desirable to have.
The choice of interior colours will radically change the mood of the cabin, as with the experience one gets. The dark-coloured interior on our test car gives rise to a solemn ambience, with textured aluminium trims adding an intrinsic touch.
The hybrid is every bit as roomy as its direct competitors. But it's the sweeping dashboard, intuitive layout and top-notch materials that make it that much more desirable to have.
Perhaps the only complain we have is the rather hard rear centre-seat which is better left for shorter commutes. Otherwise, the leather-swathed seats are snugly supportive and plush, which stirs both the aesthetics and sensory experience.
Like the AH5, the A6 hybrid is only available in sedan guise. But unlike the former, the A6's battery pack is stowed horizontally onto the boot floor. While that allows for an extended boot space via the fold flat rear seats, it hampers functionality due to the restricted height.
Like the AH5, the A6 hybrid is only available in sedan guise. But unlike the former, the A6's battery pack is stowed horizontally onto the boot floor. While that allows for an extended boot space via the fold flat rear seats, it hampers functionality due to the restricted height.
The Drive
Like any other hybrids, the A6 starts off with an eerily-quiet hum. When fully-charged, the battery has enough juices to see to a range of three kilometres (at speeds of up to 60km/h), or accelerate up to 100km/h - boasting notable figures considering that this is not a fully-electric car.
The efficiency meter on the dash, seemingly, has a profound effect on the driver. More often than not, you'll find yourself keeping the gauge in the 'efficiency' zone, with the payoff being a fairly impressive fuel economy figure of 8L/100km. It simply curbs your urge to put the hammer down on the hybrid.
Substituting the conventional torque converter is an electric motor, together with a multi-plate clutch, tasked for coupling / decoupling duties of the drive-train. Praiseworthy is the silk-like swops between the two sources (electric and petrol), ensuring smooth pickup.
Tipping the scales at just 1,770 kg - almost 130kgs heavier than the A6 Sedan - the heft of the hybrid sedan can be felt over the bends, especially when taken at speeds.
Like any other hybrids, the A6 starts off with an eerily-quiet hum. When fully-charged, the battery has enough juices to see to a range of three kilometres (at speeds of up to 60km/h), or accelerate up to 100km/h - boasting notable figures considering that this is not a fully-electric car.
The efficiency meter on the dash, seemingly, has a profound effect on the driver. More often than not, you'll find yourself keeping the gauge in the 'efficiency' zone, with the payoff being a fairly impressive fuel economy figure of 8L/100km. It simply curbs your urge to put the hammer down on the hybrid.
Substituting the conventional torque converter is an electric motor, together with a multi-plate clutch, tasked for coupling / decoupling duties of the drive-train. Praiseworthy is the silk-like swops between the two sources (electric and petrol), ensuring smooth pickup.
Tipping the scales at just 1,770 kg - almost 130kgs heavier than the A6 Sedan - the heft of the hybrid sedan can be felt over the bends, especially when taken at speeds.
Usually, in cases where the car is packed with commensurate amount of power on tap, it is a constant struggle to not utilise them on the road. And it's the same with the A6 Hybrid. There are little bits of exhilaration which can be achieved from short sprints off the line, accompanied by a screeching sound from the front tyres that will garner stares from the driver beside you.
When the occasion calls for it the hybrid packs generous amount of 'kick' to put you through aspirated acceleration. The electric drivetrain provides instantaneous propulsion with the least effort. Surprising, the blown 2.0-litre engine can churn out quite a bit of rumble (unlike the quiet, inert impression we have of hybrids) when driven pedal to the metal.
Unfortunately, the steering feels like it could do with more weight. Once up to illegal speeds, the steering gets a tad numb, limiting the much needed feedback to the driver. That said, the A6 Hybrid has a rather planted stance whenever thrown into bends, as you push the car's limits of adhesion.
Conclusion
The point of having a hybrid, no doubt, lies in its augmented efficiency. There are no qualms that the A6 hybrid aces in this aspect.
The Germans have also gone to show that hybrids aren't always boring, disenchanted bits of motoring that are meant solely for the tree-huggers. It could very well be the solution for smart car-buyers who are looking for the extra bit of cost savings without losing the fun and sporting bits.
When the occasion calls for it the hybrid packs generous amount of 'kick' to put you through aspirated acceleration. The electric drivetrain provides instantaneous propulsion with the least effort. Surprising, the blown 2.0-litre engine can churn out quite a bit of rumble (unlike the quiet, inert impression we have of hybrids) when driven pedal to the metal.
Unfortunately, the steering feels like it could do with more weight. Once up to illegal speeds, the steering gets a tad numb, limiting the much needed feedback to the driver. That said, the A6 Hybrid has a rather planted stance whenever thrown into bends, as you push the car's limits of adhesion.
Conclusion
The point of having a hybrid, no doubt, lies in its augmented efficiency. There are no qualms that the A6 hybrid aces in this aspect.
The Germans have also gone to show that hybrids aren't always boring, disenchanted bits of motoring that are meant solely for the tree-huggers. It could very well be the solution for smart car-buyers who are looking for the extra bit of cost savings without losing the fun and sporting bits.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Car Information
Audi A6 Hybrid 2.0 TFSI (A)
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|16.1km/L
Horsepower
157kW (211 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
7.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Audi A6 Hybrid
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