2003 Audi A6 3.0 CVT : Review
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SEE ALSO: Audi Buyer's Guide
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS
What are important characteristics for a luxury car? Comfort,
certainly, and that is enhanced by mechanical and ride smoothness.
Quietness, too, is critical, and that is ensured by solid design and
construction, and excellence in soundproofing engineering and
manufacturing. Power doesn't hurt, and efficient power, which
combines high output with good fuel economy and low emissions,
is the best. After all, waste does not contribute to wealth.
That said, one of the smoothest, quietest cars I've driven in
recent memory, and one that exemplifies the characteristics above,
isn't even in the ultra-expensive premium luxury class. It's the 2002
Audi A6 3.0 CVT, a comfortably mid-sized sedan priced at the low
end of the mid-luxury class. The 2002 A6 line of subtly restyled
sedans and wagons is comprehensive, with quattro(tm) all-wheel
drive or FrontTrak front-wheel drive, and 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6,
4.2-liter V8, or new 3.0-liter V6 engines. In various models, manual
or automatic transmissions - with Tiptronic (r) manual shift mode -
are offered. But innovative engineering is an Audi hallmark, and the
most innovative feature of the A6 line is the ``Multitronic''(tm)
continuously-variable transmission (CVT) available in the A6 3.0
FrontTrak sedan.
CVTs have been around for over 40 years, but have previously
only been offered in small, low-powered economy cars. Early CVTs
used hydraulically-controlled variable-sized pulleys and rubber
belts. The Multitronic replaces rubber with steel, using a vanadium-
plated steel link-pin chain that can easily handle the 3.0-liter
engine's 221 lb-ft of torque. Electronics and hydraulics together
control its function. The sides of the variable-sized pulleys, called
``variators'' by Audi, move in and out, changing the chain's
position and the diameter of the pulley. In this way, an infinite gear
ratio range between the lowest and highest point is obtained, with
no discrete shifting. There are torque converter automatics,
including Audi's, that shift very smoothly and almost imperceptibly,
but the Multitronic illustrates the difference between ``almost'' and
truly imperceptible. Unless it is placed in manual-shift mode, the
Multitronic never shifts, in a conventional sense. It is uncannily
smooth.
I've been spoiled by my week with an A6. With its combination
of style, space, grace, and power, it brings the refinement expected
from a premium luxury car into the heart of the luxury marketplace.
APPEARANCE: In general shape, the 2002 A6 seems no different
than last year's car, and Audi obviously has gotten the shape right
as elements of it, particularly the long, arched passenger cabin, have
appeared in designs by other manufacturers. But notice the details.
The front has been revised, with Audi's new horizontally-split,
chrome-trimmed grille and restyled headlights. At the rear, the
taillights have been redone, and all models now have dual exhausts.
The changes, though minor, add up to a more defined, athletic look.
COMFORT: Inside, too, the `02 A6 has only minor changes to its
already-excellent design. Highlights include aluminum bezels
around the instruments, aluminum trim on the shift knob and gate,
and revised switchgear. A new steering wheel incorporates audio
and cruise controls. The atmosphere is one of conservative
European luxury, with a two-tone color scheme and burled walnut
trim. There is no shortage of room. Imagine a car in which people
argue over who gets to sit in the back seat because they want to sit
in the spacious back seat. That car exists. It's called the Audi A6.
Design of both the power front buckets and rear bench is
supportive and very comfortable. The optional seat heaters are the
best in the business, with six levels, but I didn't have a chance to
use them this time around. With the outside thermometer showing
108F, the air conditioning got a workout, and passed with flying
colors. Space, design, and comfort make the A6 a winner.
SAFETY: The Audi A6 3.0 has standard front, front side, and
``sideguard'' curtain air bags, antilock disc brakes, and a sturdy
central structure with front and rear crumple zones.
ROADABILITY: The A6 is primarily a luxury car, but it's a
German luxury car made for German driving, so it is capable on any
sort of road, and at speeds far in excess of what are legal in the
U.S. A rigid chassis allows relatively soft shock and spring tuning,
for first-rate ride comfort and near sports-sedan cornering ability.
The A6 3.0 CVT is a front-wheel drive car with 221 lb-ft of torque,
but the four-link front suspension eliminates torque steer, for more
precise, safer handling, and increased comfort. In town, through the
twisties, or on the open road, the A6 3.0 CVT is quiet,
comfortable, and composed. When pushed hard, it seems to get
smaller and even more responsive.
PERFORMANCE: Although Audi's new 3.0-liter V6 is only 200
cubic centimeters larger than the old 2.8, those 200ccs make a very
noticeable difference, particularly when matched to the Multitronic
CVT. The engine block is now aluminum, for lighter weight. Five
valve per cylinder heads ensure good breathing, as do a two-stage
intake manifold and variable intake cam timing, for maximum
power with minimum emissions. Horsepower and torque are up, to
220 bhp at 6300 rpm and 221 lb-ft at 3200. The Multitronic keeps
the engine at the most efficient part of its rev range, maximizing
both performance and economy, and can simulate a lower gear
when descending a grade. Because it continuously varies ratios, it
never shifts in the conventional sense. This feels strange at first, but
you'll soon get used to it, and the smoothest torque converter
automatic will feel crude and jerky. A manual mode, with six
``ratios'' programmed in software, is included. It is never really
necessary, but certainly adds enjoyment for performance driving,
keeping the engine in the higher, more powerful part of its power
band. In several hundred miles of mixed city, backroad, and short-
hop highway driving, I averaged 23 mpg - not bad at all for a
quick, powerful, and roomy luxury car driven with no particular eye
toward economy.
CONCLUSIONS: The Audi A6 CVT combines smooth comfort
and power in a luxurious manner.
SPECIFICATIONS
2002 Audi A6 3.0 CVT
Base Price $ 35,400
Price As Tested $ 40,325
Engine Type aluminum alloy 30-valve V6 with
variable intake valve timing and
manifold path
Engine Size 3.0 liters / 181 cu. in.
Horsepower 220 @ 6300 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 221 @ 3200 rpm
Transmission electronically and hydraulically-
controlled continuously-variable
Wheelbase / Length 108.7 in. / 192.0 in.
Curb Weight 3516 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 16.0
Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
Tires P205/55 HR16 Goodyear Eagle RS-A
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc,
antilock standard
Suspension, front/rear 4-link independent / torsion beam axle
Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 19 / 25 / 23
0 to 60 mph 7.1 sec (mfg)
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Preferred Luxury Package - includes: glass power tilt
and slide sunroof and leather upholstery $ 1,800
Audi Navigation System $ 1,350
Premium Package - includes: multi-function steering
wheel, xenon high-intensify headlights, rear
Parktronic® $ 1,200
Destination Charge $ 575