2003 Audi A6 3.0 CVT : Review
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