LOCAL SPINS lithium-ion battery that is capable of driving the 1,845kg sedan solely on electric power , making it a full hybrid .
Inside the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission , the conventional torque converter has been replaced with a 54hp , 210Nm electric motor . In a controlled environment , the motor is powerful enough to propel the A6 Hybrid up to 100km / h or cover a distance of 3km at a constant 60km / h .
Out in the real world , this translates to a smooth transition between electric and petrol power . In peak hour traffic , the A6 Hybrid silently carves its way through the maze of metal . Prod the throttle harder , the engine is awakened but the driver won ’ t notice it without looking at the change in graphics on the seveninch driver information system on the instrument panel .
The transition from regenerative braking , electric mode driving to petrol mode driving is hardly noticeable .
An electrically operated airconditioning compressor keeps the cabin cool irrespective of whether the engine is running or not .
When inching along in traffic or idling , the 2-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol is put to sleep . The “ Powermeter ,” which sits in place of the conventional tachometer gauge , is the only indication of the vehicle ’ s ignition status .
Instead of displaying the engine revolutions per minute , the Powermeter displays the percentage of the hybrid drivetrain ’ s total output that is being sent to the front wheels .
Keep it below 40 per cent and you will have no problem exceeding Audi ’ s indicated combined driving
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fuel consumption of 6.2 litres per 100km . Exceed the 100 per cent mark , the electric motor goes into a “ boost ” mode and switches from keeping the polar ice caps from melting to melting the tarmac .
With five adults on board , the A6 Hybrid never left us wanting for more performance .
The engine alone produces 350Nm from 1,500rpm while the electric motor provides another 210Nm from just over zero rpm . As both drive systems peak at different speeds , total system
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SpECifiCaTiOnS
Audi A6 Hybrid
Engine 2-litre , 4-cylinder 16-valve , direct injection , turbocharged
Power ( total system ) 245hp
Torque ( total system ) 480nm
Transmission eight speed tiptronic
Safety six airbags , esp , aBs with eBd and BA , EDL , Isofix
Price rm 288,000 excluding insurance
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torque is slightly less than a sum of the two , at 480Nm , which is still 80Nm more than a 3.6-litre Porsche Cayenne .
Rear occupants , however , may find legroom much less than expected . Despite being a front wheel drive , the A6 Hybrid retains the same floorpan shared with its all-wheel drive “ quattro ” siblings . Running across the entire length of the cabin is a large transmission tunnel . Comfort of the middle rear passenger aside , the A6 Hybrid ,
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like any other Audi , has the best interior in its class .
Cabin trim is beautifully textured and styled . Contours , separator panels and switches flow harmoniously from the doors to the dashboard to the centre console .
Audis of yore were not known for their prowess in ride and handling . While we won ’ t go as far as to say this A6 Hybrid matches the best of Bavaria and Stuttgart , the gap is now a lot closer than before .
Over bumps and ruts , the A6 Hybrid remains pliant , despite additional weight penalty from the traction battery in the rear . Body roll resistance remains good without making the ride harsh .
There ’ s also an Audi Drive Select function which allows drivers to customise the damper setting and power steering assistance .
Setting the steering to Dynamic makes the steering wheel heavier , but the extra heft pays little dividends in terms of steering feedback .
A typical Audi owner is not bothered with “ peasantry ” details such as fuel consumption , but if you have to know , the trip computer returned an average figure of 7.8 litres per 100km , with most of our driving done in heavy urban traffic .
In summary , buyers in the luxury car segment never had it so good . Audi rivals , on the other hand , never had their products undermined this much .
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