Geneva Motor Show 2004 - Audi

Audi's new A6 executive car made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show today.

The BMW 5-series rival is considerably bigger than its predecessor and provides more cabin space, as well as a larger boot, which has a class-leading capacity of 546 litres.

It includes a striking new grille that will be used on future Audi models, including the new A4 compact executive which is due next year.

Every new A6 will be fitted with Audi’s Multi-Media Interface system – a rotary control that is used to operate audio and climate functions and, on higher-spec models, the sat-nav system. Cruise control, CD player, automatic headlights and automatic windscreen wipers are also standard.

Options include keyless entry and starting with a fingerprint recognition system that remembers each individual driver’s preferred set-up such as the seat position and radio station. The system is already available on the A8. Buyers can also opt for a surround-sound stereo and adaptive headlamps that can swivel to shine round corners.

Prices for the new range start at £24,175. Although that’s £3000 more expensive than the outgoing entry-level model, it is now a 2.4 V6 rather than a four-cylinder 2.0. The 2.4 is actually cheaper than the old car with a similar engine.

Also available will be a 252bhp 3.2-litre V6 engine costing from £30,225, and a 222bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel starting at £31,680.

Order books will be opened in early April, with the first cars to be delivered to customers from June 12. Avant estate versions will arrive in a year’s time.