Item: Used Audi A6 Avant 2004 - 2011
Rating: 4
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Estate

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

The Audi A6 Avant is a prestige load-lugger that's classy and impressively refined.

Used Audi A6 Avant 2004 - 2011

The diesel models are by far the most efficient - the 2.0 TDI has an official average of 46.0mpg, the 2.7 TDI manages 39.8mpg and the 3.0 V6 TDI 34.9mpg.

The 2.0 petrol returns a reasonable 34.5mpg, while the 2.4 V6 and 3.2 V6 FSI return an average 28.2mpg. Pick a larger-capacity petrol and you'll struggle to see 25mpg, though.

Insurance ratings are pretty high, and if you take your A6 to be serviced at an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/audi">Audi</a> dealer and you'll need to be prepared for big bills, too: labour rates are among the highest around, although not usually as high as those charged by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a> dealers. You should be able to save a fair amount by using an independent specialist instead.

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The Audi A6 Avant is a prestige load-lugger that's classy and impressively refined.


Most engines are strong, although the base 2.0 petrol and 2.0 turbodiesel feel slightly short of puff and struggle to pull the Avant when fully loaded. The 2.4 V6 is stronger, but the 3.2 V6 petrol is a better bet. It's smooth and provides strong pulling power over a wide rev range, as do the 2.7 and 3.0 V6 turbodiesels.

The 4.2 V8 petrol is hugely powerful and sounds great, while the direct-injection 4.2 V8 is punchier still, yet is more fuel-efficient.

Our favourite is the 3.0 V6 diesel, which comes with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive, as it has the best balance between power and economy. Stick with entry-level SE trim, which should provide all the equipment you need: climate control, cruise control, alloys, a CD player, traction control and automatic headlights and wipers. S-line versions have stiffened suspension and sportier cabin trim.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

There are some terrific estates at most price ranges. The humble Skoda Fabia Estate offers cavernous space for not much cash at all, for example.

Further up the price range, another of our perennial favourites is the Skoda Superb Estate;&nbsp;it’s great to drive and as practical as most people should ever need. Meanwhile, for serious mile-munching ability and a premium, well-finished interior, it’s hard to look beyond the BMW 5 Series Touring.

Audi has traditionally high standards of assembly in its cabins, and the A6 Avant certainly doesn't let the side down. Appearances are backed up by reports from owners, too - the car performed well in JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, receiving praise for its interior and exterior build quality.

The car is too new for us to have learned much about its reliability, but we expect the engines to be durable if they're serviced correctly. However, some owners have reported that the engines and transmissions were below par, and if previous A6 models are anything to go by, the latest model's suspension and brakes could be vulnerable to faults - and the subsequent repair bills would be big.

It's essential to only buy a car that's completely free from signs of abuse and which comes with a full Audi service history. Looked after well, these cars can run and run.

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The Audi A6 Avant is big in every way: big on space, prestige, equipment and power. It has everything you'd expect of an executive cruiser, with added practicality.

Five adults will be perfectly comfortable in the cabin, thanks to generous head, leg and shoulder space all-round and a multi-adjustable driving position.

Central to the A6 Avant's appeal is its big boot. Even with the rear seats in place, there's plenty of space for a family's holiday luggage, while with them folded you could use it to move house.

Its handling is pretty impressive, too. The A6 Avant changes direction sharply, resists body roll well and grips the road strongly.

Front- and four-wheel-drive versions are available, along with optional self-levelling air suspension – useful for those who carry heavy loads on a regular basis. The standard car's ride feels firm over poor surfaces, though.

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Used Audi A6 Avant 2004 - 2011 review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

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Find out how much the Audi A6 2004 - 2011 costs to run, covering expected MPG, servicing costs and insurance costs.

The diesel models are by far the most efficient - the 2.0 TDI has an official average of 46.0mpg, the 2.7 TDI manages 39.8mpg and the 3.0 V6 TDI 34.9mpg.,The 2.0 petrol returns a reasonable 34.5mpg, while the 2.4 V6 and 3.2 V6 FSI return an average 28.2mpg. Pick a larger-capacity petrol and you'll struggle to see 25mpg, though.,Insurance ratings are pretty high, and if you take your A6 to be serviced at an Audi dealer and you'll need to be prepared for big bills, too: labour rates are among the highest around, although not usually as high as those charged by BMW and Mercedes dealers. You should be able to save a fair amount by using an independent specialist instead. 

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Used Audi A6 Avant 2004 - 2011 review

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