Setting up a new computer always involves a little work that, by most accounts, is a lot of fun and gratifying too. You get to learn new things, and that custom set-up you achieve a few months down the line, tailored to your working style and needs, is deeply satisfying.
So too is the new A6 from Audi and, in this case, a rather explosive 3,0 V6 turbo diesel.
Its instrumentation and layout is not far removed from what pilots refer to as a glass cockpit in their offices — cathode ray technology (CRT) or, more simply, many TV screens that display myriad information at the touch of a button.
The Audi doesn’t use CRT, but setting it up is much the same as setting up a new PC, and it is all done via the array of buttons on the gear console, which utilises an LCD colour monitor driven by a multimedia interface. Through this you set up the central locking, climate control, lighting and audio preferences, to name a few.
It’s not dissimilar from BMW’s I-drive, just more user-friendly.
The A6 is noticeably larger than the A4 models, and at 4,92m in length, 1,86m in width and 1,46m in height, offers enough space to comfortably seat five passengers.
It shouts opulence and, with three memory positions on each of the front seats, which are electronically adjustable, it has to be one of the most comfortable cars on the road.
Rear passengers have more than enough leg room, while the boot, at 546 litres, will swallow up the most inexperienced packer’s luggage. It has a full-size, alloy wheel as a spare too. None of the latest tyre repair kit nonsense that many manufacturers seem to favour these days.
Instrumentation is clear and easy to read, although we found that the indicators’ audio levels were a tad low and, on occasions, the system failed to auto-cancel. The cruise control lever is also a little hidden away, requiring a user to taking his or her eyes off the road to engage it.
It’s beautifully styled, and utilises Audi’s new trapezoidal single-frame radiator grille (you either like it or don’t), which has been the centre of much discussion.
The rear end is stylish too, and the overall sleek appearance is extremely pleasing to the eye.
It is under the bonnet, though, that Audi makes a big statement, especially with a punchy V6, 165kW turbo-diesel motor mated to a six-speed tiptronic gearbox.
But with 450Nm of torque available from the longitudinally mounted engine, performance can be described as extremely deceptive. There’s a trace of turbo lag on the bottom end and, to move off swiftly, depressing the accelerator gently until the turbo spools up a fraction provides the briskest of take-offs, from where you can depress to the floor.
Thereafter frequent checks need to be made on the speedometer, failing which you soon find yourself way above legal speed limits.
If you’re not satisfied with the smooth nature of the gearbox, you can, of course, control changes from the driver’s seat. Noise levels are low, too, thanks to cleverly placed and engineered sound deadening material.
With quattro permanent four-wheel drive, plus a cocktail of electronic driver aids — such as electronic stabilisation programme, ASR traction control and electronic differential lock — to keep you safely on the road, the A6 tackles corners without so much as a squeak from the generous 225mm, 55-series rubber, which is fitted to 17-inch alloys.
Arresting the A6 from speed is kid’s play, too, thanks to massive discs all round, which have anti-lock braking system and electronic brake distribution. Pedal feel is good and very progressive without being too sharp.
The servotronic steering firms up nicely at speed and, although very directional, is not too sensitive.
The 3,0 turbo-diesel uses fuel at a rate of 10,2 litres per 100km in the urban cycle, which is more than sensible given that it has to lug a rather chunky 1 765kg around, while the 100kph mark comes up in a brisk 7,6 seconds. Top speed is a claimed 243kph.
While the A6 has everything that opens and shuts, having to select the fan button before changing fan speed tends to be a little tedious.
Also, its price tag of R474 500 could warrant one or two extras, such as park distance control, which would come in extremely useful given its size.
If, however, you enjoy electronics and excellent performance coupled with very reasonable fuel usage, then the A6 3,0 Tdi will leave you with a very satisfied smile for many years.