Audi A6 2004: The Weekly Driver Review

Like airports in many metropolitan cities, the San Francisco International
Airport is a maze of intersections, connecting ramps, misplaced
directional signs, heavy traffic, tense drivers and never-ending
construction.

Add the unfamiliarity of a new vehicle, and the driving anywhere near an
airport can be even be more unpleasant.

But such was not the case when I began my weekly test drive of the Audi
A6 at the San Francisco International Airport on a recent weekday night.

As per the manufacturer's reputation, the 265-horsepower, 2.7-liter
luxury sedan is a relaxing, refined and powerful vehicle that affords any
driver security, comfort and myriad features without intimidation.

I left a hotel parking lot near the airport following a month's travel in
Europe and was immediately catapulted back into a mess of U.S.
freeway drivers. But the suddenly reality of abrupt lane changes without
the use of turn signals and the erratic speeds were diminished by the
responsiveness of the steering, acceleration and driving comfort of my
Audi.

My vehicle, the four-wheel drive (Audi's patented name for the feature is
quattro) automatic, had a perfectly matched dolphin gray exterior and a
platinum interior, including firm and contouring gray leather seats.

The Tiptronic transmission feature, which allows gear shifting without
interruption of power, is readily noticeable as is the vehicle's firm grasp
of the road (18-inch wheels are standard) and its quiet ride.

With its substantial horsepower and five valves per cylinder, the A6 is
not particularly fast in initial acceleration, although its 0-60 mph rating of
7.0 seconds is far from slow. But at higher RPM, the vehicle is
appreciably quick, a welcomed benefit in abrupt freeway scenarios.

Beyond the Audi's performance, its front and rear-seat comfort, attractive
instrumentation and cargo room all further added to the vehicle's
designation as a Consumer Guide recommended vehicle.

Standard comfort and convenience features include: automatic dual
zone climate control with pollen filter, 12-way power front seats, wooden
inlays on the dash, console and doors, AM/FM radio with cassette and
6-disc CD changer and a concealed headlight washer.

The Audi A6 is available in nine varieties, with base prices ranging from
$35,950 to $44,246. My vehicle's base price was $43,150. But it also
featured two optional packages. The premium audio package ($1,100)
included an upgraded Bose sound system and XM satellite radio; the
premium package ($1,000) included six items, Xenon headlights to
auto-dimming interior and exterior headlights to a memory positioning
system for the front driver's seat and side mirrors.

The Audi A6 has little downside. One small concern is the position of the
handbrake. When engaged, it still appears nearly parallel to its base. As
such, a driver new to the car could easily drive a substantial distance
before realizing the brake is on.

With a destination charge of $720, the total price of my vehicle was
$46,170. Considering its marketing positioning against the Lexus LS
430 and Mercedes-Benz E Class, the Audi A6 is a fine choice under any
circumstance, the hectic nature of airports to the open road.

2004 Audi A6

Safety features -- Driver and front seat passenger dual stage
front air, side and curtain air bags, ABS brakes

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 18 mpg (city), 25 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion,
12 years, unlimited mileage; Roadside assistance, 4 years/50,000
miles.

Base price -- $43,150.00

http://ezinearticles.com/members/mem_pics/James-Raia_871.jpg" border="0" alt="EzineArticles Expert Author James Raia">

James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, California, who
writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle topics as well as the car
review colum, The Weekly Driver.

To read more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver

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