It’s 4pm and I’m heading in the wrong direction, away from my cosy home to a job miles away.
It’s already getting dark and it’s cold. I’m a morning person and this is the time of day I normally tune into my Aussie soaps before getting the tea on.
Truth be told I should be glum but I’m not and that’s largely due to the car I’m driving. This is the new Audi A6 and it’s a beauty.
Driving Audi’s latest saloon is not just good it’s a joy and it distracts me totally from the fact I’m heading out on a night job.
The sleek new look is a doozy. I really love the lines, the new sneck and the unusual lights at the back, which are especially impressive at night when they are illuminated.
It is completely and utterly an Audi but it somehow manages to look fresh, modern and characterful. It is very pretty, sporty and oozes presence. Massive tick on the aesthetic front, then.
Inside is splendid too. The whole of the dash is digital with touchscreens in the centre for the driver and to the left for the front seat passenger.
I like Audi touchscreens as they come with clicky touchy feely haptics and are nice on your digits. They are also easy to work out unlike some in the sector.
The multi-way adjustable electric driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive.
Stick the heating element on and it creates the fireside comfort of your favourite easy chair. You can add to the atmosphere with the ambient lighting and on the Launch Edition specification boasts a brilliant Bang and Olufson sound system – no wonder I’m happy.
After weeks of lecturing number one son about the importance of prioritising college work over TikTok, ironically, I’ve been distracted by Neighbours and have set off a tad late.
Not a problem in the Audi as it comes with a 2.0 litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid motor, four wheel steering and all-wheel-drive.
The petrol and electric motors combine to unleash 299PS and 450Nm of torque so performance is strong.
For instance, the benchmark 62mph sprint time is just six seconds and there’s loads of lusty mid-range to employ while darting cross-country.
For 60 miles the Audi will run on pure electric, or it will work in tandem with the ICE (internal combustion engine). When it is charged, the miles per gallon figure is boosted to 113 but once it has gone consumption drops to around 40, though I did manage to eke out 44 at one point.
The Quattro all-wheel-drive, coupled to the four wheel steering, gives the A6 impeccable handling. It rounds bends with consummate ease and grips like you won’t believe even in filthy wet seasonal weather.
Its razor sharp steering, fast changing seven-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox and powerful motors make it sporting and heaps of fun to drive.
Before I know it I’ve arrived on the other coast ready and willing to complete my night job and already looking forward to the drive home in the dark.
Job done, it’s 7pm and the Archers radio soap is blasting out through the B&O hi-fi.
The heated seat is warming the cockles of my heart and the road home opens up before me, made almost daylight-like by the incredibly good lights.
It’s been a great evening but I have to admit this brilliant Audi did set the tone with its many accomplishments.
In the blink of an eye I’m back in my cosy home and glowing because the whole experience has been an absolute delight.
Factfile
| Engine: 2.0 litre turbo petrol plus electric |
| Power: 299PS |
| 0-62mph: 6.0 secs |
| Top speed: 155mph |
| Transmission: seven-speed S tronic |
| EV range: 60 miles |
| MPG: 113 |
| CO2 g/km: 57 |
| Price: from £70,455 |
