The Spies were in the city by the bay this week for the official Audi press rollout of the new 2005 A6. Although it was launched in Europe last April, this is the first time the press has been able to spend any real time in the cars and get the 'real' scoop from key Audi executives.
We're pleased to report that we are impressed with the new A6 (both 6 and 8 cylinder versions).
We had a chance on Tuesday to drive both models from downtown San Francisco to Napa Valley and view some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet!
If you have never seen the fall colors at the various vineyards you are missing something REALLY special.
What impressed us about the cars the most?
1. The more we spend time inside the interiors of the various Audi offerings we realize that their interior quality (materials, fit and finish) is the benchmark of the industry. And the new A6 doesn't disappoint there. Auto Spies rates the new A6 interior as the BEST interior (interface, design, layout and material quality) of any sedan under $70k.
2. The exterior design is extremely attractive (more so in person) and looks great on the highway. We had our chance to view about fifteen in our caravan and they are extremely handsome (front AND rear). People were giving us the thumbs up sign and rolling down windows asking us questions and complimenting the cars.
3. These are the quietest Audi’s we’ve ever driven.
4. The rear seat legroom is the most impressive in the category.
5. It will be the first car (coming January 2005) to have a seamless integration with the new TREO 650 PDA/Phone.
6. They give you the most ‘bang for the buck’ in the category.
What disappointed us about the cars?
1. Even the base suspensions felt a little too stiff for our liking. (Audi says an adjustable air suspension arrives in 2006).
2. No rear backup camera. Coming in 2006.
3. No ‘panorama roof’ option available.
4. They didn’t give us one as a going away present ;)
We will have a long term review coming up in a couple months…stay tuned
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here to view part two