Audi A6 C7 Avant 2.0 TFSI Multitronic Review
Style Avant-age

Gone are the days when estates or station wagons were just considered as nothing more than utilitarian workhorses. Estates are now mostly for the lifestyle conscious and for those who prefer something more stylish than a regular three-box saloon.

Estates are hugely popular in places like Europe and Japan and a plethora of models are available on the market. The estate market here in saloon-dominated Singapore might be small despite returning stronger sales figures in recent years but there are still several stylish models from both bread and butter brands and premium makes that you can buy. One of the latter brands that offer estate models derived from executive saloons (a.k.a. executive estates) is Audi.

Avants are what Audi calls its estate models and the new generation A6 Avant is the latest addition to Audi’s estate arsenal. Based on the brilliant A6 executive saloon, the estate version cuts a dashing shape among contemporary large estates. The new car looks sleeker and more elegant than its predecessor and its closest rivals, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate and the BMW 5 Series Touring.

At4926mm in length, the Avant is 11mm longer than the saloon model thanks to a lengthened rear overhang. The A6 Avant certainly cuts a distinctive style when compared to the saloon model. The Avant shares its striking front end with the saloon but everything is different aft of the B-pillars. The headlamps with their LED daytime running lights certainly look distinctive and have become a signature styling feature of contemporary Audis.

Unlike its relatively upright looking predecessor, the new A6 Avant features a more sloping rear that together with the curvaceous roof, give it a sportier and dynamic stance. The rear has overtones from other Audi’s other estate models like the A4 Avant as well as the Q5 SUV but overall, the Avant certainly cuts a more unique and well-proportioned stance that will certainly appeal to those who are more adventurous and more lifestyle orientated when compared to the saloon’s more business and executive audience.

The Avant is available in two different variants, one less than the saloon’s three-model line-up. Just like the saloon, the entry-level A6 Avant is the 2.0 TFSI, which is the model tested here. Range topping A6 Avants feature Audi’s brilliant 3-litre supercharged V6 from the 3.0 TFSI quattro saloon model. The 2.0 TFSI is differentiated from the range topping model by its boot lid badge as well as its 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, with the 19s on the car pictured here optional.