What's the news?
Like EfficientDynamics within BMW or BlueTec at Mercedes-Benz, Audi is enlarging its 'ultra' line of ever-more economical diesels. The first we'll get in the UK is the A6 ultra, which promises better economy from its 2.0 TDI engine with no extra cost, loss of power or specification cuts. The A6 ultra range starts at £32,515 for a Saloon SE and rises to £38,540 for a top-spec Black Edition Avant.
Exterior
Available in both Saloon and Avant formats, there's not much to mark out the ultra models here - the clearest indicator is that they'll have a discreet 'ultra' badge at the back.
Mechanicals
The 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder is a new engine to supersede the 177hp unit. It can meet EU6 regulations and sees power up to 190hp, with torque up 20Nm from 380- to 400Nm. This is available over a wider rev range, too, from 1,750- to 3,000rpm.
From launch, there'll be one transmission option, which is the seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch auto - a gearbox that has been 'completely redesigned' to minimise internal friction and maintain refinement with a centrifugal pendulum-type absorber to reduce vibration and noise. It replaces the old Multitronic CVT, and a manual transmission will be offered later this year.
The ultra's green credentials have been improved by up to 14 per cent over the outgoing TDI model. The Saloon S tronic now emits 114g/km CO2 and can achieve 64.2mpg (compared to 132g/km and 56.5mpg for the outgoing 177hp TDI Multitronic), while the Avant records 61.4mpg and 119g/km CO2 (55.4mpg and 135g/km for its predecessor). The Saloon can do 144mph and 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, with the Avant not far behind at 140mph and 8.5 seconds.
The best news is you can have all the kit you'd expect on an A6 but it'll actually cost you less than the old TDI to put it on the road, due to its better VED ratings. It's also better for business buyers, the benefit in kind (BIK) rate for the saloon now at 17 per cent, rather than 21 per cent. That means a total annual charge for a 40 per cent tax payer of £2,380.
Anything else?
Later this year, the new A6 2.0 TDI ultra will be followed to the UK by ultra versions of the A4, A5 Coupé and A5 Sportback, with CO2 emissions of as little as 104g/km.
Matt Robinson - 9 Feb 2014