Audi A4 3.0 V6

Audi A4 3.0 V6 The beefy A4 we've all been waiting for

Audi has finally topped off its local range of award-winning A4s with the addition it's long awaited 3.0 V6 powered versions. Available with a choice of  either FWD and quattro  drivetrains,  the cars are well poised to do battle with their rivals from Bavaria and Stuttgart, and with weaponry like Audi's new  Multitronic gearboxes (FWD models only) we anticipate some hard fighting.

Audi's entirely new 3.0-litre V6 engine with aluminium engine block replaces the older 2.8-litre engine used in the previous-generation A4 and A6 models. Five model derivatives utilizing this new powerplant have been made available  in the form of the 3.0 quattro 6-speed manual, 3.0 quattro Tiptronic 5-speed automatic; 3.0 FWD Multitronicâ; and 3.0 FWD 5-speed manual. The Multitronic is Audi’s revolutionary new continuously variable automatic transmission and will initially be available on front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions only.

The new five-valves per cylinder V6 produces 162 kW at 6300 and 300 Nm of torque at 3200 rpm to yield a claimed 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed, depending on model, of between 238 and 245 km/h. Audi claim an average fuel consumption of  9.5 l/100 km, which if accurate, is truly commendable for a  high-performance six cylinder engine of this capacity.

New technology incorporated into the engine's design are  new and lighter pistons, a balance shaft, continuous intake camshaft adjustment, exhaust camshaft adjustment, and a new two-position variable intake manifold, while other features include full electronic engine management with ETC, sequential injection with adaptive idle-charge compensation, acceleration enrichment, overrun fuel cut-off, adaptive lambda control, air-mass measurement, mapped ignition, solid-state high-voltage distribution, and cylinder-selective adaptive knock control with 2 sensors.

Safety is a key feature in the latest A4 range, and the 3.0 V6 is no exception – standard features include ESP

(Electronic Stability Program) together with anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake assist, electronic brake distribution (EBD), anti-slip regulation (ASR) and an electronic diff lock (EDL). SIDEGUARD, Audi's head airbag system, is standard on all A4 models and covers almost the entire side window area, from the A-post to the rear compartment. The new, intelligent crash sensors for the front airbags detect the severity of an accident and thus ensure controlled activation of the airbags, while enhanced safety is ensured by pyrotechnic seatbelt tensioners with belt force limiters front and rear.

Comfort and convenience items on all 3.0 models include full leather interior trim complemented by wood veneer finish, full driver information system (DIS), auto climate control, and full electric function for windows, mirrors and driver seat.

Capacity-wise, A4 owners benefit from a 445 litre luggage compartment and 70 litre (in front wheel drive models) and 66 litre fuel tanks (in quattro models).

Service intervals on the 3.0 V6 occur every 15 000 km, while all models are covered by a one year unlimited mechanical warranty, 5 year/100 000 km Freeway Plan (which can optionally be extended in increments), 3 year warranty on paint and 12 years cover against corrosion.