When I get me Audi out on the road (Audi A6 1.9 TDI SE)

Member Name: dave27

Product:	Audi A6 1.9 TDI SE
Date:	04/07/04 (2687 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great features

Disadvantages: Price

Now please don't quote me on this, but I just nipped over to the Audi web site -- http://www.audi.co.uk/newcars/range.jsp?section=/m odels/a6saloon/a6saloon -- to do a quick bit of research for this review and it looks pretty definite to me that they are no longer doing a 1.9 TDI version of the Audi A6 saloon. They are doing a 2.4 SE manual, a 2.4 SE multitronic, a 3.2 FSI SE manual, a 3.2 FSI quattro SE manual, a 3.2 FSI quattro SE tiptonic, a 4.2 quattro SE tiptronic, a 2.0 TDI SE manual and a 3.0 TDI quattro SE tiptronic, but look, there ain't a 1.9 SE TDI anymore. Well, ever willing to go against the grain dave27 changed his company car pretty damn recent and went for the old version of the Audi before these new fangled mothers found their way onto our streets, and I certainly have got a 1.9 SE TDI to call my very own. The others mentioned above vary in on the road retail price between £24,020 and a whopping £43,025, should the fancy take you. I think my model was just over the 20 grand mark, but as I get mine via my job I don't need to worry about it, sorry.

Anyway enough of the quick advert, let's get on with the show?

It?s car changing time, and I was waiting an awfully long-time to ditch my old Renault Scenic Megane, which my hand originally managed to convince myself was actually a decent car -- well, sorry to disappoint you and change my original opinion, but by the end that particular car was starting to resemble something of a tractor in nature. Three years is a very long time in politics and an even longer time to put up with a juddering wreck.

Around Christmas time last, Mrs D fetched all the new Audi brochures for me, lazy sod that I
am (I'd convinced myself that it was because I didn't want to get my hopes up too early, but it is actually that I really am very lazy). Anyway whatever the reason, Audi's take around three months to deliver once you have ordered one of so it was as well that I started looking when I did, with my replacement car valid from the end of March.

I used to have an Audi quite some time ago and have to admit that I had coveted one badly ever since, and was firmly of the opinion that it was back into one now. Mrs D insisted that I had a test drive even though I had already made my mind up and knew that it would make no difference -- I wanted one, and I wanted one badly. Anyway I did have a test drive and had all my best memories refreshed -- this was a lovely car, and honestly, you just can't tell that it is a diesel unless you're a bit of an anorak.

The Audi garage said that I could have the car for a couple of hours to try it out (what nice guys!), but I was soon back because we have to go shopping to Tesco with the dave27-ettes and I wouldn't inflict them on such a nice car. He said, when I took it back after half an hour, ?Didn't you want to take it down the motorway?? I said, ?I have already been down the motorway.? You should have seen his eyes, they popped out on stalks.

The die was cast, it was back to an Audi for me and I was very happy to be choosing the A6 1.9 SE TDI with all the goodies, in brilliant black. A note of caution. The time that these babies take to arrive is the full three months, so make sure that you give yourself plenty of time when ordering.

On with the show?

What's the Audi like to drive? Well, I have to say, an absolute dream, I really love it, and anyone who has the choice of an &
#65;udi should snap it up. Some of the car lover?s magazines like Auto Car do tend to give it a bit of a slagging and complain that it?s looking a bit tired these days, but style never goes out of fashion. The often criticised boot is now pretty large and I have no complaints in that department whatsoever. The interior upholstery is a lovely black leather and there's a reassuring smell about the whole thing which just fills you with positive vibes. There's nothing quite like a new car to make you feel good about the world, even when a chance to visit to Leeds via the motorway a month on from delivery results in a chipped windscreen which soon turned into a cracked windscreen and a need for speedy replacement, happily though, my insurance covers it. Oh happy day?

The acceleration and braking on my Audi are superb, no complaints from me about that, the stereo is first-class and everything feels so bloody right. How could I have deserted these fine brutes these last eight years or so? Well, of course, it's because I'm such a tight git, and wouldn't pay the additional cost of choosing exactly what I wanted. Such a silly boy! I'll never desert you again, treasure.

I'm not one for technical details where cars are concerned but I know some of you lot care about such things so I'll do my best to sate your hunger, THOUGH ONLY A TIT BIT RATHER THAN A REAL GORGING DINNER?

The self same Audi site already quoted says ?The creation of a class-leading executive saloon calls for a broad range of abilities. Supple ride comfort, but with precise and clear feedback; power, but with fuel efficiency; an exhilarating driving experience, but with luxurious
accommodation for four. The new A6 triumphantly reconciles these apparent opposites through advanced technology and design. From the first glance, you know that the A6 marks a significant step forward for the class. A blend of opposing qualities; but a compromise in none. ? Well, we?ve heard such nonsense before, haven?t we, but this is a really nice, classy car, believe me. Power steering, six gears, cruise control, all electric windows and mirrors, air conditioning that?s like heaven on a hot day, and power to spare for even the most discerning driver ,,, what else could you want?

It?s comfortable, it?s powerful, it?s fast, it?s safe, it?s classy, it?s technically wonderful and aesthetically pleasing, and ? IT?S ALL MINE?.

Summary: