5 September 2001: New versions of Audi’s A6 and A6 Avant estate have gone on sale in Ireland with a number of subtle style changes, quattro four wheel drive standard on almost half the model range, new Multitronic and Tiptronic transmission and prices starting at £30,998 for the 2.0 litre version.

Exterior changes include a new double radiator grille positioned above and below the bumper line. Other changes include fog lights integrated into the apron below the bumper, new clear glass headlights which emit 37 percent more light, clear glass indicator lenses, new rear light clusters and visible exhaust tail pipes.

Inside, new aluminium trim on instrument dials and gear knob, a new steering wheel and new air quality sensors to prevent foul outside air from entering the cabin area are amongst the changes introduced. Also new in the A6 is a front-loading multiplay CD, radio and cassette player that stores up to six CDs and provides improved radio reception, especially on long-wave.

New door seals, thicker glass and a newly developed wiper system improves sound insulation by 40 percent. There are also improvements to the running gear, increased body rigidity, automatic climate control, walnut wood inlay and new interior decor and seat upholstery, as well as an extended range of body colours and a new range of 16/17 inch alloy wheels.

Twenty-six models make up the A6 range - ten with quattro four wheel drive as standard, six with Multitronic continuous variable transmission and six with the option of Tiptronic automatic transmission. Power is provided by seven petrol engines which include a new 2.0 litre four cylinder 130 bhp, 1.8T/150 bhp, 2.4 litre/170 bhp, 2.7 litre/250 bhp, a new 3.0 litre/220 bhp V6 and a 4.2 litre V8 300 bhp. Three TDI models are a new 1.9 litre/130 bhp, 2.5 litre/155 bhp and a top-of-the-range 2.5 litre V6/180 bhp. Prices begin at £30,998 (ex works) for the 2.0 litre/130 bhp petrol and extend upwards to £60,996 for the 4.2 litre/300 bhp V8 quattro with Tiptronic.

Multitronic continuous variable transmission is mated to a TDI diesel engine for the first time. Manual transmission is five-speed with six speeds available as an option. Tiptronic transmission is an optional feature on quattro models. Safety features includes front and side airbags for driver and front seat passenger. ESP, Brake Assist and ‘Sideguard’ head airbag protection are also standard on all A6 models sold in Ireland.