18 April 2011
Road test review: Another week - another diesel
So this week's drive is another diesel - yawn. I already stated in my Corolla feature that 'diesel' equals 'tractor' in my household, so you can imagine the sarcastic comments when I arrived home in one, again. They didn't last long though.
Once you unleash the incredibly torquey 3.0TDi engine on your unsuspecting passengers, there's an instant quantum shift in their thinking and suddenly it all goes quiet in the back. What happened? Well, I'll put it like this, in the same way Microsoft apply patches and hotfixes to your PC's operating system, Audi have just applied their 'diesel' fix to your brain.
Immediately your mind is opened up to a whole new world of possibilities. For me reality dawned with the fact that owning a diesel car was actually seriously considered in my thought processes, and for those that don't know me that's no small feat. So it's a landmark car in my view and everyone should be made to take one for a drive. Go on I dare you.
As you are whisked along, going from A to B in an unparalleled hassle free manner, there are none of the usual diesel sounds or traits to remind you. The engine is both rattle free and quiet, as it delivers its gargantuan 'Lamborghini Gallardo' matching 500Nm of torque, propelling you toward your next destination.
Add to this the traditional Audi qualities of a solid, safe, well equipped and comfortable car for your $112,400, and you have an amazingly competent package that is a pleasure to drive, own and run (7.0L/100km). The exterior design aspect from the front is both attractive and deceptive, presenting something of an optical illusion giving the misconception that this is not a big car. When you move round to the side profile it does look much bigger and even had me double-checking the boot badge to ensure it wasn't an A6.
Driving this car really brings home Audi's three back to back Le Mans 24 Hour wins with the diesel R10. Suddenly you can understand 'how'. Heading back to the office and sitting at the traffic lights in Auckland, I glance across and see an Audi billboard advertising the very car I'm in. It says "The balance of power has shifted" and how right they are too!
Technical:
3.0L Turbo-diesel engine, producing 176Kw and 500Nm torque, 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, 6 speed tiptronic auto gearbox, Quattro four wheel drive, traction control, stability control, electronic brake assist, lots of airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, parking sensors, automatic headlights, sports suspension.
Colours:
Available in 15 shades with various effects, including:
Black, Red, White, Grey, Blue, Beige, Silver, Green
Test drive tips:
Ignition key: I'll save you from experiencing similar shame. Put the remote fob in the slot to the left of the steering wheel and push/hold to start.
S-line: what does that mean? Well it's a bit like the Ghia variants in Fords line-up over the years, but wearing Nike's instead of slippers.
Parking brake: the big 'handle' has gone and all you have now is a little pull switch for your finger. Wow, different.
Instruction manual: don't be embarrassed to get this out. It's not as bad as learning BMWs i-drive but you'll need it now and then.