Mario James, Gleaner Writer

The Audi A6 S-line is available at Motor Sales Limited for $7 million. - Photo by Mario James

THE JAMAICAN consumer is brand conscious, especially when it comes to cars.

We have preconceived notions before and after we make decisions, which do not bode well for our automotive choices. Buying a luxury car is even more pre-programmed; we seem to be able to part with house money based on word of mouth alone.

This 'street credibility' is sometimes overrated, and often leaves the new car owner disappointed in his purchase, simply because he did not take the time to find out what he wanted, and review what was out there. There isn't a car dealer in Jamaica (worth his salt) who won't allow you to test drive his car.

Stuff of legend

Then, there are cars that breathe life into the 'street cred' moniker ... cars that become the stuff of legend.

Audi's A6, when it was launched, was a stellar performer, and since then it has aged like fine wine. It has a delicate bouquet of creature comforts and performance that is to be savoured - not devoured!

Audi's nymphet sports a 2.8-litre, 210-hp stratified charge V6 that is mounted very far forward. More on this later.

A6 comes with a seven-speed paddle-shifted autobox, 16"x7.5" alloys with Pirelli's 225x50 16s and if the S-line package is purchased, a very well-tuned version of the already world-class trapezoidal link suspension.

Our tester was an S-line, and boasted leather, auto darkening rear-view mirror, 'smart' key entry and Audi's very comprehensive MMI driver interface.

It's the driving position that really impresses. The seats feel like the very best Recaro's without being unduly snug; eight position power is standard on the S-line, with seat position memory tied to the key fob that is in the car (you get two).

The steering wheel is not perfectly round but is ever-so-slightly chorded, so it has the purposeful look of a momo F1 racing tiller; the shifter's top is placed in line with the expansive armrest, which means manual gear selection is effortless as most of your arm is supported.

Non-proprietary Bluetooth connectivity, BOSE surround sound, six-CD changer, television (but no DVD player), six airbags (count 'em), vented 'C' pillars as well as tilt and telescoping steering wheel are standard on the S-Line.

Feeling of comfort

Overall, the ambience of A6 evokes a feeling of comfort that most luxo-barges aspire to but none have exceeded. Still, I prefer Jaguar's way of doing things, but that's just personal preference.

The Audi interior soothes like a hot bath after a really tiring day at work, and is as welcome as that after-bath activity (ahem!)

And then, there's the drive! Folks who have the dosh to buy this bit of automotive nirvana aren't really going to toss it around.

First, it has the aura of a limousine. The rear quarter proportions give away just how much rear legroom this palace has.

And the ride is nothing short of exemplary. Experienced testers have compared it to the ride on the Mercedes E Class - and the A6 comes out the winner. Now, for the kids of the bank magnate or quarry owner lucky enough to have a licence (or not) and have conquered the fear of father's alpha male attitude, this car represents the most fun one can have while remaining vertical.

Engine qualities

While the engine produces 'only' 210 hp, it is mated to a transmission with the brain of Einstein. It also has 210 ft/lb of torque, 90 per cent of which is available from 2000 rpm.

So well tailored are the shifts, so precisely are the ratios calculated that 100 km/h comes up at the top of second gear (which happens in 8.0 seconds).

The engine - so quiet you can barely hear it in the cabin around town, even at 4,000 rpm - on the throttle takes on the dulcet tones of Beelzebub.

If ever there was a six-cylinder to shatter crystal, this engine would be it, so pure is its raucous melody.

Feeding the A6 into bends at a high rate of knots is so much fun you can feel the horns growing out of your forehead. While some cars may be faster, for the price, I have not driven any that has the poise of this front-wheel drive maestro.

There is so little body roll, it can be considered negligible. The cornering attitude so flat and confidence inspiring that turns can be taken one handed - the other hand holding a bottle of unobtainable hugely expensive status water (ha!), and not spilling a drop!

To top it all off, Audi claims that this A6 gets 32 mpg. Which is astounding for a 2.8 six-cylinder.

But again, it is the transmission and its associated computer that does it. While driving, the rpms do not rise much above 1,000 rpm. The torque swell from low revs complements the gearing, and there are seven ratios to choose from, and they change so seamlessly they are imperceptible.

In econo mode, the rev counter does not go above two grand, which is the vehicle's most efficient range in which to operate. Yet, highway speeds can be attained, and in the first inch of accelerator travel. So, Audi has maintained its status quo, and has engineered another legend.

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