Audi A6: Back with a Vengeance

Okay, I’ll go out of my way to say it flat out. I love European sedans. I’m mad about the tasteful new styling lines of the Volvo line. I’m crazy about BMW’s Bangle-d new collection and I absolutely adore the sexy new Benzes. Now that we have that out of the way, let me categorically state that my dream car has always been one that does not come from any of the above-mentioned trio of carmakers (although I do immensely adore our Volvo T4). I’ve always dreamt of owning an Audi A4. Why? Because just like its competitors, it carries the assurance of quality, but unlike them, it assures a certain level of exclusivity.

Which is why I was probably one of the happiest members of the motoring media last week when PGA Cars finally (officially) unveiled their partnership with the (thus far) low-key German carmaker. While the Audi brand has actually been in the country for some time now care of the Auto Prominence owned dealership in Pasong Tamo, Makati, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a wider network of dealers — albeit a confusing one since PGA does not seem to acknowledge Auto Prominence as a partner, and vise-versa. Little turf squabbles notwithstanding, I do believe that acquiring PGA as a partner is good for the Audi brand. Not long ago PGA shared a productive (if not precarious) partnership with BMW, and in that time, the Coyiutos of PGA had proven that they do have the mettle to stay steadfast in their commitment to their customers. In this case, if I may put in my two cents worth on the matter, two heads could be better than one.

PGA proved this belief by using their office unveiling as the launch pad for the latest generation Audi A6 as well — in turn using shrewd business acumen to kill two birds with one stone. The new Audi office is, of course, compliant with the general image of Audi globally. It is distinguished by clean, crisp, distinct lines that can at once call to mind images of avante gardé styling and laid back yet high-end comfort. The new Audi A6, meanwhile, speaks volumes of where this German carmaker could be headed.

Clearly progressively-designed, the new Audi A6 is a breakaway from traditional design benchmarks. Its trapezoidal single-frame grille is obviously the most striking of its new design elements. Combined with low-slung windows and a coupé-like roofline, the car instantly conveys the image of advancement — if not speed altogether. Its interior is typical Audi — meaning it has "clean" written all over it. Stylish it is, yet driver-friendly in that controls and instruments are within perfect reach. Audi, in fact, goes so far as to say that the new A6’s interiors "fully integrates" its driver into its cockpit.

Technologically, it is the best-equipped Audi to hit the country yet. Xenon-headlamps with dynamic adaptive light technology (which follow the course of the road and the car’s steering angle), for example, start it up front. Then there’s also the servotronic power-assisted steering, which does not only make parking a breeze, it also improves road feedback at high speed levels. The coup de grace, however, could very well be the MMI (Multi Media Interface) control terminal located right behind the gearshift lever. With the MMI interface, an infotainment platform and control center is made available to the driver — from where GPS, safety, entertainment and other electronically-controlled functions can be accessed and displayed in a screen located on the dashboard. According to the Audi Asia-Pacific officials present during the launch, the MMI is similar in many respects to BMW’s iDrive system, but simpler to use (we have yet to test-drive the A6 and therefore we reserve our comments on this matter at this time).

Miguel Cuyiuto, president of PGA Cars, was beaming with pride at his company’s new offering. He, in fact, went so far as to categorically state that the new A6 has what it takes to take the fight to the traditional leaders in the segment it competes in. "The new Audi A6 is positioned to go head on against traditional German players within the large sedan segment. We are confident that the A6 will provide a refreshing alternative for many drivers who, while they will never compromise on performance and quality, may no longer be content with driving the same car as every other luxury car driver in their neighborhood," he said.

The bottom line with the renaissance of the A6 is that there will definitely be more choices for the luxury car buyer — and a legitimate choice, might we add. PGA’s re-entry into the European sedan game, meanwhile, takes the fight to satisfy the customer to a higher level. They are definitely back with a vengeance. Now, if I can only convince my wife that an Audi would look just right in our garage…