New high-efficiency, low-cost diesel Audi A6 doesn't leave you feeling like you've bought the 'budget' model The new Audi A6 ultra is a fleet-focused version of the manufacturer's BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-class rival.Audi's ultra variant of its luxury saloon benefits from both a comparatively inexpensive purchase price and low emissions, offering company car operators significantly more appealing monthly costs.In fact the new ultra variant is the least costly model in the A6 range, with prices starting at £32,515. Key upgrades include a new 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel and the adoption of a revised seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which replaces the eight-speed CVT found in four-cylinder diesel A6s.Both help reduce its emissions and boost economy, with Audi claiming 64.2mpg and 114g/km of CO2, compared to the outgoing 175bhp diesel's 56.5mpg and 132g/km of CO2.We tested the more costly £34,365 S line variant – which features Xenon headlights, LED rear lights, sports suspension and larger 18-inch wheels compared to the standard SE model – but, even so, those in the 40 per cent tax band will pay a sensible £2470 per annum in company car tax.For comparison, that's some £400 a year less than a Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium X and almost £550 less than the previous 175bhp diesel Audi A6 – while private buyers will only have to stump up £30 a year in road tax.For a 1735kg saloon, that's an impressive feat – even more so when you consider that it's capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in a more-than-adequate 8.2sec and reputed to hit a top speed of 144mph.Audi hasn't skimped on the niceties either, despite the model's entry-level pretensions. Even the least expensive SE edition gets automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone air-con, cruise control, a DAB radio, sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6.5-inch display for the media system.The Audi even receives premium touches like leather trim, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and 8-piston front calipers; the net effect is very much a feeling of a high-end product for a mid-specification price.
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