IN 1998, KELLOGG’S changed the name of Coco Pops to Choco Krispies in the UK, bringing the popular breakfast cereal into line with the way it appeared in Europe. Just a year later, however, the name was changed back because it was causing confusion among buyers.
Audi has made a similar about-turn, scrapping its short-lived convention of using odd numbers to indicate combustionengined cars and even numbers for electric ones. The result is that this new combustion-engined estate is called A6 Avant (as before), rather than A7 Avant. In entry-level form, the A6 Avant is powered by a mild hybrid 2.0-litre petrol engine with 201bhp – enough for a 0-62mph time of 8.3sec. Unlike the mild hybrid systems in some rivals, Audi’s MHEV Plus enables you to drive on electric power alone at low speeds. The sole diesel is a 2.0-litre unit with 148bhp; this also uses MHEV Plus tech and is offered only with Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system. All A6s have an automatic gearbox; no manual option is offered.There are no plug-in hybrids in the launch line-up, but green-minded buyers can consider the A6 Avant e-tron for an all-electric alternative. As well as the standard steel suspension (which is said to have been tweaked for comfort), the A6 Avant will be offered with sports suspension that lowers the ride height by 20mm, while an air suspension option enables you to stiffen or soften the ride at the touch of a button. Drivers can also choose between Balanced, Comfort, Dynamic and Efficiency modes, changing the responsiveness of the accelerator and steering to suit your mood, and whether the auto ’box prioritises performance or frugality. Speaking of which, Audi has yet to release any official fuel economy figures, but the A6 Avant is said to be the most aerodynamic Audi estate yet. Its slippery shape should help to minimise fuel consumption.