2005 Audi A6 Avant Preview

Larger, More Powerful and Definitely More Distinctive

I've always taken a liking towards Audi's lineup of 'Avant' station wagons, probably because I grew up around them. My father

The new third generation A6 is making waves across Europe and Asia for its advancements in engine technology and driving performance. (Photo: Audi Canada)

owned two oddly-shaped specimens from Audi's darker financial days, a mid '80s 5000 Avant and an early '90s 200 Quattro Avant, both of which were non-traditional in stature as they sported more of a fastback design than a conventional wagon. Even though these unique 'estate cars' left our family, I can't help but smile when I catch a glimpse of a passing A4 or A6 Avant.

Although it hasn't arrived in North America yet, the new third generation A6 is making waves across Europe and Asia for its advancements in engine technology and driving performance. The timing for Ingolstadt's new midsize entry couldn't be better, as the outgoing A6 faced an extremely competitive market segment

The new A6 Avant offers style and functionality over the old model without giving up cargo carrying capacity. (Photo: Audi Canada)

dominated by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series. To build up the range, and to prepare for its 2005 debut in North America, Audi will be introducing an all new Avant to the A6 lineup.

Following in suit with Audi's other wagon offerings, namely the recently face-lifted A4 Avant and sharp new A3 Sportback, the A6 Avant offers style and functionality over the old model without giving up cargo carrying capacity. At 4.93 meters (194.1 inches) long, 1.86 meters (73.2 inches) wide and 1.46 meters (57.5 inches) tall, the A6 Avant is the largest and strongest station wagon that Audi offers with a structural rigidity 25 percent greater than the outgoing model.