2002 Audi A6 3.0 CVT

On the safety front, the normal array of six airbags (front, front/side, side curtain) can now be augmented by rear-side bags. Finally, OnStar joins the options list, as does a new Motorola digital portable telephone. Standard equipment—which already included items like dual-zone climate-control air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote entry with anti-theft system and cruise control—has been enhanced with the addition of a 6-disc/in-dash CD changer to augment the 8-speaker/140-watt AM/FM/cassette sound system.


Base price on an A6 3.0-liter front-driver opens at $35,400 (minus destination fee). Fitted with the Preferred Luxury Package (leather upholstery and a moonroof), Convenience Package (HomeLink, auto-dimming mirror with compass, memory seats, electrically folding exterior mirrors), Premium Package (xenon headlamps, Parktronic parking assist, multi-function steering wheel) and Bose audio system, our tester commanded $39,980, although a fully loaded one with Navigation and telematics could see the far side of $44,000. Even so, Audi's newest road warrior should still hold a noticeable price advantage when matched on a feature-by-feature basis against its primary rivals. Given the rest of its formidable attributes, that final flourish should add even more appeal to the A6's cause. (www.audiusa.com)