MPG and running costs
Only one car really counts here, and it’s the biggest seller. The 2.0 TDI ultra (the 'ultra' badge denoting the most efficient model in the range) can return as much as 64.2 mpg and emissions of 109g/km, but to achieve that you’ll need the 17-inch alloy wheels and the S tronic automatic. The manual is between 2-3g/km greater in emissions and around 4- to 5mpg worse in consumption, making that three-pedal car a rare choice in this tax/economy driven marketplace. We’d be tempted to take the slight trade-off in ride quality and tiny hit on tax liability for one of the larger wheel options though.
The 3.0-litre TDI front-wheel drive model is difficult to rationalise, its greater emissions (and purchase price) meaning greater running and tax costs, all for a marginal increase in performance. As you climb the range adding quattro and power, the expense, rather unsurprisingly, gets greater, but even still the 268bhp 3.0 TDI quattro offers official combined economy figures above 55mpg, though in reality drivers are more likely to see a mid-30mpg average. The Avants and Allroads all consume and emit a bit more, so if you’re looking to limit your tax liability study the technical details in the brochures carefully. Servicing and insurance costs are very reasonable, however, while leasing and private financing rates should also be good given the fiercely competitive business market the A6 finds itself in.
