Audi A6

The large-executive favourite (as in the car, not the executives themselves), the Audi A6 remains a staple of the market. But the assembled crowds don’t seem to be gasping with admiration.

• Comfort

  Can be a bit stiff with sportier suspension set-ups, but generally nicely comfy. Plenty of space and a nicely ergonomic cabin make for relaxed cruising - we especially like the seats for taller drivers.

  

• Performance

  The range covers pretty much every performance need. There are loads of petrol engines - a 2.0-litre TFSI, 2.4 and 3.2 FSI, a 4.2-litre FSI V8 and a V10 in the S6 - and a diesels.

  

• Cool

  Nope. Too average to be cool.

  

• Quality

  Generally good, but the wood in some variants has a suspicious whiff of plastic about it and if you look hard there's not quite the attention to detail of some of the newer models.

  

• Handling

  As usual this is another big Audi with huge reserves of grip but a slightly divorced feel. It's just not that interesting from behind the wheel although there's plenty of solid cornering ability. Same goes for both front-wheel drive and Quattro versions.

  

• Practicality

  Three across the back seat can be a squeeze, but the A6 is respectably big for both front and rear bodies. The boot is vast, and you can fold the rear seats for IKEA transport if you have to.

  

• Running costs

  Resale values are strong on the A6 thanks to a rock-solid image, and fuel economy ranges from 8.5L/100km to 13.4L/100km for the bigger engines.