2003 Audi A6 3.0, Avant and 2.7T reviews and buying guide.

2003 Audi A6 3.0, Avant and 2.7T resources:

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2003 Audi A6 3.0, Avant and 2.7T

The 2003 Audi A6 family of cars is the luxury mid-sized car series from this prestigious and established German automaker. With six cars and a wide variety of different characteristics and capabilities, it would be a mistake to think all A6 models were the same. They most certainly are not created equal, with horsepower ranging from 220 in the 6-cylinder A6 3.0 to a beefy 450 from the V8 engine in the sporty RS 6.

The 2003 Audi A6 3.0, the 2003 Audi A6 Avant and the 2003 Audi A6 2.7T are this year's 6-cylinder members of this branch of the Audi family. Offering brawny power, superior performance, interior finery and spaciousness, these cars are all credible entries to the luxury car class. As with other lines, the Avant model is the wagon, while the "T" in the 2.7T indicates a turbocharger. In this instance, a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter engine powering an all-wheel drive 4-door sedan. Then there is the A6 3.0, a classic 4-door touring sedan highlighting luxury, performance and safety.

Under the Hood

The A6 3.0 has a respectable 220hp at 6300 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque coming from an aluminum 3.0 liter dohc V6 with variable intake manifold, 5 valves per cylinder, continuous camshaft adjustment and hydraulic lifters. The 3.0 offers two models based on drivetrain configuration: multitronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and FrontTrak front-wheel drive or 6-speed tiptronic manual transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. Mileage ranges from 18/26 mpg (city/hwy) to 20/27. The A6 Avant uses the same 3.0-liter engine but it only comes with Quattro AWD.

The A6 2.7T is a different story. With a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, this brawny 4-door sedan has 250hp at 5800 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 3600. It can be equipped with either of the above drivetrain configurations to rocket you through life but it still gets a respectable 18/25 mpg due to its high level of efficiency.

The A6 cars have superior safety and control technology. Antiskid, antilock disc brakes and an extensive passive safety roster that includes standard dual front, front side and curtain side airbags combine with optional torso protection airbags for back-seat passengers. Seat-mounted airbags provide additional effectiveness due to there consistent positioning relative to the seat's occupant.

Standard Features, Options Packages and Style

Interior amenities are the same on all A6 models and they are abundant and luxurious. Amongst many other items expect dual-zone automatic climate controls, 12-way power front seats, wood trim, vinyl/leather upholstery and an AM/FM stereo with an in-dash 6-CD player. Details include such features as heated washer nozzles, headlight washers and fog lights for the front and rear.