The new engine is more refined than its gruff predecessor – particularly at motorway speeds, which makes for a relaxed journey – although there’s still plenty of diesel grumble when accelerating hard. It has no trouble keeping pace in the outside lane too. As the 0-62mph time of 10.3 seconds suggests, TDie is brisk rather than fast, but there’s plenty of pull from as little as 1700rpm.
A gearchange indicator fitted between the speedo and the rev counter shows the current gear and the one recommended for efficient running.
It’s a shame the ride isn’t more supple. The lowered suspension is borrowed from the sporty S line model and its stiffness seems at odds with the car’s easy-going performance.
Yet in spite of the sporty suspension, the car isn’t as much fun as a BMW 5-series. In fact, the 520d narrowly beats the A6’s economy (55.4mpg vs 53.3mpg) and emissions figures (136g/km vs 139g/km), although the BMW’s higher P11D value means the Audi has the more attractive benefit-in-kind figure. However, with 175PS to the Audi’s 134PS it’s a much stronger performer and worth the extra money.
