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Audi has officially revealed the facelifted version of the current generation A6, with a raft of changes across the entire range including the S and RS models. Main exterior changes include a redesign of the Singleframe grille - similar to the latest Audi TT, bumpers with a diffuser-like one at the rear, more pronounced side sills, updated rear lights design, exhaust pipes and headlights - which now feature Matrix LED technology, matched to dynamic turn indicators. For the non S and RS models, the wheels now come in sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches.

The interior more or less stays the same but with a few key elements improved upon. The Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI) - which is standard along with an automatic air conditioning system, receives an upgrade, with the flagship navigation system now coming with a power-retractable eight-inch monitor. It employs a new technology platform that uses the Tegra 30 graphics chip, provided by Audi's partner Nvidia. The front seats are now available with optional ventilation and massage functions.

Driving assistance systems now include adaptive cruise control, stop & go function, Audi side assist - which uses radar technology to warn the driver of potential vehicles behind when changing lanes. The system works in tandem with the Audi active lane assist to prevent unintended lane changes. An updated night vision assistant now comes with extra functions, along with Audi's pre sense basic safety system - which is now standard. A head-up display which enables drivers to call up important information is available as an option.

Practicality-wise, the A6 Avant offers a luggage compartment that boasts between 565 and 1,680 litres. An optional automatic sensor-controlled feature for the tailgate, paired to a power luggage compartment cover makes loading of luggages that much easier for consumers.

The Audi A6 all road quattro - based on the Audi A6 Avant, receives a different variation of the Singleframe grille with vertical slats instead. A raised body and stainless steel reinforcements for the underside of the front and rear ends further marks it out from the rest of the A6 range.

On the mechanical side of things, Audi decided to bring in updated engines along for the facelift. All engines now comply with Euro 6 emission standards with a drop in CO2 levels as high as 22%, according to Audi. A total of eight engines are available internationally with three TFSI petrol-powered ones - the base engine producing 190 hp right up to 333 hp in the strongest variant, and five TDI diesel choices - starting with 150 hp to 326 hp.

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The base petrol model is now badged as the A6 1.8 TFSI ultra, with the last suffix now adorning the most efficient models (both petrol and diesel). Audi's homegrown Multitronic CVT transmission has been dropped, in favour of a reworked seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox. An updated six-speed manual box is still available in some markets. Fitted with the S tronic 'box, it uses just 5.7 litres per 100 km, while emitting 133 grammes of CO2 per kilometre. The diesel ultra model is even more efficient of course – the 150 hp A6 2.0 TDI ultra averaging 4.2 litres per 100 km and 109 grammes of CO2 per kilometre.

The A6 3.0 TFSI model gets a revised engine, now with 333 hp instead of the outgoing model's 300 hp. Audi, however, is more interested in pushing its new 3.0 TDI diesel engines. Single-turbo versions have either 218 or 272 hp, while the bi-turbo variations get 320 hp as standard, or 326 hp (can be further boosted to 346 hp briefly) in the special-edition competition models. All high-performance diesel models are paired to an eight-speed automatic tiptronic transmission.

On the chassis side, Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard across the board, with two sport suspensions and an adaptive air suspension setups available as options. The A6 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra, in particular, gets glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) springs, which save around 4.4 kg alone. Meanwhile, the high-riding Audi A6 allroad quattro gets adaptive air suspension as standard. As before, the base models have a front-wheel drive layout, which can then be upgraded to quattro all-wheel drive. High-performance models can even be had with a sport differential, which actively distributes power between the rear wheels.

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