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Audi A6 2005: The Weekly Driver
Beyond performance, the A6 is equipped with a wide-ranging list of features, vanity mirrors with regular and magnify glass options to an electromechanical parking park. Beginning the latter, the electronic parking brake can throw an unknowing driver into immediate search mode. The parking brake light was brightly lit for my first journey in the car. But where was the brake pedal or handle release? Alas, there wasn't one, rather a lever on the console that sets or releases the brake with a slight one-finger flick. The parking brake luxury sets the tone for the rest of the instrumentation, interior design, myriad appointments and a state-of-the art sound system ($1,300 option). The navigation system ($1,500 option) is extraordinarily detailed. It's not a quick study, but the seven-inch screen is highly visible and the system's functions are superior. Voice responses, for example, are available in several languages. The 12-way power front seats have two driver seat memory positions and the power functions extend from the adjustable steering wheel sunroof with tilt and slide functionality to folding, heated exterior mirrors. The vehicle's leather front and rear seats are plush, sturdy and comfortable. The wooden inlays on the dash, console and doors further add to the car's interior good looks. Add Xenon highlights, bluetooth phone availability, the keyless or key ignition system and Sirius satellite radio, and the new Audi 6 comfortably aligns itself other well-known and highly touted vehicles in its class — the Acura RL, Lexus LS 430 and the Mercedes Benz E class. Given the choice of any of the four, it would be hard not to pick the new Audi A6. Safety features – Driver and passenger front, side and curtain airbags; Antilock brakes Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 17 (city), 23 (highway). Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years, limited; (24-hour), four-year roadside assistance program via third-party supplier Base price – $50,500.00 James Raia is a journalist, author and publisher in Sacramento, Calif. Read more of his car review columns ,various other sports, fitness and human-interest articles and
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