Audi A6 40 TDI 204 hp – 73 755 euros
The development bases of the 2018 generation of the Audi A6 focused on the areas of digitization, comfort and design that place it among the most premium saloons today. In the case of the version that the judges of the Essilor Car of the Year 2019 have for testing, it is important, from the outset, to point out that the tested version has 10 900 euros of optional equipment.
The Audi A6 arrived, in this first phase, with two engines – 40 TDI and 50 TDI, with outputs of 204 hp and 286 hp, respectively – and prices starting at 59 950 euros (Limousine) and 62 550 euros (Avant).
The A6 Limousine has a length of 4,939 m, which is 7 mm longer than its predecessor. The width has been increased by 12mm to 1,886m, while the height of 1,457m is now 2mm higher. The luggage compartment capacity is 530 l.
The interior of the new Audi A6 is even bigger than the previous model. When it comes to legroom in the rear, it surpasses the predecessor model.
The center console on the new Audi A6 is oriented towards the driver. The MMI touch operating system allows the vehicle's central functions to be inserted in the desired position using the drag-and-drop function – similar to what happens with apps on smartphones. The MMI navigation plus (an option costing 1995 euros) is even more complete with optional add-on modules, including two sound systems.
Among the online services provided by Audi connect are Car-to-X services such as traffic sign recognition and hazard information. They monitor Audi fleet data (swarm intelligence) and match the Audi A6 to current traffic conditions.
Dynamic steering with directional rear axle is a key component of agility and maneuverability. In the A6 Limousine, and depending on the speed, the steering ratio varies between 9.5:1 and 16.5:1, through a harmonic gear on the front axle. On the rear axle, a mechanical actuator turns the wheels up to five degrees.
As an option, the new Audi connect digital key replaces the conventional key. The A6 can be opened/closed and the ignition switched on via an Android smartphone. The customer can allow five smartphones or users to access the vehicle.
Driver assistance systems
The City package includes solutions such as the new intersection assistance. The Tour package comes with Active Lane Assist, which complements adaptive cruise control through steering intervention to keep the vehicle in the lane. Reference for the zFAS, a central assistance controller that continuously calculates an image of the elements that surround the vehicle, through a series of sensors, cameras and radars.
Depending on the level of equipment, there can be up to five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasound sensors and a laser scanner – another innovation.
Mild-hybrid technology
Audi mild hybrid (MHEV) technology can reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.7 l/100 km. With V6 engines, a 48V primary electrical system is applied, while on the 2.0 TDI it is a 12V one. In both cases, the alternator (BAS) works in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery. The Audi A6 can completely switch off the engine when the “freewheeling” function is active, between 55 km/h and 160 km/h.In Portugal, in this first launch phase, two TDI engines are available: a 2.0 four-cylinder and a 3.0 V6, with powers of 204 hp (150 kW) and 286 hp (210 kW) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm (40 TDI) and 620 Nm (50 TDI), respectively.
Front-wheel drive on the 40 TDI version and integral quattro on the 50 TDI. This V6 TDI block is coupled to an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, and the 2.0 TDI is offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox.
The quattro drive, standard on the V6 engine, includes a self-locking center differential. The quattro drive available as an option on the 40 TDI version has the designation “ultra” because it consists of a multi-disc clutch, which manages the distribution of power between the axles and can even turn off the rear axle when there is no great demand from the driver. In these phases, the A6 only works with drive on the front axle.
In conjunction with the tiptronic gearbox, the optional sporty rear differential gives the A6 more dynamic behavior in actively distributing torque between the rear wheels. Dynamic steering control systems, sport rear differential, damping control and adaptive air suspension are regulated via Audi drive select. The driver can select between different driving modes: Efficiency, Comfort and Dynamic.
Honda Civic Sedan 1.5 182 hp – 32 350 euros
THE Honda Civic Sedan is the new compact and sporty four-door from the Japanese brand. The development team focused on improving driving pleasure, the maneuverability chapter, driving ability and reducing on-board noise levels.
Honda worked in partnership with the German company Gestamp, an ultra high tenacity steel supplier. This collaboration resulted in a 14% increase in the proportion of use of this material, in stark contrast to just 1% in the previous Civic. This new production technique results in stamping carried out in a single process, but which exhibits different degrees of material resistance, configured with all precision. This allows obtaining, in a single stamping, the greatest rigidity of the deformable areas.
The new, wider and lowered platform offers more interior space. It is 46mm wider, 20mm shorter and 74mm longer than the previous generation model. The trunk has a capacity of 519 l which represents an increase of 20.8% over the previous model.
More functional interior
At the top of the console is the 7″ color touchscreen of the Honda Connect system. In addition to offering control over the infotainment functions and the climate system, this screen integrates the functions of the reversing camera in the Elegance and Executive versions.
The Honda Civic Sedan debuts a 1.5 VTEC Turbo gasoline engine. This block is available with a new six-speed manual transmission or with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
This new four-cylinder unit has a maximum power of 182 hp (134 kW) at 5500 rpm (at 6000 rpm with CVT box). In the version with manual transmission, the torque appears between 1900 and 5000 rpm and measures 240 Nm. In the version with CVT transmission, this value is 220 Nm and appears between 1700 and 5500 rpm.
The Civic's fuel tank has been relocated and the vehicle's floor is lower than the previous model. These changes have also resulted in a driving position closer to the road, with hip points 20mm lower, giving a sportier driving feel.
At the front, the suspension is a MacPherson type. Dual rack-and-pinion variable electric power steering is configured specifically for this four-door model. This system debuted on the 2016 Civic Type R.
In the rear suspension we find a new multi-arm suspension configuration and a new rigid subframe. The vehicle's electronic stability assistance system has been configured specifically for the European market, so that it can reflect typical road conditions as well as driving styles practiced in the old continent.
Peugeot 508 Fastback 2.0 BlueHDI 160 hp – 47 300 euros
The Peugeot 508 range in Portugal consists of Active, Allure, GT Line and GT levels. Right from entry level, Active features 8″ touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB port, light and rain sensor, 17″ alloy wheels, programmable Cruise Control and rear parking aid as standard.
According to advanced information by PSA officials in our country, the heart of the Allure range adds, among others, equipment such as a 10″ touchscreen, 3D navigation, parking aid at the front, Pack Safety Plus, rear view camera .
The sportier versions, such as the GT Line in competition and the GT, feature a more exclusive design and even more standard equipment reinforced with items such as Full LED headlamps, i‑Cockpit Amplify and wheels of 18″ (GT Line) or 19″ ( GT).
It is a low car – 1.40 m tall – and features fluid and aerodynamic lines in a coupé spirit. The roofline is low and the overall length is fixed at 4.75m.
In terms of modularity, it has asymmetrically folding rear seats (2/3, 1/3) and a ski opening integrated in the central rear armrest. With the rear seats folded down, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 1537 l, taking full advantage of the free space up to the roof. In the normal position the bag capacity is 485 l.
The platform is the EMP2 that allows a weight of less than 70 kg on average compared to the previous generation.
According to engineers at the French brand, the front and rear body overhangs have been reduced in order to accentuate the silhouette's dynamics and increase agility on the road and in maneuvering.
The Peugeot 508 has the i-Cockpit Amplify where you can choose between two configurable environments: Boost and Relax. The 508 has the Night vision system available.
In the Diesel range, there are four options built on the 1.5 and 2.0 BlueHDi engines:
- BlueHDi 130 hp CVM6, is the access to the range and the only version with a six-speed mechanical gearbox;
- BlueHDi 130 hp EAT8;
- BlueHDi 160 hp EAT8;
- BlueHDi 180 hp EAT8.
The gasoline offer includes two new proposals based on the 1.6 PureTech engine:
- PureTech 180 hp EAT8;
- PureTech 225 hp EAT8 (GT version only). Associated with piloted suspension sport mode.
Text: Essilor Car of the Year | Crystal Wheel Trophy