Audi A6 2.0 TDI ultra first drive

The new Audi A6 ultra is a fleet-focused version of the manufacturer's BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-class rival.

Audi's ultra variant of its luxury saloon benefits from both a comparatively inexpensive purchase price and low emissions, offering company car operators significantly more appealing monthly costs.

In fact, the new ultra variant is the least costly model in the A6 range, with prices starting at £32,515. Key upgrades include a new 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel and the adoption of a revised seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which replaces the eight-speed CVT found in four-cylinder diesel A6s.

Both help reduce its emissions and boost economy, with Audi claiming 64.2mpg and 114g/km of CO2, compared to the outgoing 175bhp diesel's 56.5mpg and 132g/km of CO2.

We tested the more costly £34,365 S line variant – which features xenon headlights, LED rear lights, sports suspension and larger 18-inch wheels compared to the standard SE model – but, even so, those in the 40 per cent tax band will pay a sensible £2470 per annum in company car tax.

For comparison, that's some £400 a year less than a Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Titanium X and almost £550 less than the previous 175bhp diesel Audi A6 – while private buyers will only have to stump up £30 a year in road tax.

For a 1735kg saloon, that's an impressive feat – even more so when you consider that it's capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in a more-than-adequate 8.2sec and reputed to hit a top speed of 144mph.

Audi hasn't skimped on the niceties either, despite the model's entry-level pretensions. Even the least expensive SE edition gets automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone air-con, cruise control, a DAB radio, sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6.5-inch display for the media system.

The Audi even receives premium touches like leather trim, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and 8-piston front calipers; the net effect is very much a feeling of a high-end product for a mid-specification price.

Surprisingly likeable. Despite its four-cylinder configuration the Audi’s diesel engine is relatively quiet on cold start-up and becomes even less audible as it warms. Compared to Mercedes’ 2.1-litre diesel it’s much more refined, and those who commute long distances will appreciate its smoothness.

It's hardly lacking in punch either, with the diesel's 187bhp and 292lb ft proving more than capable of accelerating the Audi A6 with suitable – and occasionally surprising – verve. The new S tronic transmission rifles through the available ratios in a smooth, swift fashion too. In fact the only real gripe with the ultra's powertrain is an occasional hesitancy off the line but once it's moving progress is swift.

The Audi impresses elsewhere on the road. It's easy to manoeuvre, despite its substantial size, while good visibility and standard-fit parking sensors means slotting into a space isn't a chore.

Braking performance is more than adequate, with plenty of bite and an easily modulated pedal, although stopping in low-speed traffic can occasionally cause the A6 to lurch slightly as it assumes a parked position.