The Audi A6 (C5) 1.8 20V is a compact executive car produced by the German automaker Audi from 1997 to 2004. It was designed as a replacement for the Audi 100/200 series and was intended to be a more luxurious and technologically advanced alternative to the existing C4-based A6.
Engine
The 1.8 20V engine is a turbocharged inline-four cylinder unit that produces 150 horsepower (110 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 155 lb-ft (210 Nm) of torque at 2,200 rpm. The engine features dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and a common rail fuel injection system.
Performance
The A6 1.8 20V accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in approximately 9 seconds, making it a relatively quick car for its class. Top speed is electronically limited to 143 mph (230 km/h).
Transmission and Drivetrain
The car comes equipped with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive layout is standard, but quattro all-wheel drive is available as an option.
Interior and Features
The interior of the A6 1.8 20V features a more modern design language than its predecessor, with a focus on comfort and luxury. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows, and a six-speaker audio system. Optional features include cruise control, leather upholstery, and a premium sound system.
Dimensions and Capacity
The A6 1.8 20V has an overall length of 4,683 mm (184.5 in), a width of 1,774 mm (69.9 in), and a height of 1,454 mm (57.2 in). The car has a wheelbase of 2,644 mm (104 in) and a trunk capacity of 430 liters (15.2 cu ft).
Safety Features
The A6 1.8 20V features a number of safety features as standard, including anti-lock brakes (ABS), driver and passenger airbags, and a passenger seatbelt reminder.
Reliability and Maintenance
The Audi A6 1.8 20V has a generally good reliability record, with many owners reporting low maintenance costs over the years. However, some issues have been reported with the engine's timing belt, which should be replaced at regular intervals to prevent failure.
Ownership Costs
The cost of ownership for the A6 1.8 20V is relatively low compared to other cars in its class. Fuel economy is estimated at around 25-30 mpg (9.4-7.8 L/100km) combined, and maintenance costs are typically low. However, the car's resale value has been reported to be somewhat lower than that of some of its competitors.
Model History
The A6 1.8 20V was introduced in 1997 as part of Audi's C5 platform update. It remained in production until 2004, when it was replaced by the B6-based A6 series.
