The 2002 Audi A6, one of my personal favorites, is a car that just keeps getting better. The new 3.0 Avant Quattro AT5, is a perfect example. The Avant is the station wagon version of the A6, but with the all-wheel drive (AWD) Quattro system, it’s more like a luxurious AWD sports car than the stereotypical station wagon we all grew up with.

The A6 Avant is available with three powerplants. There’s an all-new aluminum, 220 horsepower, five valve per cylinder 3.0-liter V6. The aluminum block makes the 3.0 V6 lighter than the 2.8-liter V6 it replaced.

The 2.7 T delivers 250 horses while the flagship 4.2-liter V8 puts 300 ponies to the pavement. There’s also an Avant version of the high-performance S6.

Our test vehicle was equipped with the 3.0-liter V6, the Quattro AWD system and the Tiptronic transmission.

The A6 boasts a host of new features including a “Sport-mode” setting on the Tiptronic, which was first offered in the company’s Porsche line of cars. This is a feature that lets you shift the 5-speed automatic manually, with the push of a steering wheel mounted button on the 2.7T and 4.2 and through a console-mounted gate on the right side of the shifter on the 3.0 version.

There’s also a new multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission available on FrontTrak models.

Other mechanical improvements for 2002 include high-performance front brakes and improved Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with BrakeAssist, new wheels and bigger tires. There’s also a six-disc in-dash CD changer and a second rear fog light in addition to Audi Telematics by OnStar.

Audi engineers have redesigned or enhanced a number of facets of the A6, including the speed-synchronized Servotronic steering, the four-link front suspension and the rear suspension — both which utilize aluminum components for a quieter and smoother ride.

All A6’s, come standard with a larger tandem brake servo, complete with high performance disc brakes on the front and rear wheels

The A6’s clear glass headlights also are new, as are the redesigned taillights. Because of the headlight’s transparency, the surface of the light unit has frosted lenses to evenly distribute light across the road ahead without distracting oncoming traffic. All Audi A6 models can also be equipped with optional high-intensity Xenon headlights with automatic range control and a cleaning system.

Inside, the instrumentation has been redesigned using aluminum accent rings similar to the Audi TT. Instrument lighting is Audi’s signature red. Aluminum is also used to accent the shank of the restyled gearshift and shift-lever gate. There’s also a new steering wheel, which is more elaborate in design and more comfortable to grip.
Our test model was equipped with the Bose premium sound system, which is a $750 option, and well worth the money. It also had the Preferred Luxury Package — an $1,800 option that includes a power sunroof, and leather upholstery.

The 2002 A6 also includes improvements not visible to the eye, like new door seals and thicker glass in the side windows to insulate the cabin against outside noise. There’s an air sensor that detects levels of pollutants in the outside air and shuts down induction until the air quality improves.

The four-year/50,000 mile limited new vehicle warranty has also been upgraded to include four-year/50,000 mile no charge scheduled maintenance, a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation and four years worth of 24-hour Roadside Assistance.

Whines: Visibility was somewhat obscured by the positioning of the “B” pillar, but nearly not as bad as some other cars of this genre.

Applause: I found the Audi A6 Avant Quattro AT5 at its best on the highway. It handles superbly with plenty of power for passing and has excellent road manners. The AWD Quattro system is absolutely seamless on wet pavement, giving it a cat-like quality. The cargo area is large enough to carry a wide variety of items and has cargo netting and hooks to keep things secure.

Bottom Line: This is a smooth, sophisticated automobile. It offers all the amenities you expect in a car with a price tag of $42,180, plus the utility of a wagon, great comfort and quiet, as well as sports car like performance and handling. What more could you want?.