motor

Because of the Americans’ lack of interest in wagons, Audi has decided to withdraw its wagon body-styles from its lineup for the U.S. In an interview with Inside Line, Audi of America spokesman Andrew Lipman said that the new A6 Avant will arrive in the European market in the second half of 2011 but that there are no plans to offer it in the U.S. The 2011 A6 Avant is priced from $46,000, but the price of the upcoming model is the equivalent of $58,000, which makes it a tough sell in this segment.

Audi’s move to withdraw its wagon actually follows similar moves by other European brands like BMW and Volvo. The exception is Mercedes-Benz whose 2012 E63 AMG wagon will arrive in the U.S. in the fall. The new Avant features a dashboard layout that’s similar to the four-door version, putting in several bespoke options like a load-through hatch, a fixing set and a power rear hatch.

With the seats up, its boot capacity is 19.95 cubic feet but with the rear seats folded down, it offers 59.33 cubic feet. The engine options in Europe are the same as what’s offered on the saloon, consisting of two petrols and four diesels. The 2.8-liter FSI V6 offers 204 hp. Meanwhile, the bigger 3.0-liter TFSI can deliver 300 hp. The diesel lineup includes 2.0-liter TDI with 177HP and a 3.0-liter TDI V6 offered in three states of tune, generating up to 313 hp. [via - 4wheelsnews]

2012 Audi A6 Avant