IN the ultra competitive race to be number one in the executive car sector, frugal appears to be the new ‘luxury’.

Manufacturers are increasing having to find the right blend of performance, comfort, price and efficiency in order to entice buyers – and with company car tax rates as they are, any advantage is a blessing.

Perhaps not surprisingly then, Audi is marketing its latest A6 on its fuel-saving benefits.

The popular mid-range executive completes with the likes of the Mercedes E Class, BMW’s 5 Series and the Jaguar XF and in the bid to be top of this particular tree, Audi engineers have incorporated an even more frugal version of the A6 in its UK range.

Priced from £31,955 OTR in saloon form or £33,955 as an Avant (estate), the latest 2.0 TDI claims consumption of 67mpg with emissions as low as 109g/km of CO2.

The even more fuel-sparing models join a line-up which has been bolstered by styling revisions, upgraded lighting options, a new infotainment system and new transmissions. Like all other A6 and A6 allroad variants they are open for order now, with the first deliveries expected in December. High performance S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant models will follow shortly afterwards.

In S line specification, which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, the new A6’s efficiency is virtually unchanged, with emissions rising slightly to 110g/km.

For cash-conscious business users, the TDI ultra in SE form with S tronic transmission, offers a BIK (benefit-in-kind) tax change from 18% to 17% – equating to a liability for a 40% tax payer of £2,273 in the first year. Manual transmission models with their reduced 113g/km output and 65.7mpg economy are only just above at 18%.

This sees both ultra versions of the new A6 saloon move from VED (road tax) band C to band B, allowing owners to benefit from free road fund licencing in the first year of ownership and then a £10 annual saving thereafter over the outgoing model at just £20 per year.

In the Avant versions of the TDI ultra SE, the efficiency improvements have resulted in a CO2 figure of 114g/km for S tronic versions, equating to a combined fuel economy figure of 61.4mpg, or 118g/km and 60.1mpg for versions equipped with manual transmission.

Audi claims the efficiency improvements have been achieved without compromising on performance.

It said thanks to peak outputs of 190 PS and 400Nm, the A6 TDI ultras delivered strong and responsive performance – with the S tronic saloon 0-62mph time coming in at 8.2-seconds (8.4 seconds for manual ultras) and a top speed of 144mph.

A key contributor to this trade-off between pace and frugality is the fully redeveloped seven speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which replaces the familiar eight-speed multitronic continuously variable transmission in front-wheel-drive models. Its rapid fire gear changes are intended to help build momentum, and it also incorporates a new ‘coasting’ function which is activated when efficiency mode is selected in the standard Audi Drive Select system. This allows the engine to ‘freewheel’ in neutral once the accelerator is released. The six speed manual gearbox that is available as an alternative in ultra models is also of a new design, and is notable for its light weight and low friction characteristics.

Improvements to the engine start-stop system also contribute to the efficiency gains. The system activates as soon as the car comes to a halt and can now switch on or off several times if required, for example to maintain the ambient cabin temperature managed by the climate control during prolonged periods of stationary traffic. Together, the S tronic and Start-stop revisions save up to 8g/km of CO2.

Further weightsaving improvements in the design of the car have also helped to improve its efficiency.

The ultra models are joined in the new A6 saloon and Avant ranges by four other versions powered by three V6 TDI engines with varying power outputs and either single or twin turbo charging. All comply with the Euro 6 emission standard.

The 3.0-litre six-cylinder TDI ‘clean diesel’ units kick off with a single-turbo V6 with 218PS which replaces the existing 204PS version, and is available in conjunction with either front-wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive. This is followed by a 272PS variant, also with a single charger, which takes over from the outgoing 245PS unit and is linked exclusively to quattro drive.

At the top of the range, the 3.0 TDI clean diesel biturbo produces 320PS, an increase of 7PS over its existing equivalent, and again is allied exclusively to the quattro drivetrain. The high performance diesel is paired with an eight speed tiptronic automatic transmission. All other V6 options are linked to a seven speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

There are also a number of external changes to the vehicle, designed to streamline its appearance.

Revisions have been made to the Singleframe grille, the air inlets, the bumpers, the side sills, the rear lights and the tailpipes.

There is also the addition of xenon headlamps as standard for UK A6 SE models, and LED headlights with dynamic ‘sweeping’ rear indicators for S line versions and above.

Inside, a key cosmetic difference in the new car is the addition of a new Lunar Silver upholstery and headlining colour choice for S line versions, which have until now been available finished exclusively in black. There are also subtle detail enhancements, including an upgrade from dual-zone to deluxe four-zone climate control, new gear lever designs and additional chrome detailing.

There are also upgrades with new versions of the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus and Audi connect elements. Based around an eight-inch retractable colour monitor, MMI navigation plus is available as an alternative to the standard navigation system. It now uses an even more powerful Tegra 30 graphics processor from Nvidia, and includes MMI touch, which enables the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and maps via a touchpad.

Connectivity improvements see tailored internet-based services and new media streaming apps which link to the car via the latest 4G.

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro, which is based on the A6 Avant, features a raised body accentuated by wheel arch extensions and stainless steel protectors that encapsulate the underside of the front and rear ends. It rides on adaptive air suspension and is powered by three 3.0 litre V6 TDI engines with outputs of 218PS, 272PS and 320PS.

The highest performance versions of the latest A6 range – the S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant – all use a twin turbo V8 with Cylinder on Demand technology producing 450PS in the S6 and 560PS in the RS 6 Avant.

In the S6 saloon the state-of-the-art V8 is good for a 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.4 seconds. The S6 Avant needs just 4.6 seconds. Combined fuel economy stands at 30.7mpg in the saloon and 30.1mpg in the Avant, the equivalent of 214 and 219 grams CO2 per kilometre, respectively.

The flagship of the range – the RS 6 Avant – sees a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 189mph.Fuel consumption is a more modest 29.4mpg. The price of this particular model is yet to be confirmed, although the 4.0 quattro S6 Avant will set its owner back £58,000.

Hollywood adds glamour to the Great British car run

BRITAIN’S favourite baker steps back from kneading his dough this weekend to join participants in the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Paul Hollywood is joining hundreds of other intrepid motorists taking an evocative trip down memory lane for the historic event.

The annual Run on Sunday features more than 400 automobiles, some dating back to the turn of the last century. It celebrates the original Emancipation Run, held on November 14, 1896. This marked the introduction of the Locomotives on the Highway Act that raised the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from 4 to 14mph and abolished the need for a man walking ahead of the cars waving a red flag.

Along with all the other participants, Hollywood will be setting out from Hyde Park just after dawn and heading for the Sussex seafront aboard a pioneering car from the pre-1905 era. He will be driving a two-seater 1904 De Dion Bouton powered by a single-cylinder 6hp engine kindly loaned by the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

Other familiar faces joining Hollywood on the historic 60-mile route include Olympic legends Sir Ben Ainslie and Sir Steve Redgrave, multiple world championship winning F1 team boss Ross Brawn and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.

Can’t get no satisfaction? Try an Abarth

IT may have a scorpion on its badge, but an Abarth is highly unlikely to sting…indeed, if you own one of company’s cars then the chances are that you’ll be among the happiest drivers in the UK, at least according to a new survey.

Owners of the Italian sporting brand’s cars, with its range of Fiat 500-based performance models, have been found to be among the most satisfied in the UK, earning Abarth the title of ‘Rising Star of the Year 2014’ in the WeLoveAnyCar.com National Car Awards 2014.

The independently rated awards are based on owner experience and are judged in various categories such as excitement, comfort, driver fun and running costs.

Abarth saw a huge leap in its ratings in the 2014 awards, as well as coming top overall in the ‘Exciting to Drive’ category.

A spokesman for WeLoveAnyCar.com said: “The Abarth range is clearly aimed at enthusiasts and, from the reviews we’ve seen on our site, the latest model range has certainly hit the spot.

“It’s great to see a car brand that is aimed so squarely at people who love cars achieving what they set out to achieve, and that’s one of the main reasons we’re proud to call Abarth our Rising Star in 2014.”

Here are just three of the quotes levelled at the Italian performance brand:

“Quite easily one of the best cars I’ve owned or driven – superb, cheeky fun without being overpowered or outrageously fast.”

“I adore this little car; it always puts a smile on my face even just looking at it.”

“I just love it. It puts a smile on my face after a rubbish day at work and when big cars get caught out!”

Drive safely.