This executive saloon is larger, more spacious and more refined than before.
AUDI A6
PRICE ON APPLICATION
This executive saloon is larger, more spacious and more refined than before. The A6 is also more advanced than ever, with two touchscreens with acoustic and haptic feedback taking the place of the traditional physical controls for the infotainment and climate systems. The initial variant available has a turbocharged 3-litre V6 with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which supposedly reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100km. An entry-level model with a turbocharged 2-litre engine, and a station wagon, will be available in due course.
RIVAL: MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS
BMW i3s
FROM $201,000 ON THE ROAD
Aimed at electric car buyers seeking a higher- voltage driving experience, the BMW i3s has an electric motor that delivers 184hp and 270Nm, or 14hp and 20Nm more than the i3. The stronger “zap” enables the i3s to complete the century sprint in 6.9 seconds, or 0.4 of a second quicker than its sibling. The i3s promises better handling than the i3, too, thanks to its 10mm lower ride height, 40mm wider track and 20mm wider wheels.
RIVAL: BMW i3
MAZDA 6
FROM $142,188 ON THE ROAD
Following another facelift, this mid-size Japanese saloon has become even more advanced and efficient than the older model. New equipment includes a digital speedometer, 360-degree camera system and an eight-inch infotainment display. The biggest update, however, is under the bonnet. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine now has a cylinder deactivation feature, which shuts off two of the four cylinders during light-load conditions. This supposedly improves fuel economy by about 20 percent when driving at a constant 40km/h, and by about 5 percent when driving at a steady 80km/h.
RIVAL: VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
HYUNDAI i30 N
PRICE ON APPLICATION
The Korean carmaker’s first car from its go-faster N division is a hot hatch aimed at purists. The i30 N is armed with a turbocharged 2-litre 4-cylinder that delivers 250hp and 353Nm, and is currently only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The i30 N does zero to 100km/h in a respectable 6.4 seconds, but you can have 15hp more with the optional Performance Package. However, said package makes the i30 N liable for a $10k VES surcharge, and cannot be retrofitted.
RIVAL: VOLKS WAGEN GOLF GTI
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