Science says that first impressions are incredibly quick to form and hard to change. Genetically, humans have been hardwired to make quick decisions - everything from whether we find someone or something attractive or unappealing happens in a matter of seconds.
So as we first set our eyes on the updated Audi A6 in Munich, we were impressed by its striking new appearance and we got to understand the car a little better during our drive around the Bavarian capital.
Up close and Personal
Changes to the A6's exterior remain minimal, in this case bringing about a sharper front and rear end design in line with Audi's evolving company look.
Eagle-eyed fans will note the minor tweaks to the front fascia, featuring new head lights with Matrix LED technology and dynamic turn signals, Audi's Singleframe grille that has been resculpted for a wide appearance as well as redesigned air intakes in the front bumpers.
Round the back, the rear bumper has been redesigned as well, as have the tail lamps which have gained an even sharper, more angular appearance.
The A6's interior is still one of the best in the business. The addition of a driver information screen nestled between the speedometer and tachometer is borrowed from the recently launched Audi TT (though not entirely digital like the TT), and it helps tremendously with navigation, audio browsing and more.
Audi has also improved the MMI touch system, which allows the driver to write letters and numbers on a special touchscreen located on the centre console, without taking his or her eyes off the road with the system providing acoustic feedback after the input of each new character.
Settling down into the same plush leather seats is no bad thing, as is the interior space - again, a good thing with loads of room in front, at the back and in the boot. Access to the cargo area when your hands are full is also made easier with an automatic sensor-controlled boot release.
The Drive
The A6 comes equipped with more power than before, sporting a 2.0-litre TFSI engine that has been tweaked to deliver 252bhp and 370Nm of torque, allowing the car to remain a nimble machine that hides its size well.
Audi has also ditched the continuously variable 'Multitronic' transmission in favour of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that adds to the sportiness. The new gearbox, dubbed S-tronic in Audi speak, contributes to the car's fluid dynamism, providing brisk and smooth shifts when cruising.
Thanks to the new performance upgrade, the car goes from 0 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, 1.6 seconds faster than the previous model.
We did find ourselves pushing the car a little on the Autobahn, and it's important to note that the car is a very competent driving machine, hustling along at a fair clip without any lack of breath.
The A6 comes equipped with more power than before, sporting a 2.0-litre TFSI engine that has been tweaked to deliver 252bhp and 370Nm of torque, allowing the car to remain a nimble machine that hides its size well.
Audi has also ditched the continuously variable 'Multitronic' transmission in favour of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that adds to the sportiness. The new gearbox, dubbed S-tronic in Audi speak, contributes to the car's fluid dynamism, providing brisk and smooth shifts when cruising.
Thanks to the new performance upgrade, the car goes from 0 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, 1.6 seconds faster than the previous model.
We did find ourselves pushing the car a little on the Autobahn, and it's important to note that the car is a very competent driving machine, hustling along at a fair clip without any lack of breath.
The steering feel in the A6 remains well-tuned and just communicative enough, striking a nice balance between comfort and precision. And although the car has a ride that leans to the firm side, it's never harsh and definitely composed.
More importantly, although the car is some 4.9 metres long, it wasn't a difficult task to manoeuvre it even around some narrow streets and tight parking areas in the city.
Conclusion
The updated Audi A6 may not look like a hugely different vehicle, but the various changes made inside and out conspire to deliver a much more advanced vehicle than before, and one that will certainly take the fight to its rivals.
Scheduled to arrive in Singapore in the second half of the year, this car definitely makes a strong and positive first impression.
