THE new A6 was one of the most impressive arrivals of the year, an accomplished executive-class saloon which seems to have few weaknesses.
That was my verdict when it was launched back in mid-summer and I see no reason to change my view after a longer time with the car.
Many would argue that it's the best of the Audi range, which, considering that includes the TT, the new A4 and the luxury A8, is high testimony.
You have to like Audi's sporty inclinations, of course, and the firmness which makes the A6 such a delight to handle won't be to everyone's taste. For me, it's nicely judged, producing a comfortable ride with assuredness, especially with the four-wheel drive quattro system.
That came with the 3.2-litre V6 FSi test car, a version of super, easy power that seemed right at home in a wide variety of driving conditions, from open road to town.
There's 250bhp of power available here and 243lb/ft of pull - 90 per cent of it from 2,500 revs - and the car is darned quick - maximum speed is 155mph and that's electronically limited.
Yet if you want to doddle along, it's no problem. Just go easy when starting off. This large car can get from standstill to 62mph in a fraction over seven seconds and you quickly learn the need for a light foot touch at, say, traffic lights.
The 3.2 quattro features a fluent six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport choice if you want to crisp it up further, but the car's nature encourages you to use the Tiptronic manual facility to get the best out of the driving experience.
Steering is positive and, with the new fully-independent multi-link suspension and the tight build - the body rigidity has been improved by 34 per cent - the new A6 whips through twisting territory like a big rally car.
Then you can savour the snarl from the twin chrome exhausts, but in general use you just get that lovely background V6 thrum and peaceful progress, with just some noise off the big tyres.
In this mode the A6 3.2 quattro proves itself an endearing cruiser and you get something approaching 35mpg.
In town, however, that drops to a much more disturbing 18mpg, at best. With CO2 emissions up at 264g/km and a high insurance rating, running costs mount.
On the other hand, you are enjoying a lot of quality car which, with its almost-coupe shape, looks attractive and eager.
And then there's the space. The new A6 is nearly five inches longer than its predecessor, nearly two inches wider and has a wheelbase stretched by well over three inches.
You can imagine what this does to cabin roominess, which is up in the luxury class, even for rear-seat passengers and behind them is vast luggage capacity.
There's a typically-Audi classy look about the interior, too, with liberal use of aluminium for facings, grips controls, knobs etc. The test car delved into the options list to add walnut highlights and leather upholstery.
In fact, it featured so much in the way of optional gear and gadgets that it added more than £10,000 to the price of the car, just to show what can be done.
But there's a fair amount of equipment as standard anyway in all A6s, including a version of the clever Multi Media Interface control system seen first in the A8,
Among other items are dual-zone climate control, front, side and curtain airbags, a super 160-watt, 10-speaker audio system with CD player and lots of storage areas.
For the driver's benefit, there's an array of aids - traction and stability programmes, cruise control, Servotronic speed-dependent power steering, electromechanical parking brake, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, light and rain sensors, information system and safety steering column featuring height and reach adjustment.
It's simply a cracking package in a top-quality saloon - an Avant version is due during 2005 - which I was reluctant to hand back.
FAST FACTS
Audi A6 3.2 FSI quattro SE Auto
Price: £33,525
Mechanical: 256bhp, 3,123cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving all four whels via automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 7.1 secs
Combined mpg: 25.6
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 264g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint