NEWCOMER to the Audi showroom is the S line range of A6 saloons. There are five models in the range, powered by either V6 or V8 engines and ranging in price from £27,145 t0o £44,485 on the road.

There is nothing actually new about the engines, they are the same as fitted into the other saloons, but the S line offers just that little more when it comes to body upgrades, suspension and braking, as well as a few improvements inside aiming at sharpening its sporting look.

Kerbside views reveal distinctive 18-inch five-arm alloy wheels, which because of the sports suspension really fill the wheel arch.

Inside there are smart front sport seats with powered adjustable lumbar support, and S line emblems embossed in the back rests and special black "Speed" cloth upholstery with leather side sections. Carrying the S-for-sport line further, there are special facia inlays in brushed aluminium, a three-spoke steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather as well as the same leather covering over the gear knob. The overhead roof cloth is black. The range-topping 4.2-litre quattro gets fully powered sports seats, full leather upholstery, and uprated brakes.

For those still wanting to stand out, drivers of the S line models can add extra exterior fittings for another £1,100 (or for £875 for the 4.2-litre quattro model). These include a sporting design for the front bumper, which is also fitted with automatic headlamp washers, as well as a unique grille design. At the other end the rear bumper includes a body-coloured lower diffuser.

Power for the S line arrives with three V6 engines; a 177PS 2.4-litre petrol kicks off the range, followed by a 256PS 3.2-litre petrol with direct injection and a 3.0-litre turbo diesel with 225PS. A V8 petrol providing 335PS powers the 4.2-litre quattro flagship. Waiting in the wings are a 140PS 2.0-litre turbo diesel arriving in September, and a 177PS 2.7-litre turbo diesel expected in December.

Riding and handling of models in the S line are improved by an increase in body rigidity, and from a wheelbase extension. This extra 83mm allows more room for passengers as well as adding a few handy extra millimetres to the luggage area.

For the driver there is cruise control, automatic light and windscreen wipers and a version of the multi media interface control system seen first in the A8. Available from next year will be adaptive cornering lights, electronic tyre pressure monitoring and radar-assisted distance control. On the road prices are 2.2-litre £27,145 (up to £28,245 with the added exterior fittings); 3.2-litre FSI £33,095 (£34,195); 3.2-litre FSI Quattro £36,095 (£37,195); 4.2-litre Quattro £44,485 (£45,360); 3.0-litre TDI Quattro £34,500 (£35,600).

Updated: 09:30 Friday, July 23, 2004