THE latest state-of-the-art executive saloon from the Vorsprung durch Technik brand, or Audi in a nutshell, will hit British roads this month.

Longer, wider, more spacious and with more boot capacity than all key rivals - not to mention larger competitors in the luxury segment - the new A6 majors on comfort and refinement without ruling out a sporting drive.

The latest Audi dynamic fully independent multi-link suspension, combined with either front-wheel-drive or unique-in-class quattro permanent four-wheel-drive, handles demanding corners as deftly as it irons out rough road surfaces. It is helped in both respects by a 35 per cent increase in body rigidity compared with the previous model and an 83mm increase in wheel base length.

As well as the extra space (thanks in part to the longer wheel base) the cabin of the new A6 saloon is packed with technology.

A version of the Multi Media Interface control system seen first in the Audi A8 is fitted as standard to all A6 models, as are cruise control, a CD stereo system, automatic light and wiper activation and servo-assisted boot lid locking.

From next year, options including adaptive light cornering lights, electronic tyre pressure monitoring and radar-assisted distance control will also be added.

The launch range features three completely new V6 engines - a 2.4 petrol with 177PS, a 3.2 FSI petrol with 256PS and an advanced 3.0 TDI V6 with new piezo injection technology delivering 225PS. A 4.2-litre petrol V8 with 335PS powers flagship models. On the road prices will range from £24,425 to £43,025.

Updated: 09:16 Friday, June 11, 2004