This A6 packs a real small-engine punch

In the corporate car park, image is everything. In this logo-conscious realm, diesel options have not always been the hot choice. Seen as rather industrial, they are regarded as appropriate for the firm's fleet of vans rather than getting the managing director to and from the office.

Yet all this is changing thanks in part to the rapid and dramatic developments in diesel technology. While the growing popularity of diesel is not news, its growth in this particularly petrol-biased segment has forced many to rethink their model range and offer diesel options.

Never known for their energy efficiency or overwhelming concern for the environment, the executive car pool is of late taking great strides to more energy efficient options. This is partly being driven by a desire to improve the planet's well-being, but is not completely selfless in origin. Even the most self-interested executive can work out the benefits from increased fuel efficiency on offer these days, savings that don't come at an exorbitant price in terms of performance.

With the likes of BMW now firmly ensconced in the diesel market and winning great kudos for its engine offerings, diesel is now desirable among the high mileage drivers in the corporate pool.

So it was we found ourselves test driving the smallest of the Audi A6 diesel options, the 1.9-litre TDi. We must admit to having several reservations when we went to collect this car. The A6 is no shrinking violet.

While it's a more discreet option than many of its competitors, its large bulbous lines - very much in keeping with the smaller A4 model - is still a rather imposing sight particularly when you know it's being propelled by a 1.9-litre engine, and diesel at that. Its diesel competitors have all opted for larger engines to power their executive offerings.

Yet from the moment we drove off, it became apparent this ubiquitous VW engine, which features in a number of models in the Volkswagen group, was up to the task.

Small diesel engines have come a long way since Volkswagen introduced the Golf diesel 20 years ago and this particular 1.9 litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is well proven. It handled itself admirably and power was never in question, in spite of our initial reservations.

Of course, the most important factor with regard to this car is its fuel consumption. Officially Audi claims a combined cycle of just under 50 mpg; that's the sort of frugality one can expect from the likes of a 1.4-litre Ford Fiesta, and leads the way in its immediate company.

Even though we didn't manage to achieve those levels of camel-like efficiency ourselves, we did manage an mpg in the early 40s over a very varied road conditions, with the compulsory hours spent in traffic. Impressive figures, especially when one considers that the premium over petrol versions, always a point in this country, is a mere €450 when you compare the 2-litre petrol multitronic version with this 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel. Both incidentally offer 130 bhp. You don't need to work in the company finance department to do the maths on these figures, particularly if you are one of the commuting populous who think nothing of clocking up 500-odd mile a week.

This situation is no doubt helped by the fact that the 1,896 cc unit manages to slip under the higher 30 per cent Vehicle Registration Tax band.

In the last budget the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, included cars with engines greater than 1,901cc in the top band. So VW's range escaped the punitive rate change by a mere 5 cc. Admittedly the car we tested also came laden with extras which added several thousand euros to the price.

Among them was the optional 6-speed multitronic gearbox. In automatic mode it handled itself admirably and, when we changed to manual, we were never disappointed by the performance of the engine.

The 6-speed option added more options when overtaking for instance, but we had some reservations about the multifunction gearshift on the steering wheel. The buttons are located only at the front and quite far in on the wheel. So we often found it easier to use the gear lever than the buttons.

We were surprised at the lack of gear controls at the back of the wheel, a more usual position to changeover as that is where your fingers rest after all, but they've opted only for the front. Overall, at €1,043 for the steering wheel option, we don't think it's an essential addition.

The automatic transmission however, is definitely worth consideration and is very much in keeping with the general feel of the car, as a cruiser.

Of our other criticisms of the car, we found the suspension system a little soft when put to the test, impacting on handling; steering that is sometimes lacking responsiveness; and a particularly bumpy route can lead to significant body roll and a rocking motion in the car.

One other complaint is with the lights, which were not bright enough on unlit country roads, forcing us to use our front fog lights to better light the road ahead.

As for sound quality, while we are firm fans of the petrol hum, the diesel note was apparent only at lower revs and, once given the chance to open up on clear roads it carried forth without complaint.

The A6 is at home on our short stretches of dual carriageway, working through rush hour detritus smoothly.

A well laid out and comfortable cabin, of course, help this, even if the wood inlay on the dash is a little dated in appearance. The ergonomics are excellent and both front and rear cabin space is on a par with any of the competition. The rear seat bench takes three comfortably for a cross-country trek and the boot borders on cavernous.

Audi has earned a strong reputation for build quality and the A6 certainly felt well put together.

Overall, while it may not offer the best drive in its class, it's certainly worth consideration for its fuel efficiency combined with full executive status and spacious cabin.