AUDI LAUNCH A NEW SIX SYMBOL; Latest German car set to be a design trendsetter.

Byline: By GRAEME LENNOX

AUDI's new A6 will have their rivals looking nervously over their shoulders.

Next weekend sees its launch their most important car in more than a year.

So vital is the A6 to the German firm's success, they devoted their entire stand to the car at this year's British Motor Show but the launch has not gone completely smoothly.

Opinion is divided over the controversial square front grille and the look it gives the luxury saloon.

Having seen it at Birmingham last week, I have to say I'm a fan.

Audi have never shied away from radical pen work and I would not be too surprised if the new A6 is another trendsetter.

Its owners have high hopes, aiming to top the 4500 sales mark by the end of the year with another 2500 of the old Avants leaving forecourts on top. Prices are likely to start from around pounds 25,000 a slight increase on the outgoing model.

The launch model comes with a choice of four engines for the UK including a 4.2-litre V8 at the top of the range and a 3-litre turbodiesel. Saloon versions will be joined by the Avant (estate) next spring. Customers have the choice of front-wheel drive or paying a little extra for the security of quattro permanent four-wheel drive.

Overall, the car offers more interior room thanks to an 8cm increase in the wheelbase. The body is 34 per cent stiffer, resulting in a passenger-friendly ride and better handling.

Apart from that controversial radi-ator, the front of the car is dominated by new clear glass headlamps.

For the first time, Audi will offer adaptive headlamps that 'see around

corners' as an option.

Another new feature is the daytime driving lights.

A look at the interior confirms Audi have lost none of their passion for minimalist styling.

The neat and tidy dash contains a small information screen and an optional satellite navigation map.

Audi have persisted with the red digital instrumentation which gives the car a retro feel and most cabin functions are controlled via a central interface. The standard manual transmission adopts new technology for precise, short throw shifts.

There's also a choice of a seven-stage multitronic box which offers the benefits of a manual and a geared automatic.

Standard equipment includes a four-speaker CD player, air conditioning, rain sensors ESP, brake assist and brakeforce distribution.

Safety standards are high with six airbags and anti-whiplash head restraints fitted in all models.

CAPTION(S):

Minimalist motor: Interior has neat and tidy dashboard