a full six cubic feet of additional volume over last year's model. And, at 17.1 cubic feet, the trunk is one of

the largest in its class, with enough room to store a week's worth of luggage and a couple of sets of golf clubs.

The rear seat folds down to provide room for skis or long packages.

German automakers are justifiably well known for their ergonomic interiors and Audi offers exquisite attention

to detail on the A6. Switches are easy to reach and operate. Gauges are easy to see and read. Best of all, Audi

has gone for a warmer, friendlier feel where BMW and Mercedes-Benz products tend to be Teutonically cold and

efficient. At night, the glowing orange-red lights and indicators are calmly reassuring.

Echoing Audi's extensive use of aluminum for structural applications, the gear shift bezel is made of aluminum

buffed to a high gloss. It's a visually exciting, high-tech look. That look is balanced by the warmth of lots of

real wood that looks like real wood, not over-polished plastic.

Audi now offers three distinct interior styles or "Atmospheres" that come in an extensive range of colors and

tones. Each atmosphere surrounds its occupants with a distinctly different character distinguished by the texture

and appearance of the seat upholstery and the color and type of wood and aluminum trim. The classic touring sedan

look is found in "Ambition," which features rich, dark woods with classic, deep-colored leather tones. Lighter

wood and bolder color combinations are seen in a Mediterranean style called "Ambiente" with fine, supple materials.

A high-tech, monotone look is found in "Advance." Each atmosphere is available in at least two color choices and

a choice of leatherette, leather or, in the Advance atmosphere, a Jacquard cloth. They all come matched with

choice of rich and vibrant exterior hues.

The A6 comes with a high level of standard equipment, including dual automatic climate control with pollen

filter, power mirrors, windows and door locks, eight-way power driver's seat, keyless remote entry, rear heat

duct, tilt/telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel and cast alloy wheels. The AM/FM cassette sound system

boasts 120 watts of power and a subwoofer.

Two options packages should be considered: The cold weather package comes with heated seats and a heated

steering wheel. The warm weather package includes infrared-reflective glass and a solar sunroof that generates

power to run a cooling fan without draining the battery. This helps keep the interior cool in the summer.

Safety is a big issue for Audi and the A6 comes with dual airbags up front as well as dual front side-impact

airbags. All five seat belts have pretensioners. In the event of an accident, they cinch the belts as tight as

possible to minimize injuries.