Audi A6 named 'World Car of the Year'

A panel of automotive writers recently named the Audi A6 of Germany the World Car of the Year, selecting it from 35 other cars from all classes. This is the just the latest honor given to the newest model of the Audi A6 saloon.

The award was presented on Feb. 16 during the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, the carmaker said on its website.

The panel based their decision on such criteria as the characteristics and charisma of the car.

In addition to considerations such as the safety and value of the Audi A6, the "wow" factor also played an important role in the decision.

The Audi A6 boasts a single-frame radiator grille uninterrupted by bumper, which provides a more aggressive and dynamic look.

In Indonesia, the sole distributor for Audi, PT Garuda Mataram Motor, sells the Audi A6 3.0 Quattro for Rp 925 million (US$100,000) and the Audi 2.4 for Rp 875 million.

Last year, the company sold 46 units of the Audi A6.

The World Car of the Year award was only the latest honor bestowed on the Audi A6. It was named by Bild am Sonntag last year as the best car in the executive class.

The readers of Auto Zeitung also chose the Audi A6 as the clear winner of the executive class, while another international panel voted it The Most Beautiful Car in the World for 2004.

As for safety, the European New Car Assessment Programme gave the Audi A6 the highest rating of five stars for safety.

In Indonesia, the Audi A6 was named the Best Medium Sedan at the 2004 Jakarta Motor Show.

This year, the readers of ADAC Motorweld chose the car as the winner of the Yellow Angel 2005, beating out 55 competitors from all vehicle classes.

In Japan, the car was voted Import Car of the Year 2005. -- The Jakarta Post