1998 New York Auto Show

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Audi introduced the A6 Avant this week at the New York International Auto Show. This midsize wagon is intended to appeal to upscale sport-ute prospects who may want the security and versatility of a SUV, but who may not want the gas and handling penalties associated with a truck.

To make the A6 Avant more appealing to buyers, Audi has included their Quattro all-wheel drive system on the standard equipment list. Also included are front and rear passenger side-impact airbags, a Tiptronic 5-speed automatic transmission, and 3-point safety belts for all seating positions. The short option list includes a rear facing bench seat that effectively increases the A6 Avant’s seating capacity to seven.

Pricing for the A6 Avant is expected to start at $36,600, pitting it against upper level SUVs, as well as the Volvo and Mercedes AWD wagons. Audi expects to sell 2,000 A6 Avants in 1998.