Audi A6 Awarded 2005 World Car of the Year

The organization, headed by a "Steering Committee" of six journalists who oversee and monitor the integrity of the voting process,

"An award of this magnitude rests like a crown jewel among a host of accolades for our new A6." (Photo: Audi of America)

"An award of this magnitude rests like a crown jewel among a host of accolades for our new A6," commented Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President of Audi of America Inc., who accepted the award. "To be selected as the ultimate winner from a list of so many deserving vehicles, by automotive experts from around the world is truly gratifying.

Ironically the new A6 doesnt quite measure up to the outgoing model in all respects. (Photo: Audi of America)

Ironically the new A6 doesnt quite measure up to the outgoing model in all respects. Controversial styling aside, the fit and finish of its interior is not quite up to the unparalleled standards set by the previous generation.

Most evident are sloppily fixed buttons on the center stack, dash, lower console and steering wheel; each button loose enough to audibly hear the sound of clicking when plastic meets plastic. The outgoing A6 featured zero-tolerance buttons, with

The A6 has been surpassed in interior fit and finish quality by unlikely new vehicles sold by Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia. (Photo: Audi of America)

Such superior interior quality has been a hallmark of Audi vehicles during the last decade, and now that most rival, and even entry-level brands have benchmarked the German nameplate, the A6 has been surpassed in interior fit and finish quality by unlikely new vehicles sold by Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia. Many of GMs new models, such as the Buick Allure, also offer tighter fit and finish tolerances than the new Audi.

While some might not concern themselves with how a button feels when pressed, considering it a minor issue compared to the many other positive attributes a vehicle such as the A6 offers, many premium buyers will not be impressed with the vehicles perceived quality, especially if

Audi has the honor of being the first automaker to ever receive this inaugural award. (Photo: Audi of America)