Just weeks after taking delivery of our new A6 Avant long-termer a stone ricocheted into the lower part of the windscreen just where it disappears below the bonnet overhang and chipped the glass.

Unfortunately, because this part of the windscreen is hidden from the driver’s view the chip went unnoticed until it very quickly became a crack.

A call to Audi resulted in the mobile repairer arriving at our offices the same day to replace the windscreen – impressive service which meant the car was off the road only overnight to allow the glue to fully set.

Audi claims its contractor was not aware that the Avant was one of its press vehicles, suggesting this speed of service is more widely available to company car drivers. If true, we’re won over: a windscreen replacement on our Mazda6 earlier this year took a month due to the new screen being on back order.

It’s a premium service befitting our A6’s £38,175 P11D price, which includes Audi’s technology package.

This £1,500 option comprises an upgraded touch-screen sat-nav with Google Earth, driver’s information system, music interface with iPod connector and Bluetooth mobile phone interface, which creates a wi-fi hotspot to enable up to eight devices to be connected to the internet at any one time.

This is the Ultra version of the A6, Audi-speak for its most efficient models. It means 119g/km and 61.4mpg for our model, impressive figures when considering the 190hp power output and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.5 seconds.

Two months in and we’re averaging 45mpg, although 50mpg has been nudged on a few longer journeys getting us within 20% of the official figure. With a more patience right foot, mid 50s should be possible.

Consumer magazines have already issued their verdicts on Ultra model’s on-road performance: “doughy throttle” and “numb steering” means it’s not a driver’s car was Car magazine’s damning assessment.

Is that fair? Well, as mentioned in a previous test, this isn’t a car to knock the 5 Series from its perch. The throttle response can be tardy and inconsistent and is not helped by an occasionally stuttering seven-speed dual-clutch.

As for the steering, I’m not taking the car on a track day, so it tells me pretty much everything I need to know about what’s happening on the road.

The Ultra’s strong points are its general refinement and its chassis which is composed and comfortable. Both are perfect for long journeys.

Current mileage – 2,635
Current mpg – 44.7mpg

Stephen Briers