Gemma Senington says the technology-loaded new Audi A6 is well worth a second look.

Don't you just hate that feeling when you've spent a lot of money on a new outfit and nobody notices? Well, Audi must feel a little bit like that over its new A6 – it has gone to a lot of trouble to make it perfect, but unless you look closer you wouldn't notice anything different.

Audi has played it safe with a little nip and tuck rather than a full facelift. It's a premium player in a competitive segment for the brand so isn't in desperate need of any major cosmetic surgery because it already has plenty of admirers. These buyers like to know what they're getting – understated luxury.

The new A6 doesn't shout about its goodies instead it saves them as a treat for its driver. Beyond face value things have moved on and the body is riddled with Vorsprung durch Technik. The new composite steel-aluminium structure chassis has had the benefit of the brand's most lightweight construction techniques.

More than 20p of the new body is aluminium and 30kg lighter than the outgoing model – improving the power to weight ratio, fuel efficiency, C02 emissions and ultimately its company car tax band.

The 2.0-litre TDI as tested is a class leader in its segment when it comes to fuel economy and C02 emissions considering its size and performance. It looks set to be the most popular option to executive car buyers and impresses with emissions of 129g/km and 57.6mpg on the combined cycle. Technologies to conserve energy like idle-stop also work alongside the engine to make it as frugal as it can be.

The real delight of all the weight saving is that the front-wheel-drive A6 feels light, quick and agile. And although the steering lacks a little involvement it corners very well. The new model is longer and wider than the model it replaces and sits lower to the ground. The front wheels are pushed further forward, producing a car with less front overhang and with more weight inside the wheelbase which is what helps it glide round bends perfectly.

The 2.0-litre TDi four-cylinder engine, redeveloped to generate 177bhp, is strong, refined and responsive with plenty of low-down torque. It is also remarkably quiet but if you listen carefully it will reward you with a bit of a snort when you accelerate hard.

Little wind and road noise makes the A6 a relaxing long-distance cruiser and the ride feels smooth and comfortable. The engine always feels capable and you may have to keep an eye on your speed along the motorway because it creeps up easily. The A6 remains just as serene and well balanced at 70mph as it does at 30mph. The A6 comes with 'Drive Select' which allows the driver to fine-tune the accelerator and steering wheel responses.

The cabin doesn't disappoint and is a lot more stylish than the previous model although some people may consider the understated design a little boring. The wraparound dash encapsulates the driver yet the interior still feels spacious. Fit and finish are typical Audi and everything feels well put together. Leather upholstery, regular sat-nav, parking sensors, two-zone air-con and an 8in pop-up touch-screen for the multi-media interface (MMI) are standard. As well as ultra-intelligent 3D navigation mapping, the new MMI Touch system can store audio tracks and telephone data.

We drove the A6 with the SE trim but those who are flush and want something a little more flush may want to pay an extra �2,350 for the S line trim. For this you get lowered, stiffened suspension, xenon headlights, LED rear lights, larger 18in alloy wheels, sports seats and bespoke front and rear bumpers.

The huge option list is mind- boggling and includes cooled, massaging seats, TV reception, head-up display and the �1,500 technology package includes internet access and advanced satellite navigation plus which can download Google Earth images on to your route, feeding data to the directional headlights. Now that's what I call 'progress through technology'.

You might want to take a second glance at the new A6 then because even though things don't appear to have changed much at face value it really does mean business underneath – and that's what will make it very attractive to company car-buyers.

AUDI A6 2.0 TDI SE

Price: Audi A6 2.0 TDi SE, from �30,145 on the road

Engine: 2.0-litre, 177bhp turbo diesel

Transmission: Six-speed manual driving front wheels

Performance: 0-62mph 8.7 seconds; top speed 141mph

Economy: 57.6mpg

CO2 Rating: 129g/km