Design round-up: Audi A6 allroad; Dacia New Spring; Škoda Peaq interior sketches

Audi A6 allroad 

The fifth-generation Audi A6 allroad has been built with a wide body for the first time making it 11cm wider than the A6 Avant. In addition, large 21-inch wheels are paired with wider tyres to make this vehicle able to handle a variety of terrains.

The upper section of the exterior appears both sporty yet elegant, with clean lines inspired by the other models in the A6 series. The lower section echoes the more rugged and practical appearance of this new off-road Avant, while the grille and large side air intakes adapt the allroad-specific hexagonal design – as does the insert above the diffuser.

Inside, the main event is the Audi MMI panoramic display, which consists of a 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch touch display and an optional 10.9-inch passenger display. The digital Matrix LED headlights can be customised from the central display – with eight digital DRLs to choose from. 

There are eight exterior paint options, including Madeira brown, Midnight green and Firmament blue.

Full release here. 

Dacia New Spring 

Some carmakers spend months agonising over names. Dacia appears to have had a very efficient meeting, naming the second generation of its Spring EV the New Spring.

All we know so far is that the New Spring will also be electric and possess four seats. 

Full release here. 

Škoda Peaq interior sketches unveiled

Škoda has shown a selection of interior design sketches of its new seven-seat SUV, with a lounge-like cabin created by a freestanding central display, compact digital cluster and floating centre console. For the first time, Škoda has opted for a vertical infotainment display, with new physical controls dedicated to climate controls, volume adjustment and other basic vehicle functions.

Škoda’s head of in-car and UX design Chan Park said: “Škoda puts the customer at the centre, designing a seamless user experience that connects the usability of the physical seven-seat interior with the digital experience around it, ensuring intuitive interaction and reducing complexity.” 

Full release here. 

What if Birkenstock built a race car? 

CDN received an intriguing independent design study from automotive designer Alexander Torban that explored how Birkenstock’s design language and values could be translated into motorsport. 

The result is a vehicle that features Birkenstock cork inspired headrests, natural materials inspired by German heritage and an exterior influenced by the classic sandy Birkenstock colour.

People moves 

Jyotsna Parthasarathy has joined Mahindra India Design Studio as senior CMF designer. 

Siddharth Sangwan has joined Mahindra India Design Studio as exterior designer. 

Dhruv Panchal has joined Stellantis India as automotive CGI artist. 

Caterina Passaro has joined Renault Group as lead designer.