These modern Synthetic oils do more than extend service intervals.
On all the vehicles I've ever owned I have always changed engine oil before recommended mileages- up to now using mineral type oils.
The advent of these superb Synthetic oils has changed things somewhat. The biggest advantage is the performance and durability , compared to the "old" stuff. With the advent of modern high revving, performance engines, mostly with overhead camshaft designs, synthetic oils are a must, and take a lot of punishment.
But the way I see it doesn't matter a monkeys what type of oil is poured in from new, ( and how do you know what the quality of the "new" oil is that Audi have put in your car at manufacturing stage?- some makers use blended re-constituted oils ) it degrades due to the "running in" process and needs changing. Personally I'd prefer my new engine to come with ordinary ( good quality ) mineral oil, to allow the engine to run in quicker, change it after a few thousand miles, then use synthetic.
I think a lot of this "extended" service issue has come about due to environmental concerns, read, Authorities not liking people changing their own oils and sticking it down drains etc. Which is fair comment.
I shall change the original oil and then monitor the colour of the new oil as the miles clock up, and see how it goes. Eventually I shall have to get a dealer to "officially" service the car - at highly inflated prices, to get the book stamped.
The thing is that I'm one of those people who like the engineering aspect of my vehicles and see servicing as interesting-- it takes all sorts!!!
I fully appreciate that most owners don't want the bother of messing about under the car- life's too short!!
Regards JohnW. 2002 TYI SE.