Audi have released details on the new Q5, a compact SUV based on the larger Audi Q7. Bigger than its rivals such as the Landrover Freelander and BMW X3 the new Q5 will offer one of the sportiest drives of any four wheel drive. With a choice of diesel and petrol engines and 3 trim grades - SE, Sport and S Line the new model should be an instant hit with customers. If leasing rates for the Q7 are anything to go by then the lease costs for the new Q5 should be very competitive thanks to strong residual values and attractive fleet discount terms.
Posted on April 28th, 2008 under Audi, New Car Launches.
Audi’s impressive range will gain another dimension this summer with the launch of the A5, a coupe designed to go head-to-head with BMW’s long-established market leader. The production model was unveiled at the Geneva motor show, alongside an S5 high-performance version, marking Audi’s first venture in the segment since the 80 Coupe launched in 1989..
The A5 has a sports chassis, new multilink front suspension and an extended wheelbase, made possible by moving the axle further ahead of the engine. Audi claims this makes a positive contribution to the car’s balance and handling. Standard equipment will include xenon headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, split-folding rear seat, premium audio system, climate control and automatic headlights and wipers.
Seating four and with 455 litres of boot space, the A5 will initially be offered with two V6 TDI diesel and two FSI petrol engines. A six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox will be standard on all models, with a new multitronic CVT transmission available as an option on front-wheel drive versions. Audi’s 4.2 V8 engine will be reserved for the S5 quattro model. Prices range from £30,175 for the 2.7 TDI (due September 2007) to £40,025 for the S5 (due in July).
Posted on March 19th, 2007 under Audi, New Car Launches.
Audi is taking orders now for its new TT Roadster, with first deliveries to UK customers expected in April. The convertible is designed to build on the success of the original Roadster, launched in 1999 and benefits from improved specification and a more rigid construction.
Using a 58 per cent aluminium, 42 per cent steel spaceframe design, the Roadster is 120 per cent more rigid than the model it replaces, promising better body control and a more comfortable ride. The design helps maintain a good weight distribution and keeps the overall kerb weight down, as does the use of a fabric rather than a metal roof. Now fully automatic, the roof takes 12 seconds to raise or lower, a job that can be done on the move at speeds up to 19mph.
At launch two engines will be available: the 200hp 2.0-litre turbo FSI, giving 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and an average 36.2mpg, and the 250hp 3.2-litre V6, with quattro all-wheel drive, giving 0-62mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds and 29.7mpg combined cycle fuel economy. Both engines can be specified with six-speed manual or S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission.
The 2.0 version comes with leather and Alcantara upholstery, climate control, traction and stability control, audio system with MP3 function and 17-inch alloy wheels. The V6 adds full leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded brake system and 18-inch wheels.
Posted on February 19th, 2007 under Audi, New Car Launches.
New models due this year from Audi include the Audi A5 coupe 
due in the summer, initially in high-spec S5, 3.2 FSI and 3.2 TDI quattro guises. Also new will be the R8 supercar in the summer and the Audi TT Roadster in March. Expect to see an A3 convertible with a fabric roof at some point during 2007. As soon as they become available prices will be released on the Nationwide Vehicle Contract website.
Posted on January 15th, 2007 under Audi, New Car Launches.
Three more ultra-efficient FSI petrol engines join the Audi range this week, taking the total number of Audi units deriving maximum economy and reduced emissions from leading edge FSI direct injection technology to 13 across the range.
More new engines with advanced Audi direct petrol injection technology for A3, A6 and Q7 models
• New four-cylinder 1.8-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine with 160PS @ 5,000 – 6,200rpm and 250Nm @ 1,500 – 4,200rpm for A3 models. Available with manual and S tronic transmissions
• New naturally aspirated 2.8-litre V6 FSI petrol engine with 210PS @ 5,500 – 6,800rpm and 280Nm @ 3,000 – 5,000rpm for A6 Saloon and Avant models. Available with manual and multitronic transmissions.
• New naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 FSI petrol engine with 280PS @ 6,200rpm and 360Nm @ 2,500rpm for Q7 models. Six-speed tiptronic transmission standard
Posted on December 12th, 2006 under Audi, New Car Launches.
New ‘black optic’ look for S line Special Edition models and SE and S line specification enhancements extended into 2007
• Increase in uptake of monochrome colours in the Audi range
• New specification for A4 S line Special Edition models including ‘black optic’ exterior treatment
• SE specification offered at no extra cost, S line premium reduced to £750, BOSE sound system upgrade for all models at no extra cost until March 31st 2007
Predictions from the prestige German car maker Audi reveal that its buyers are making strong personal statements by choosing more monochrome colours to achieve exclusivity and distinction. First came all-white, which was originally prominent in America and is now widely available across the Audi range as a paint option. Now black is becoming increasingly popular, not only for paintwork but also for all the exterior trims normally in contrasting chrome or metal.
In recognition of this fact, a new version of the popular A4 2.0 TFSI S line Special Edition has been launched for the 2007 Model Year, combining a striking all-black grille treatment, black window trim strips and, for Avant versions, black roof rails.
Also new to the latest S line Special Edition models are 18-inch 7-arm double-spoke alloy wheels, aluminium pedals and a leather and Alcantara-trimmed multifunction sports steering wheel. Two-tone graphite and black Valcona leather-upholstered sports seats, S line body styling and S line suspension are also standard features.
Posted on November 22nd, 2006 under Audi, New Car Launches.
The Roadster version of Audi’s recently launched TT sports car has been unveiled, with UK dealers taking orders from November prior to first deliveries in spring 2007. Using a mix of aluminium and steel in its space-frame construction, the car is lighter and also enjoys twice the torsional rigidity of the original Roadster for more composed driving dynamics and improved passenger comfort.
At launch the Roadster will be available with a choice of two petrol engines: a 200hp 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI that gives 0-62mph acceleration in 6.5 seconds and a 147mph top speed; and a 250hp 3.2-litre V6 with quattro all-wheel drive and S-tronic transmission, allowing 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and a (governed) maximum of 155mph.
Improvements in the new model include a fully automatic system for raising and lowering the roof, which itself benefits from better sound insulation. Prices starts at £26,915 for the 2.0-litre turbo model.
Posted on November 21st, 2006 under Audi, New Car Launches.