Tag Archives: Audi

Audi, Manufacturer, Motor reviews

A1 reboot for A3

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Audi A3 Saloon

By Bill McCarthy

Making a particular model stand out in a range as huge as Audi’s is a challenge, but the new A3 saloon does that in spades. 

A sleek, slippery-through-the-air compact saloon with elegant lines, angles and creases, it is perhaps a challenger to its own bigger sibling the A4 in the premium market.

While the hatchback, or Sportback as its now called, offers more practicality, the saloon, which Audi describes as a reboot, is a better looking machine altogether to my eye.

And despite the VW diesel emissions furore, the firm is sticking with a new generation of cleaner, more efficient oil-burners offering excellent economy, low carbon emissions and even lower harmful nitrogen oxide, or ‘NOx’ levels.

 There’s a range of petrol, hybrid and diesel with this 150PS diesel unit offering the pace of, if not quite a red-hot hatch, certainly very warm indeed.

It does look good with striking honeycomb grille flanked by trapezoidal LED headlight units, plus LED daytime running lights with specific light signatures which differ by model.

In addition, the new aerodynamics reduce drag significantly.

 The interior is a mini-masterpiece of combining high-end materials, fixtures and fittings, sweeping wraparound dash and cutting edge technology.

It has the usual high-end, soft touch materials associated with the brand, while the dark headlining on this model is offset by smart chrome finish and insets throughout the cabin. In addition there are stylish air vents, while the new, tiny auto gearbox shifter adds to the hi-tech image of the car.

The interior is dominated by the central 10-inch MMI touchscreen, which controls functions like navigation, infotainment and connectivity through the cloud, mated with another 10-inch digital cockpit display in the binnacle.

The latest modular infotainment platform provides internet access via a Wi-Fi hotspot and also makes a broad spread of web-based Audi connect services available as standard, including online traffic information, news and additional information such as photos, opening times, and user reviews relating to points of interest.

An additional head-up display projects  information onto the windscreen in the driver’s direct field of vision.

Interior space is good with excellent legroom, if slightly more cramped to the rear, but the boot  is a decent enough size. Obviously not as practical as the hatchback, where folding seats and loading to the roof give it the edge, but more than enough for day to day activities.

On the road, the diesel engine is refined and economical. It literally purrs along, especially at higher motorway speeds, where the extra torque makes overtaking a breeze.

 It is also extremely lively. Mated to the seven speed S-tronic auto box, it hits 60mph in just over eight seconds.

You can increase the fun by switching to Sport mode and shifting gears via the steering wheel paddles. Whatever mode, occupants are protected from wind and road noise and the cabin is a comfortable place to be.

 Add to this real world WLTP mpg of nearly 60mpg and low CO2 emissions and you can see why diesel is still an attraction to many.

Handling matches performance with the upgraded suspension  soaking up the worst of UK roads and keeping the car stable when cornering at speed. There is also excellent feedback to driver from speed sensitive steering, which gets heavier as speed for added stability.

As a premium vehicle, it’s not cheap, but you do get what you pay for and Audis always retain good residuals.

Factfile

Audi A3 Saloon 35 TDi S-Line S-tronic

Price: £32,220

Mechanical: 150PS 1,968cc, 4cyl turbo diesel engine driving front wheels via 7-speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 144mph

0-62mph: 8.4 seconds

Combined mpg:  58.9

Insurance group: 21

CO2 emissions: 125g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Audi, AWD, Executive, Manufacturer, SUV, Vehicle type

Head of the Q for performance

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Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro S line

By Bill McCarthy

THERE’S a saying that all good things come in small packages. In Audi’s case that is partially true. The German car maker produces fine smaller cars, but the same is true of its bigger models, including the flagship Q8.

It’s a huge SUV that proves good things also come in larger packages. It features a mini-hybrid, 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine combined with a lithium battery set up, eye-catching styling and a raft of high-end hi-tech equipment.

Usual Audi size grading by letter has been partially ignored here as the Q8 is around the same size as the Q7. It is actually shorter, although wider and is available only as five seater.

The interior is the usual Audi class act, with plush leather seats and virtual cockpit

The Q8 is still very large, with styling cues from the original Audi quattro. ThisS line includes high definiition LED lights, 21-inch alloy wheels and adaptive air suspension as standard, not to mention the allwheel drive and eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Despite its near three-metre wheelbase it looks pretty sleek, almost coupe like, with a swooping profile and raked rear end. It has a large grille with the signature four rings sitting on six vertical fins, giving it a slightly aggressive look.

The interior is the usual Audi class act, with plush leather seats, the now familiar virtual cockpit over two screens, in a pleasing piano black finish.

The upper display controls infotainment and the navigation system, sat nav, Apple and Android connectivity and the superb Bang and Olufsen sound system. The lower 8.6-inch display manages the heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as comfort functions.

The top screen and TFT display can also be configured in various way to whatever is the driver’s preference.

The trim and finish is first class, with electrically operated leather seats, soft touch finish to dash and doors, with aluminium flashes throughout.

It is packed with equipment, including goodies like the 360 degree camera for parking, collisions and lane departure warning, head up display, ambient lighting , full climate control and parking aids plus a full range of safety kit.

In typical executive German style, optional extras can add thousands to an already eye watering price.

On the road, the six-cylinder 50 TDI with 286ps, hits 62mph in 6.3 seconds and a 144mph top speed. Lightning quick for such a big car.

The power plant integrates a lithium-ion rechargeable battery located underneath the luggage compartment floor and stores 10Ah of electrical capacity. This allows the SUV to coast between 34 and 99mph with the engine switched off.

Duringdeceleration the system can recover up to 12 kW of energy. This delivers an impressive, claimed economy of 41.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 178g/km.

For a sportier drive, switch to the steering wheel mounted paddles and choose dynamic driving mode from the five available to sharped up throttle, gearing and suspension and you get a surprisingly engaging drive.

The four wheel drive with the optional all wheel steering means the car is both agile, with sharp, precise steering and provides plenty of grip, especially in inclement conditions.

The quattro system provides power to the front axle and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60 as standard. When required, it transfers the majority to the axle with the better traction.

The clever sound insulation and the sophisticated aerodynamics, with double-layer windscreen means occupants are well insulated from road and wind noise.

In practical terms there is a host of storage compartments and tray areas, while the boot area offers 605 litres as a standard, which increases to 1,755 litres with the rear backrests folded down. Two golf bags can easily fit in diagonally. The tailgate can be opened and closed electrically as standard.

Factfile

Price: £64,115

Mechanical: 286ps, 2,967cc,6cyl diesel engine driving foiur wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox

Max Speed: 152mph

0-62mph: 6.3 seconds

Combined MPG: 41.5

Insurance Group: 45

C02 emissions:178g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles