For those who like gadgets, the Audi A3 will be the perfect car for you. Features from the technologically advanced Audi A8 have even been passed down. That’s exactly where you would expect to see some of these features, in a luxury saloon like the A8, not in an A3 hatchback.

Infotainment system

The Audi A3 has a top of the range infotainment system. This time round you’ll get to access features such as the MDI which unveils Google tools such as their 3D maps. On top of that the system will allow the driver to access standard features such as the satellite navigation and the phone.

Internet access

Full Internet access is available within the car for up to eight devices. This is only available if the optional Wi-Fi hotspot option is purchased. Updates available include petrol station pricing as well as flight information. Music streaming is also available to utilise.

1.2 GHz dual core processor

The system contains a powerful 1.2 GHZ dual core processor which was developed with NVIDIA. It is also extremely easy to upgrade, simply take it out and insert the new chip, located in the glove box. New chips are expected to be released as time progresses.

Smart phone apps

The Audi A3 is also set to link up with smart phones as new apps have been discussed. This will offer unique features such as a diagnosis of the car through your phone so that a visit to the main dealer is not needed.

There is a touchwheel within the car which recognises handwriting. The system then reads out whatever has been written.

Audi Phone Box

The new Audi Phone Box gives your smart phone a better reception and connection. There are no wires or any type of physical connection. All you have to do is drop your phone within that specific compartment. It’s that easy.

Safety technology

Safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, Audi’s pre-sense collision system as well as blind spot indicators.

Volkswagen’s MQB platform

The Audi A3 is the first vehicle to adopt the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform. This brings about a greater deal of fuel efficiency and economy.

Have you ever heard of a more technologically advanced hatchback before?

The bi-turbo engine is able to achieve a staggering 420 BHP. Between 1400 and 5300 RPM the car will achieve 550Nm. The S6 will able to hit 4.6 seconds when racing from 0 – 62 MPH. The speed will be electronically limited to 155 MPH, with the car capable of reaching plenty more.

More economical

One of the main reasons for the engine change is that of economy. According to Audi the new engine allow the car to be 25% better off. The car will now be able to achieve a very respectable 29 MPG. Emissions for both differ slightly with the S6 giving out 225 g/km of C02 and the S6 Avant giving out 226 g/km.

Sporty and exciting

Audi’s wonderful adaptive air suspension provides the vehicle with more sportier and exciting type of drive. This also means that both cars are lowered by 10mm, giving off a much sportier type of look. The 19 inch aluminium alloy wheels have a five spoke parallel design, blending in wonderfully into the black brake callipers. However these brake callipers are able to be replaced by carbon fibre ceramic brake discs.

Audi’s drive select adaptive dynamics system controls the throttle of the car in line with the pedals, servo boost features of the electromechanical steering, the sport differential as well as the characteristics within the adaptive air suspension.

Optional extras

If all of that is not good enough for you, there are plenty of optional extras to select. These include LED headlights, a parking system with a 360° top view camera, hands free sensor control, 15 speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bluetooth connectivity ability, MMI navigation plus along with the MMI touch screen as well as Audi connect.

In terms of safety there are many options to choose from. These include Audi’s pre sense safety system, Audi’s side assist, Audi’s active lane assist, adaptive cruise control that adopts stop & go and even night vision detection.

Sound good? The Audi A6 Saloon will set you back £53,995 and the Audi A6 Avant will set you back around £56,050. Deliveries are expected to arrive in July of this year with orders starting from May of this year.

Essex and East London Audi’s taken over

Group 1 Automotive are the 4^th biggest dealer group based in the United States. The dealerships that were purchased include Chelmsford Audi, Southend Audi, Chingford Audi, Docklands Audi and Stanstead Audi. Over the course of the year, this particular group is expected to generate more than £170 million in turnover for 2012.

Further expansion plans

Group 1 Automotive are not expected to stop there however. They are hoping to expand beyond Essex and East London, building new Audi dealerships throughout the UK.

Patiently waiting

The President of Group 1, Earl J Hesterberg expressed his delight at the deal, saying “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of these six Audi dealerships in East London and Essex, as we have been patiently looking for an opportunity to expand our presence and luxury brand offerings in the United Kingdom.”

“This acquisition more than doubles our footprint in the region while adding scale and additional leverage to the business. In addition, we are extremely pleased to expand our global relationship with the Volkswagen Group by partnering with Audi UK, a luxury market leader in the UK.”

Previous business in Brighton, Hailsham and Worthing

This is not the first time that Group 1 has done business in the UK. Previously they had purchased BMW and Mini back in 2007 in the areas of Brighton, Hailsham and Worthing. 3 years later the company purchased BMW and Mini dealerships but this time in Farnborough and Hindhead.

Profits and revenue on the up

Group 1 experienced a wonderful record breaking performance last year. Gross profit increase by a huge 9.5 per cent hitting $960.6 million in total. Turnover increased by 10.4 per cent hitting a massive $6.08 billion. UK business equates to 5 per cent of Group 1’s final sales figure.

Essex Audi name to remain

The takeover will not require Essex Audi to change their name. It will remain with all associated dealerships.

Group 1‘s plans to expand here in the UK were revealed earlier this year. Their main business resides in the United States with 118 automotive dealerships along with 150 franchises.

Diesel not usually associated with coupes

Diesel fuel usually powers family vehicles, with owners hoping to get that bit of extra mileage out of them. You don’t usually hear of diesel sports coupes, you usually hear of diesel SUV’s or saloons. However diesel fuelled cars have advanced dramatically over the last few years. Technology now caters for performance diesel vehicles and the Audi A5 Coupe TDI Quattro is testament to that.

A very satisfying drive

The drive of the car is so satisfying that you may mistake it for a petrol vehicle, experts have said. There is no typical noisy diesel sounds or sluggish movements. The drive is wonderfully smooth, quick, sporty and very quiet. When you enough however, the engine does produce a powerful roar.

Acceleration

The Audi A5 Coupe TDI hits 0 – 62 MPH in 6.2 seconds. The wonderful 7 speed dual clutch S Tronic mates perfectly to the powerful engine. Acceleration is effortless. Turbo lag is nonexistent.

Quattro all wheel drive system

Given that the car has a Quattro all wheel drive system, you can expect the A5 to grip the road superbly. Taking corners at speed is made easy. It takes uncomfortable road surfaces and speed bumps without causing any type of displeasure.

Expected to be one the best

Remember this particular Audi has a diesel engine, meaning it is an economical car at the same time. Official figures have not yet been released but the car can produce figures which other rivals coupes can’t.

The same interior

Nothing much has changed within the interior. The design still has the same look and feel but does contain a great amount of class. Optional extras will include satellite navigation, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitors and much more.

The Audi A5 TDI will certainly not come cheap. It has plenty of rivals including to contend with, with all of them being cheaper. These include the BMW 325i coupé AT, Mercedes C250 CDI coupé and the Renault Laguna Coupe V6. The diesel coupe section is an extremely tough market place anywhere throughout the world. Will the Audi A5 TDI Quattro be a success in Australia?

The Audi A6

The Audi A6, A7, A8 and Q7 were major players in Audi’s performance last month The Audi A6 in particular saw a rise of 136.8 per cent for April. In terms of it’s sales for 2012 so far, there is a 100 per cent increase.

Audi A7, the Audi Q5 and the Audi Q7

Audi A7 sales increased by 91.2 per cent last month. Audi SUV’s in general performed brilliantly in the sales charts with the Audi Q5 saw a sales increase of 24.5 per cent when comparing the same month of 2011. The Audi Q7 recorded a 12.3 per cent increase. The Audi A6,A7 and Q5 models have all recorded increases in terms of year upon year sales.

Audi TDI engines

The United States are becoming more and more environmentally conscious with the high cost of petrol. Audi’s TDI diesel engines have gone a long way into helping Audi reach such high sale figures in the month of March. The Audi A3 TDI along with the Audi Q7 TDI helped the company reach such great sales figures.

Technologically advanced vehicles

The President of Audi, Johan de Nysschen has said how he expects improvements for the rest of the year. He said “Audi’s progressive luxury positioning in the market clearly speaks to discerning consumers as they are seeking out the most technologically advanced vehicles in the market. This is the fundamental reason why Audi has set record sales in sixteen consecutive months and will continue to register steady and sustainable sales improvements.”

Will Audi join their German rivals at the top?

Audi are clearly making strides in the United States, the world’s biggest luxury car market. All the hype last year was about BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with their battle for the top being one of the most interesting car stories for years. It now appears that Audi are making an impression, increasing the possibility of their being a three way battle in the next few years.

Best first quarter in history

Peter Schwarzenbauer, the Head of the Audi Board said that “Audi began 2012 with the best-performing quarter in its history. In China, the invincible cooperation between Audi and its strong partner FAW has created sustainable leadership for 24 consecutive years.

The Audi Q3 + 2 others

The Audi Q3 made its worldwide debut last year and has not looked back ever since. It is now one of the best selling and most desirable compact sports utility vehicles in the world. The Audi Q3 had a spectacular impact at the Beijing Motor Show. This special edition was introduced as the Audi Q3 Jinlong Yufeng. Alongside that was the Audi A6L e-tron Concept as well as the Audi RS Q3 Concept.

Mr Schwarzenbauer continued to say “The Audi Q3 made its world premiere in Shanghai last year and now we are making a point of world-premiering the Q3 Jinlong Yufeng and RS Q3 Concept in Beijing,”

The Audi A6L e-tron concept

This was showcased as a vehicle that is designed to be especially catered for the Chinese car market. The Audi A6L e-tron has been deemed as a very important model for the future. It contains a number of technologies which are beneficial to the Chinese market. This includes the hybrid technology of the car which ultimately allows the car to drive on electric power for 80 km without giving out any emissions. Audi Ultra, the future of providing lightweight exterior for Audi vehicles means that the car’s exterior is very strong but is ultimately extremely light. This will allow better fuel efficiency.

The satellite navigation system is cleverly able to recognise Chinese handwriting. The infotainment system is overall one of the highlights of the car and perhaps the whole show in terms of car technology.

According to Zhang Xiaojun, Audi are committed to provide the very best in new car technology and car designs to the Chinese car market. The Beijing Motor Show pays testament to that statement.

Top speed

The brand new model will come available as either a Coupe or a Roadster. Both models will have the potential to a top speed of 174 MPH. No one will reach those sorts of speeds but it is good to know that the car is capable of such power.

A new engine or fine tuning?

The maximum amount of power from the engine will read at 360 BHP. The same 2.5 TFSI petrol engine achieves these figures, so how did Audi improve the performance of these vehicles?  Audi fine tuned the engine in order for it to offer a greater performance. The choice of a manual or S-Tronic twin clutch transmission also helps to enhance vehicle’s performance. The vehicle is now able to hit 0 – 62 MPH in just 4.1 seconds.

Excellent economical values

Both the Coupe and Roadster variants achieve a splendid 33.2 MPG and 32.8 MPG respectively.

Audi’s Space Frame

The Audi TT RS contains a lightweight body helping to increase the vehicle’s acceleration and economy at the same time. Audi have utilised their Audi Space Frame (ASF) body work upon the vehicle, meaning that aluminium will be present throughout the front and rear.

Exterior improvements

The amazing looking 19 inch alloy wheels have what is known as a rotor design. These are a fantastic upgrade from the previous 18 inch wheels which are available on the current generation Audi TT RS.

The front grille now comes with an aluminium border with a differently designed mesh, looking like a wonderful upgrade. The door mirrors are now made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer material (CFRP). The sports exhaust has also been modified in terms of it’s looks.

Optional extras within

Satellite navigation, Bluetooth, Audi’s Music Interface system comes as an optional extras.

Will the car be a success?

Later on this month the Audi TT RS Plus will be available to order, starting from a price at £48,945. First deliveries are expected to occur in the summer. A normal Audi TT RS will cost £45,860. Will the Plus version add some more spice to the TT RS line-up? We believe that the car will go on to be a huge success.

Great deal of power

Audi have gone out of their way to make the A6 BiTDI S line one of the most desirable cars not only in its class, but throughout the whole car market in the UK. The V6 3.0 litre produces a maximum of 309 BHP. This makes the vehicle the most power Audi A6. It is also the only variant to contain Audi’s eight speed tip-tronic gearboxes. The vehicle has a spectacular two turbochargers which provide a great power boost to the vehicle.

Quattro system

The Quattro four wheel drives is Audi’s famous four wheel drive system. It goes without saying that the new BiTDI will contain this, being one of the company’s most desirable vehicles.

What the S-Line brings to an Audi

When an Audi has an S-Line badge on it, you know the car has something special. This particular version has an advanced suspension setup leaving the car riding 20mm lower. This particular feature enhances the looks and performance. The xenon headlights and the LED headlights are common fixtures on many Audi’s but they are shaped wonderfully on the A6 BiTDI. The chrome exhaust pipes stand out as to the huge 19 inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin

Inside the cabin, owners will be in for a treat. As usual the car contains a great amount of quality. Shifting gears will make some feel like an F1 driver with shift paddles. The electronically shifting sports seats are standard. The 6.5 inch display screen has satellite navigation ability.

No strange sounding diesel engine

Despite being a diesel the engine has a wonderful “roar” to it. Typical awkward diesel noises are not heard.

Why Audi are catching up with German counterparts

Audi are the world’s fastest growing car manufacturer. After discovering the type of performance and technology that the Audi A6 BiTDI S line contains, it is quite easy to see why. Audi are constantly developing such wonderful ground breaking technology whilst managing to always offer something a little different compared to BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Price comparison

The Audi A6 costs around £46,160 which more expensive than both the BMW 535d and the Mercedes-Benz E350. We believe it is worth the A6 BiTDI S is worth the high price tag.

Two petrols and two diesels with a hybrid to follow

The engine line-up is set to include a hybrid which is set to be made available at a later date. At the beginning, there will be two petrol and two diesel engines made available.

Distinctive

The Audi Q5 hybrid will not adopt a CVT gearbox. Instead there will be an 8 speed transmission gearbox. This has come as quite a surprise to many as most hybrid vehicles adopt a CVT gearbox. The lithium ion battery is weighty but placed in an appropriate location in the vehicle. When the hybrid model is released, it will be easily distinguished from it’s 10 spoke wheels which will be either 19 or 20 inches, depending on the taste of the driver.

Improvements in terms of efficiency

The diesel engines will typically offer more efficiency. The 2.0 litre four cylinder engine will provide 47.1 MPG which an improvement from the current generation of 1.5 MPG. The 3.0 litre V6 is able to achieve 44.1 MPG. This time round there is an improvement of 6.5 MPG. In terms of acceleration there is no improvement as the 0 – 62 MPH timing remains at 6.5 seconds.

The 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine provides a greater deal of efficiency too. The 3.2 litre V6 engine has been dropped. It has replaced with a 3.0 litre supercharged V6 engine which is able to output a maximum of 272 BHP. This in essence records a time of 5.9 seconds from 0 – 62 MPH. Surprisingly this particular model returns 33.2 MPG.

The eco friendly technology stems all the way down to the steering. The electromechanical steering saves energy and therefore increases efficiency.

Not much change on the outside

Around the exterior there is not much a change. There are stylish running daytime lights included which are common amongst Audi A8’s. There are brand new bumpers with stylish exhaust pipes, upgrading the car’s look slightly. The brand new front grille brings an element of class to the vehicle. There are now four brand new colours to choose from.

A6 L built with FAW

Beijing was perhaps the most appropriate place to unveil the A6 L e-tron concept model. The Audi A6 L is built in a joint venture with FAW, First Automobile Works.

The engine

This particular concept car combines a 2.0 litre TFSI engine which produces 211 BHP. The electric motor itself is quite powerful, producing a maximum of 95 BHP. Drive modes includes electric only, internal combustion mode only or combining the two in hybrid mode.

Clever instruments

The instrument panel contains an energy flow indicator. This unique device allows the driver to discover which hybrid components are in use at any given time. Any energy that is recovered is easily able to be seen through a neat display. The average fuel economy is also registered and displayed, giving the driver peace of mind.

Luxurious features

The car does not go without Audi’s typical luxurious features. These include seat ventilation on top of massage functions, a Bose surround sound system, a deluxe air conditioner, a MMI navigation plus system along with a touchpad system. This is able to recognise an outstanding 29,000 Chinese characters.

Safety features

There are plenty of safety features within. This includes active lane change assist, night vision assistance, parking assist along with a pre sense system. This is quite an intelligent system which anticipates the likelihood of an accident and then the car will avoid collision if possible.

Production

It is yet unknown as to whether this concept vehicle will be placed into production. The car is still under consideration for it to be sold in China and perhaps markets beyond. The Audi A6 L was designed for the Chinese market.

The Audi R8 e-tron concept is one vehicle that has been confirmed for production later on in the year. The Audi A3 e-tron will also be placed into production later on in 2014 it has been confirmed. A spokesman from Audi, speaking to Auto Express about the upcoming Audi e-tron said “The interior will be completely new and an all-new body structure had to be developed to accommodate the electric motors and batteries. The bodywork will be made from carbon fibre and CFRP to keep weight down to a minimum.”