Audi S1

Take a look at Audi’s pocket rocket! This stunning machine is the S1 – a super hatch flagship that will sit at the very top of the German firm’s all-new small car range. Gunning for high performance small cars such as the MINI John Cooper Works and the forthcoming Alfa MiTo GTA, the S1 will be the ultimate evolution of the A1 line-up, packing 200bhp and a Quattro four-wheel drive chassis.

But it’s the looks that will have buyers beating a path to Audi’s showrooms. Taking the compact, chunky A1 three-door shape – previewed by the Metroproject Quattro concept, revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show – the S1 adds an aggressive bodykit. It features flared arches, filled with 19-inch alloy wheels, a neat roof-mounted spoiler, and a particularly aggressive front end with a low front splitter, deep air intakes and menacing daytime LED running lights. Chrome highlights finish the visual upgrades.

The A1 line-up is set to benefit from a wide range of innovative, small capacity, forced induction engines including a turbocharged1.2-litre TFSI unit for the entry-level model – and the S1 will be no different. Under the bonnet will be a development of the same supercharged and turbocharged 1.4-litre engine as the VW Polo GTi (Issue 1,044) and SEAT Ibiza Cupra. In those models, the unit produces 178bhp – but thanks to some upgrades and a tweak of the ECU, the tiny powerplant will produce in excess of 200bhp and 300Nm of torque.

Hooked up to a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox, the S1 should provide shattering performance. Expect a 0-60mph time of around six seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. However, it’ll also be economical too – that small capacity should mean it’ll return 35mpg combined. Making sure all that power reaches the road is a four-wheel drive system, biased 40:60 in favour of the rear wheels. Together with lowered and stiffened suspension, the little Audi should feel every inch the baby Quattro, offering lightning reactions and amazing grip.

It’s also likely that Audi will make its magnetic dampers available too. These will work in conjunction with Drive Select – a system which offers owners the choice of several driving modes including Dynamic and Comfort, allowing them to sharpen steering, throttle and suspension response according to road conditions.

Indeed, the S1 is likely to be a real technological tour de force. Audi has already previewed many new ideas on the Metroproject concept car, including an interface that allows owners to control many of the car’s functions through their mobile phones. This is likely to be an option on top-spec models such as the S1. Factor in a sporty cabin with a flat-bottomed steering, figure hugging, lightweight seats and aluminium pedals and the result will be a high quality small performance car with real showroom appeal. It won’t come cheap, though. While entry-level A1 models are likely to kick off at £13,000 when sales start in early 2010, the S1 will weigh in at £25,000.

Review - Audi Q5

Styling/Image
Audi has one of the most recognisable product line-ups around and its designers got their pastry cutters out again for the Q5. The compact SUV looks like a scaled down Q7 or tall A4 depending on your preference, so it holds few surprises. Thankfully its smaller dimensions are much less ostentatious than the Q7, although its big grille is still flanked by glitzy-looking headlights. Off-roaders aren’t exactly flavour of the month these days, but the Q5’s car-like appearance and a prestige badge make it one of the most desirable 4x4s around.

Interior/Practicality
The design and build of the interior is just what we’ve come to expect from Audi. The smart layout and high quality materials provide a classy look and feel. In terms of space the cabin is merely average but the optional sliding rear bench boosts practicality. A decent boot helps to make the Q5 and good load-lugger, but its steeply raked rear windscreen restricts its ability to swallow really big loads.

Engine/Performance
Diesel engines rule in the compact SUV sector and Audi has plenty of experience here. Both the 2.0 and 3.0-litre TDI units provide decent performance but the smaller engine is more economical, making it the sensible option. Alternatively, the firm’s clever 2.0-litre TFSI petrol delivers impressive pace, but you will pay the price at the pumps when you come to sell it.

Driving experience
Excellent road manners show where the Q5 is designed to work best. With positive steering and tight body control the Audi has the kind of car-like precision that its prestige rivals can’t match from behind the wheel. Ride comfort is firm but well judged damping deals with bumps effectively. Standard-fit ESP and hill descent control boost its off-road credentials. The Q5 is no mud-plugger, but it has more than enough ability in the rough for most buyers.


Ownership Costs
Depreciation is the biggest hidden cost associated with owning any car and the Q5 scores strongly here. The allure of the Audi badge and its new status combine to give the compact SUV strong resale values – especially in 2.0TDI guise. Its reasonable CO2 emissions also provide a relatively low tax band rating so running costs are equally appealing. Decent fuel economy for the entry-level diesel seals the deal.

Safety/Environment
The 2.0-litre TDI punches above its weight and can go head-to-head with bigger engines from other manufacturers. As a result, it looks eco-friendly, with lower emissions and superior fuel economy than rival models with larger powerplants. ESP is standard across the line-up to boost safety. You also get a six airbags.

• Rating:
• On the road price: £30,780 - £36,750
• For : Styling, car-like dynamics, cabin quality
• Against : Expensive, thirsty petrol

Audi R8 V10 Unleashed........

Car Giants Audi has 10 new reasons to celebrate, and here’s the reason why – it’s the R8 V10 supercar!Making its debut at next month’s Detroit Motor Show, the fastest R8 yet shares its 5.2-litre V10 engine with the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and the wild R8 LMS GT3 racer. It produces 528bhp, and takes the flagship from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and on to a 196mph top speed.

Audi’s magnetic ride dampers come as standard and, as with the V8, you can choose a six-speed manual gearbox or an R tronic semi-auto. With the latter, the car returns 20.6mpg – only 0.1mpg less than the R8 V8. While it is similar to the V8 on the outside, the V10 has headlights which use LEDs for main and dipped beams – a world first – plus trademark daytime running lights. The front bumper also features fewer slats to improve air flow, and high-gloss black paint for the air intakes.

At the side are bigger slats, and the V10 will get 19-inch alloys as standard. Ceramic brakes are optional. The biggest changes are at the back, where there’s a new rear diffuser to generate more downforce, more gloss black paint and twin oval tailpipes to replace the V8 car’s quad chrome exhausts.The LED headlamps are a first in the world.

Inside are heated Nappa leather seats and a Bang and Olufsen stereo. The R8 V10 is set to cost £99,575 in manual trim and £104,665 with the R Tronic gearbox.

Peugeot’s TT...!!!!

French company Peugeot this week revealed it will put its 308 RC Z coupé into production. The Audi TT rival is based on the same platform as the 308 hatch, but has a wider track. The showroom version will retain the twin bubbles on the carbon fibre top and the curvy rear screen seen on the concept. It will also keep the clamshell bonnet and milled aluminium hoops which support the roof.

Under the bonnet, the RC Z will be powered by the same 1.6-litre turbo engine as the MINI Cooper S – that means an output of around 170bhp. It will also be offered with a less pow-er-ful normally aspirated 1.6-litre unit. Top brass at Peugeot are hoping that introducing the 308 RC Z will help improve the firm’s image among young buyers, just as the 205 GTi did in the early Eighties.
The coupé concept was seen for the first time at last autumn’s Frankfurt Motor Show. A roadgoing model is likely to be unveiled at the same event next year, with an on-sale date in the UK of summer 2010. Prices are expected to start at around £17,500 – putting the Peugeot head-to-head with Volkswagen’s all-new Scirocco.Source

Saleen S5S Raptor

The American tuning firm Saleen has unveiled a new supercar, aimed at the likes of the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.Inspired by the $1 million S7 endurance racer, this is the Saleen S5S Raptor - and it promises to put the company firmly on the performance car map. The spectacular looking machine is powered by a mid-mounted, 5.0-litre V8, tuned to run on E85 bioethanol fuel.

Unveiled at the 2008 New York Motor Show, the car also gets a supercharger to lift power to an impressive 650bhp. Performance is channelled to the road via the rear wheels, through a six speed manual gearbox, while the car also gets huge 20-inch wheels and high performance brakes with powerful six pot callipers.
Based on a weight saving aluminium spaceframe chassis - similar in concept to the one that underpins the Lotus Elise - the strict two seater promises a 0-60mph sprint of only 3.2-seconds and a top speed of 202mph.
Prices are yet to be announced, but its thought the car will sell for around £100,000 when it goes on sale early next year.Source

Audi A4

Driving
Dynamically, the latest A4 is a revelation. It’s been transformed over older models, and seems so much more grown up. It has better body control than any of its rivals and feels sure-footed in corners. The steering is sharp and the turn-in positive, and while it isn’t as dynamic as a 3-Series, it’s far more composed than a Mercedes. The Audi strikes a good balance when it comes to ride quality, too. It’s firm but not harsh, and excellent damping means the A4 is taut without being unforgiving. The most popular engine is likely to be the 2.0-litre TDI, and it too has an impressive range of abilities. Power arrives quickly, is delivered smoothly and it’s also quiet and refined, too. Other engines include an impressive 1.8-litre turbo petrol, plus V6 diesel and petrol powerplants.

Marketplace
The newcomer has a distinctively sporting appearance, but it’s still unmistakable – not just as an Audi, but as an A4. The saloon shares front-end styling with the A5 Coupe, and its sharp lines have a taut, strong look. An Avant estate sits alongside it in the line-up. Natural rivals are the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class; these German models dominate the compact executive saloon sector, but rejuvenated ‘mainstream’ machinery such as the Ford Mondeo and Mazda 6 will also claim to be good-value alternatives. There are two A4 trims, SE and S-line, offered with a quickly expanding line of engines.

Owning
The sense of luxury and attention to detail continues inside; it’s similar to Audi’s top-of-the-range A8 limo. The layout, quality and feel of the cabin, which features the same dash as the A5, is smarter than any rival’s. If we were being critical, the plastic panel on the dash-mounted CD changer is a bit shiny, although it only stands out because everything else is so impressive. An electronic parking brake and Multi Media Interface screen, first seen in the A6 and A8, are fitted as standard. Ergonomically, it’s superb, and there’s lots of steering wheel and seat adjustment, plus ample stowage space. Combine this with more rear legroom than any rival bar the Ford Mondeo, and the interior is a winner. It’s even economical to run. List prices undercut a 3-Series, insurance ratings are competitive, retained values are impressive and fuel economy strong (although the exceptional BMW beats it on this score). Source

• On the road price: £22,590 - £30,290
• For : Looks modern, is great to drive and own, refined and desirable
• Against : Small trim line-up, not quite as economical as a 3-Series

Audi A3 TDI e

A3 TDI e is very economical and doesn’t shout about the fact.

Driving
The economy-boosting A3 features a 1.9-litre oil-burner that’s been assembled with low-friction components. It’s tuned to return excellent fuel consumption rather than outright performance. Yet the A3 still has a 120mph top speed and can sprint from 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds, while in-gear performance is livelier than these figures suggest. Tall gear ratios take the edge off acceleration, and you find yourself changing more frequently than normal. But the light shift eases this. What’s more, there’s a flip side of impressive cruising refinement. Precise steering and a smooth ride complete the dynamic package, but there’s nothing to get excited about – and the 1.9 TDI is noisy when cold.

Marketplace
Going green is a serious business – and Audi has taken the plunge with the A3 TDI e. It emits just 119g/km of CO2 and qualifies for a road tax bill of just £35. However, despite the considerable efforts to improve the car’s economy, there’s not even a special badge to mark it out. For the record, the body has a few aerodynamic tweaks, while the tyres have a reduced rolling resistance. The TDI e offered in all A3 trims – standard, SE, Sport and S-line, in both three-door and five-door Sportback guise. Such ‘green’ variants are becoming big business in the family and premium hatchback sector – the BMW 118d is even more spectacularly efficient, while there are also eco editions of the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and even the Kia cee’d on the horizon.

Owning
The cabin is regular A3 fare, which means a smart design and solid build quality. However, the five-speed manual gearbox has specially selected extra-long ratios, and there’s a digital display between the dials that tells you which gear to choose to optimise efficiency. And it’s economy that is the big story with this Audi. From a conventional diesel engine, that doesn’t even have BMW-style stop-start technology, the Audi returns a genuinely appealing 62.8mpg. This bodes well for running costs too. And while the Audi isn’t cheap, strong retained values should help further control expenditure.Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £16,660 - £19,240
• For : Economy, decent performance, classy styling and interior
• Against : Engine can be noisy, frequent gearshifts, not cheap

Jaguar XF

Driving
It's hard to find fault with the XF’s driving experience. The ride is tauter than we expected, but this could be due to launch model’s large alloy wheels. The damping, however, is tuned to perfection. It isn’t soft and silent like a Mercedes, but still glides effortlessly over rough surfaces. Steering is also wonderfully precise, allowing the grippy front end to slice into corners with great grip and poise. A BMW 5-Series, by comparison, simply can’t match the finesse and sensitivity of the Jaguar’s handling. The smooth 2.7-litre V6 diesel continues to impress as well; it’s the most impressive all-rounder in the line-up, which also features a 3.0-litre V6 petrol and two V8s. As before, the range-topping supercharged unit provides superb performance. All models feature a six-speed automatic gearbox – with steering wheel paddles that shift faster than the XK sports car!

Marketplace
The XF is the beginning of a new era for Jaguar, despite being based on a modified version of the old S-Type’s platform. The styling fails to betray these underpinnings, though – and despite reservations about the grille, we reckon it's bold, modern and appealing. Strong shoulder lines, a high rear and a shallow rear screen angle give it the stance of a coupe – although the slanted windscreen does restrict visibility and headroom. The Jag’s key rivals are the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and, for those after similarly bold styling, the Cadillac CTS. There are three trims – Luxury, Premium Luxury and SV8 – and all are very well-equipped, with standard sat nav, leather, Bluetooth and a host of other goodies.

Owning
Put simply, the cabin is the most striking and beautifully executed we’ve seen in an executive saloon. It’s at its best at night, when a turquoise glow illuminates it. Yet a simple, logical layout proves Jaguar hasn't forgotten the basics. Neat features include touch-sensitive interior lights and glovebox release, but the highlight is the centre console and its JaguarDrive Selector. The gearlever dial pops up when you press the engine start button, and is very logical to use. World-first iPod integration with the touch-screen centre display is also handy.
However, despite the XF's lengthy body, packaging is weak. Rear headroom is only just tolerable, and legroom isn’t great. The 500-litre boot is more impressive, though – and extends to 540 litres if you do without the optional space saver spare wheel. Running costs seem competitive, too: the best aerodynamics of any Jag ever help return real-world economy close to official figures, while servicing costs are low and retained values currently beat both BMW and Mercedes!Source

• On the road price: £33,900 - £54,900
• For : Superbly designed inside and out, fantastic to drive, cost effective
• Against : Packaging could be better
  

Audi A5 S5 quattro coupe

THE R8 supercar shows most prominently that Audi is serious about getting sporty. But it is another V8-powered Audi that reveals the German brand has bold plans to improve the sportiness of several models across the range. It's called the S5 and it sits on a new platform that forms the base of the all-new A4 sedan due in mid-2008. Audi has moved the steering column forward for the new platform, which should drastically cut the dreaded 'rack rattle' that has plagued most Audis. The S5 is the hot version of the A5 coupe and both models take the game up to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLK coupes. The A5 range currently kicks off at $91,900 for the 3.2 FSI, but will drop to around $70,000 when a 1.8T arrives this May. Sitting well above the A cars is the S5, with a starting price of $131,900. It runs a 4.2-litre V8 that pumps out 260kW and 440Nm and is driven to all four wheels. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.Source
Model release date: October 2007


Goods: Strong engine with fantastic note, top quality interior, muscular-yet-still-elegant profile that looks great in the metal

Bads: High price, not enough rear headroom, firm ride not suited for imperfect roads