Audi RS 5

Audi provides styling and substantial upgrades to ensure the RS 5 remains the best RS the series

Taking the best of the A5 and its sporty S5 relative, Audi incorporates them into a car that provides ultra-high performance.

The RS 5 has earned this distinction by virtue of its 336 kilowatt powerful V8 engine. The Audi RS 5 is most capable handling features thanks to its strengthened suspension, re-calibrated steering gear and it’s AWD (all-wheel-drive system) which when combined together makes winding roads an enjoyable and exhilarating experience

Under the bonnet, the Audi RS 5 is equipped with a 4.2-litre V8 engine that develops incredible 336 Kw of power, and is equipped with a seven-speed automated manual gearbox that can be run in automatic mode or manually shifted via steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

Audi’s finely-calibrated “Quattro All-Wheel-Drive System” provides superior stability on the road with the coupe achieving 0 to 100 kmh in 4.3 seconds which is  incredibly fast

The Audi RS 5 comes standard with following features:

• 19-inch alloy wheels,
• Adaptive xenon headlights,
• Speed-activated pop-up rear spoiler,
• Panoramic sunroof,
• Keyless ignition and entry,
• Tri-zone automatic climate control,
• Leather upholstery,
• Heated eight-way power sport seats,
• Bluetooth and a premium sound system with a CD player,
• Satellite radio and iPod integration.
• Option highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, carbon-ceramic front disc brakes, a sport exhaust system, leather/faux suede upholstery, a navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with HD radio. A Driver Assist package includes adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering and blind spot monitoring.

The Audi RS 5 includes an interior that’s luxurious (uncomfortable seating for adults in the back though).

The Audi A1

Since the A1’s introduction in 2010, more than 500,000 A1’s have been sold around the world.

Audi has updated the Audi A1 with two all-new engines, electro-mechanical steering, and optional automatic transmission for the base model and new trim upgrades.

The A1 will be offered with the new 1.0 TFSI three-cylinder engine (developed by Volkswagen Group) and will include the 1.0-litre turbo-charged engine which replaces the 1.2-litre entry model, the 1.4 TFSI has been re-vamped and a sporty 1.8-litre TFSI replaces the current 1.4-litre twin-charged engine.

As far as the Audi S1 is concerned, this remains unchanged and with its 2.0 TFSI engine producing 170kW and 370Nm, this is the first in the range to offer Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive.

The A1, 1.0-litre engine is offered in both a five-speed manual and seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, both producing 70kW and 160Nm..

The 1.4-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine is matched to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission and this is the only model in the line-up to be revamped which produces 92kW at 5000prm and 200Nm between 1400-4000rpm.

A sporty 1.8-litre TFSI four-cylinder is new to the A1range and available only with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, producing 141kW at 5400rpm and 250Nm from 1250-5300rpm.

A number of other options are available for European and Asian markets including a range of turbo-diesel engines and a cylinder-on-demand petrol engine.

The inclusion of S tronic across all variants completes the roll-out across the Audi family and all engines meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.

Changes have been made to the suspension, with the front having MacPherson-type suspension with lower wishbones and rigid front transverse link mounts, and the rear with semi-independent suspension with separately mounted springs and shock absorbers. Sports suspension is available with the S line offering a stiffer upgrade.

The A1 is comfortable and glides smoothly over road imperfections and retains its composure through the bends, remaining stable and precise.

The new electro-mechanical power steering is light and smooth, and consumes less energy than the previous hydraulic steering.

The new A1 also features ‘ESC’ with extended torque vectoring at the front axle, ‘Start-Stop’ is standard and ‘Drive Select’ offers three different settings- throttle, speed control and steering. Adjustable dampers are also an option.

The A1’s closest competitor is the Mini, with Audi continuously outselling its rival.

Changes to the trim levels offers a wide range of customisation features.

Included in the update are exterior styling changes – two-centimetres in length with sharper lines, headlamps with LED daytime running lights, with a wider grill and more pronounced air inlets.

The rear features new LED tail-lights, and wrap-around tailgate.

Navigation is provided and all vehicles come with a pop-up display.

Reversing camera isn’t standard, but is equipped with bumper sensors with audible warning.

The Audi A1 has the interior quality and technology of a luxury sedan and is a fashionable entry into the growing niche of upmarket ‘super-mini class’ segment pioneered by the MINI and followed by the Citroen DS3.

The A1 range has been described as the perfect car for young high flyer city dwellers not wanting a large car but crave luxury and new technology.

There’s a choice of a three-door model or five-door version called the Audi A1 Sportback, a more practical choice should you have children.

Audi RS4

The Audi RS4 is powered by a V8 motor which provides some 313Kw of power delivered to the Quattro all-wheel drive system driving power to the rear wheels.

The RS4’s incredible grip matches the impressively powerful V8 engine provides driver excitement with its fantastic engine, slick seven-speed S Tronic gearbox and clever four-wheel drive system, making the Audi RS4 incredibly easy to drive at speed, whatever the conditions.

It is interesting to note that drivers can also fine-tune the throttle, steering and exhaust settings via the computerised ‘Drive Select’ system. The RS4 is capable of accelerating from 0-100 kmh in just 4.7 seconds -which is said to be some 0.2 seconds slower than the RS5 Coupe. Good enough to take-on both the new BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz’s C63 AMG.

The RS4 features an upscale interior, with very comfortable sport-bucket seats with seating comfort and space for passengers in the front and rear. Engine noise is only evident in the cabin with hard acceleration. Tyre noise is minimal making long-distance driving noise-free.

The RS4 is equipped with 19-inch wheels and 255/35 high-performance tires, Dynamic Ride Control suspension, xenon headlights, Recaro sport seats with power adjustment (the Cabriolet has no Recaro seats) and front seat warmers. Napa leather upholstery, carbon-fibre cabin trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer, a sunroof (sedan) and rear park assist are all standard.

From the moment you open the door, the RS4 impresses with its feeling of quality and solidity. It’s beautifully made from quality materials. Wide tyres and huge brakes mean that grip and stopping power are easily a match for the powerful engine.

Safety features include stability control, anti-locking brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags are all standard.

Audi consistently produces some of the finest interiors with both models featuring outstanding materials and efficient controls.

Apart from the amazing acceleration, the RS 4 makes a strong showing in the braking and handling departments. Confidence and grip from the front tires are superb, balance is good and steering at speed is the best on all Audi’s.

What other Motoring Website Say

1. What Car?

At low speeds the engine is smooth and relatively quiet, while gear changes are unobtrusive if you leave the car in Comfort mode. The ride, while firm, is bearably smooth in this mode, too – despite the fact the RS4 is lowered by 20mm compared with the standard A4 Avant.

2. Top Gear

It’s subtle like it should be, but tough. Got some punch too: it may be a practical estate, but it’s a practical estate with a naturally-aspirated V8 that revs to 8,500rpm, hits 62mph in 4.7 and 155 or 174mph top end depending on which limiter you pay for.

3. Auto Express

This time around, the RS4 is only available as an Avant – Audi reckons buyers of the old saloon and Cabrio versions have migrated to the RS5.

AUDI TT ROADSTER

AUDI TT ROADSTER

Going topless in South Africa is a practice that occurs every day, from Clifton Beach in Cape Town, to Umhlanga Rocks in KZN and nearly everywhere in between is a common practice. A perfect climate for a perfect car.

The Audi TT 2.0 fits that bill – Audi’s smallest topless ride- Audi’s instant classic.

The Audi TT is the roll bar-equipped, topless two-seat roadster and if you prefer the hardtop fastback you can accommodate an additional 2 passengers – but very uncomfortably.

Built on the Audi A4 platform making good use every possible engine/drivetrain combination in the line-up, which would include the legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system.

BMW’s Z4 (once called Z3), Mercedes-Benz’s SLK and Porsche’s Boxster have rivalled this iconic roadster.

This roadster features a nearly 90 kilograms weight reduction due to smart packaging and aluminium usage

Powered by its turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI inline four-cylinder engine it produces 157 kW. As a VW Group corporate engine, it powers several models under the VW umbrella.

The TT does 0-100 kmh in 5.6-seconds with a top speed of 250 kmh.

Audi’s TT line offers coupes and roadsters that fit almost every style, performance need, and wallet. The TT roadster offers good handling and performance in a premium entry-level model.

As with all Audis, the interior is of superior build quality with a design that is really stylish retaining a very modern look.

The TT Roadster is a sports car-designed to handle well, and to providing a great drive, thanks largely to a range of great engines, with loads of grip.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, too, with plenty of adjustment in the driving position and the steering wheel, so it’s easy to settle in to

Roadsters are not practical vehicles and the Audi TT trails behind in this respect. The boot is just 250 litres (310 litres available for the BMW Z4 and the 335 litres for the Mercedes SLK). Even the Porsche Boxster has a bigger boot.

The Audi TT has been a huge success for Audi, and it’s not difficult to see why! The Audi TT offers in an in-expensive and appealing way to get into a premium-badged sports car.

The Audi S4

The Audi S4

The S4 is the ‘performance version’ of the A4  and has remained relatively unchanged since the current generation’s introduction as a 2010 model, though it got some touch-ups in 2013, including redesigned bumpers, grille, hood, headlamps and LED daytime running lights.

Changes for 2014 are minor, but important things like the 245 Kw, supercharged 3.0-litre V-6, performance-tuned all-wheel drive and an S4-specific sport suspension continue to offer a well-rounded performance package.

The S4 isn’t a racy sports sedan-it’s more of a casual experience, perfectly appropriate for back-road fun and the occasional blast down the highway with its never disappointing supercharged V-6.

Audi’s coupe version of the S4, the S5, has a higher-performance RS5 version that competes on a similar level as the BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe, but Audi’s sedan has no such variant. Compare the S4 versus its rivals here, and S4 models over the years here.

The Audi S4’s outside appearance differs slightly from the A4. It’s even harder to distinguish on the road now that all upper A4 trim levels include an S Line style package with unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts and door sills that nearly match the S4’s look.

The S4 makes driving an everyday entertainment. The manual gearbox works harmoniously with the engine and standard all-wheel drive, with a smooth shifter and clutch pedal offering an accurate feel that’s neither too fluffy nor too firm, and always precise. The whole driving experience is refined and lively, whether you’re poking through traffic or banging gears on an on-ramp.

Audi’s Drive Select is newly standard on the S4 for 2014 and gives individual control of steering, engine, adaptive suspension (when equipped) and automatic transmission (also when equipped) responsiveness, adjusted through the Multi Media Interface controller.

There’s also a Drive Select button just above the climate controls; it’s a much-needed addition considering how cumbersome it can be to call up the dedicated Drive Select menu then change settings within the MMI display

‘Put Foot’ and power is instantaneous in the way you’d expect from a supercharged engine. Then there’s the fantastic sound though the engine/exhaust volume. Zero to 100 kmh happens in 4.9 seconds.

A key component of how the S4 puts power to the ground is Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive, configured for the S4 with a rear bias of 40:60 front/rear, giving the S4 a more rear-wheel-drive-like feel.

Audi’s interiors are predictable. A modern blend of quality and style with nice materials on the inside.

The S4’s standard sports seats are covered in leather and suede-like Alcantara material; they’re heated and completely comfortable. There’s not much room to spare in the small backseat.

A smallish 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space is very usable, as it’s unobstructed by intruding wheel wells. The Audi’s rear seats fold down for additional cargo room, if needed.

Audi’s Hot Hatch-RS3

The Audi RS3

The Audi RS3 matches ‘four-wheel-drive traction’ with an effective 250 Kw turbo five-cylinder engine and dual-clutch S tronic gearbox
The ultimate embodiment of the second-generation A3 – the Audi RS3 is one of the hottest hatchbacks money can buy.

Under the bonnet the same 250Kw turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine found in the TTRS puts its power onto the road via Audi’s famous ‘quattro all-wheel drive system’.

Only available as a five-door Sportback, the RS3 comes exclusively with the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

As with other S and RS models, the RS3 has the silver door mirror housings and a delicate sporty look. The chrome-silver ringed lattice grille, bulging arches, wider sills and huge 19-inch wheels all add to the racy elegant image.

The RS badges inside and out reinforces the RS3’s status.

The Audi RS3 provides serious performance with flawless ease – an awesome 0-100 kmh mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Thanks to its practical five-door body the Audi RS3 beats a lot of similar performance rivals in terms of versatility. The 302-litre load bay isn’t huge but the folding the rear bench means a useful 1,032-litre maximum load space.

It’s also a genuine five-seater and the upright bodywork means rear occupants get a decent amount of head and legroom.

With the ‘all-wheel-drive’ and a turbo-charged five-cylinder engine the RS3 fuel isn’t the most efficient car in the Audi A3 range. Official combined economy is 9.1 litres/100 with emissions of 212g/km

Godly Audi RS5

Audi RS 5

If it were possible to sum up the Audi RS 5 coupe or convertible in five words, they’d have to be “more of a good thing.” That’s because this ultra-high-performance variant of the German automaker’s appealing A5 (and its sportier S5 sibling) takes everything that’s good about those’

Audi adds more aggressive styling and significant hardware upgrades to make the RS 5 the best of the bunch. It takes everything that’s good about A5 and its sportier S5 sibling and incorporates them to provide a ultra-high performance variant.

One cannot argue that the RS 5 deserves and earns a place by virtue of its 336 kilowatt powerful V8 engine alone. The Audi is capable on the handling front as well, thanks to its strengthened suspension, re-calibrated steering gear and its AWD (all-wheel-drive system) which works together to make winding roads as an enjoyable experience

Under the bonnet, the Audi RS 5 provides a 4.2-litre V8 engine that develops class-leading 336 Kw power. With a seven-speed automated manual gearbox that can be run in fully automatic mode or manually shifted via steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

Audi’s finely-calibrated “Quattro All-Wheel-Drive System” provides incredible stability with the coupe sprinting  from zero to 100 kmh in 4.3 seconds- amazingly fast with fuel consumption at 15.7 litres/100 kms.

Standard features include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels,
• adaptive xenon headlights,
• a speed-activated pop-up rear spoiler,
• a panoramic sunroof,
• keyless ignition and entry,
• tri-zone automatic climate control,
• leather upholstery,
• heated eight-way power sport seats,
• Bluetooth and a premium sound system with a CD player,
• Satellite radio and iPod integration.
• Option highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, carbon-ceramic front disc brakes, a sport exhaust system, leather/faux suede upholstery, a navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with HD radio. A Driver Assist package includes adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering and blind spot monitoring.

The Audi RS 5 includes an interior that’s luxurious. As with many of its competitors, the biggest negative is a backseat that’s a tight fit for 2 adults.

On the road, that potent power-systems works in together with the ‘All-Wheel-Drive System’ its recalibrated suspension and fantastic steering systems providing a performance that should satisfy most fast-driving enthusiasts.

The Audi  Q7

The Audi Q7 is Audi’s first full size AWD (4 wheel drive) alternative such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class, it is essentially designed for on-road use rather than tackling unforgiving terrain.

Audi is famous for its ‘Quattro Four-Wheel Drive System’ and has put its capabilities to good use with the Q7. However it lacks ‘low-range off-road capabilities’ like the Land Rover Discovery.

The Q7 is a big vehicle providing a superb passenger space offering seven-seats and the superb ‘air suspension’ ensures superb comfort making it a great family and stylish vehicle for transport.
In mid-2009 it was given a mild-facelift with the introduction of a cleaner 3.0-litre TDI.

Spacious Interior

The Q7 has a very spacious interior made it all the more practical with seven seats as standard in all models, which gives it a versatility its more upmarket rivals such as the Range Rover cannot compete with.

It also has the versatility of mixing and matching the seating arrangements to suit individual needs.

The Q7 offers up 333-litres of load space, with a gigantic 775-litre cargo capacity available with the two third row seats stowed flat into the boot floor.

Considerable Size

To create a car with as much cabin space as the Q7, Audi has had to make the exterior considerably larger.

At 5089mm long and 1983mm wide, the Q7 is a very tight fit for most standard single garages, while the 1737mm height can make nipping under car park height restrictions a nerve-wracking experience.

However, the Q7 enjoys considerable presence on the road, which means it is easily spotted by other drivers, who are less likely to pull out of side streets without spotting the big Audi.

The Audi Q7 has top-notch interior craftsmanship; class-leading fuel economy; strong supercharged V6; superb brake performance; roomy backseat; and sporty handling.

The Audi Q5

The Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is a superb all-round Sport’s Utility Vehicle with stream-lined styling, a comfortable cabin and one of the best handling in its class

Much smaller than the Q7, making it much easier to drive and park, but offering adequate interior space and the benefits of a large boot.

The Q5 has high ground-clearance but limited off-road capability. Drives like a car on the road with minimal body roll and has a polished drive.

The Q5 has a good choice of engines, which included the 2.0 TDI, along with a superb seven-speed automatic gearbox.

If you’re after a premium FWD (four-wheel drive) vehicle, and don’t need the ruggedness of a Land Rover, the Q5 is a good alternative. The Q5 was never considered a serious off-roader. It is essentially an ‘on-road machine’ and it shares the same chassis as the with the Audi A4 saloon, thus providing an excellent on-road drive.

The Q5 displays provides hands-on control and a very responsive steering capability, which can be further fine-tuned with the optional Audi Drive Select system that offers comfort, sporting and economy modes.

As the Q5 is an AWD (all-wheel drive) it gives excellent on-road traction, adding to the feeling of security while providing comfort as a key attribute.

The Audi Q5 re-defines the term “car-like” as used to refer to the driving characteristics of a crossover utility vehicle – almost straddling the border between crossovers and wagons, the Q5 feels truly car-like, despite the taller roof line, extra ground clearance, and standard Quattro all-wheel drive.

Regardless of which powertrain you choose, the Audi Q5 delivers smooth, powerful acceleration, and the automatic gearbox is refined and responsive.

Both the 2.0T and 3.0T petrol engines match their rivals in terms of acceleration and fuel economy, the diesel versions offer even higher fuel-efficiency while still delivering plenty of power.

The Q5’s ride quality is firmer than the norm for this class of vehicle.

Handling is excellent, and we consider the Audi Q5 is one of the sportiest crossovers on the market.

Audi Q3

The overall success of Audi’s Q7 and Q5 models prompted Audi into introducing the Q3 in the carmaker’s line-up.

A compact crossover, the five-door Q3 seats 5 and is said to rival vehicles like the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and BMW X1.

The Q3 is essentially a scaled-down version of the Q5, one of Audi’s most popular vehicles. The wraparound tailgate caps a stubby tall-wagon shape that’s much smaller than the Q5 and is as handsome as the Q5.

Audi’s drive select system is an option. It enables the driver to adjust the handling and throttle response at the touch of the button. The Q3 will ride on 18-inch wheels and tires, though 19-inchers is also offered.

Audi claims seating for five with rear seat less hospitable for adults. With the Sport package, the Q3 adds extra bolstering and adjustable thigh cushions to the front seats. The cargo area offers luggage capacity of 1.5 m2 and folding down the split rear seatbacks increases this capacity to 4.48 m2.

Safety Features

• The Q3 offer rear-side airbags as an option.
• A Driver Assistance package that includes parking sensors and a rear-view camera, as well as blind-spot monitors as an option.

Standard features

• Include speed-dependent electric power steering,
• Electronic stability control with off-road and hill descent settings,
• 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels are offered),
• a sunroof,
• xenon headlights,
• LED interior lighting,
• 12-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, and leather trim.

Other Options

• Audi’s MMI navigation plus system with a 7.0-inch display,
• Audi connect Wi-Fi,
• A powered tailgate, and
• A Bose sound system

The Q3 is far better looking model compared to its competitor and the prestige that comes with the name should mean that this smallest Q model will be a sales success.

The Q3 provides a choice of two or four wheel drive as well as diesel engines directed at affordable running costs and performance focused petrol versions. Like many models from the range it still loses out to the BMW when it comes to driver engagement.

Two or Four-Wheel Drive

Depending on which engine you choose in the Audi Q3, you have a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. Most models come with Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel drive, but if you plump for the popular 138bhp 2.0-litre turbo-diesel motor, you can also order the Q3 with front-wheel drive.

The front drive 2.0 TDI only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and it’s the slowest car in the Q3 range, but it’s still decent to drive and will appeal to company drivers.