New A4 and SUVs from Audi

News from Audi`s press conference yesterday indicates their new product presentations will include the forthcoming A4 series, and three SUVs.

Audi A4

The successor to the A4 range is based on the second generation modular longitudinal platform {MLB 2} arriving mid-year, with a world debut planned for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015.

Audi Q5 SUV

Audi will present the next Q5 {to be produced at Audi`s new production plant in Mexico} before end of 2016.

Audi Q1 SUV

Audi will add yet another SUV to its line-up, the Audi Q1- an alternative to the Nissan Juke amongst others. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler commented `The Audi Q1 will be the new entry-level model among our SUVs and will round out the portfolio at the bottom end as of 2016,`

Also according to Stadler. `In the large luxury segment, we will make an impact with a sporty Q derivative: with the Audi Q8,` he said, without giving out any further details.

Audi will in the next five years expand its product range from the present 52 to over than 60 models.

Audi S3

The Audi S3 is the sport version of the popular Audi A3., joining the line-up which includes ‘hybrid’ A3 hatchback and the turbo-diesel A3 TDI. The S3’s tuning sets it apart from the other variants in this sector, providing a vehicle that is the second most powerful and fun to drive in the A3 range.

The S3 rivals the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG, the BMW M235i, the Subaru WRX and STI. Available as a sedan, and other markets Audi offers the S3 Cabriolet and Sportback (hatchback), as well as an even more powerful RS 3 Sportback.

The A3 and S3 are the smallest cars Audi’s in the range which as built on VW’s  `MQB` architecture for compact vehicles.

While other versions of the A3 offer efficient four-cylinders, diesels, and plug-in powertrains, the S3 provides 215 Kw power for the turbo-charged 2.0-litre four. The S3 can sprint from 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of 250 km/h.

The S3 equipment includes a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The S3 has all-wheel drive has a lower ride height compared to the A3.

The S3 is equipped with electric power steering which can be adjusted to different levels using Drive Select controls – which also manages the optional magnetic shocks, acceleration, transmission, and sound settings. All S3s are equipped with 19-inch Continental ContiSport tyres as standard equipment.

The S3 lends excellent room front passenger and driver, but can be cramped in the rear for backseat passengers.  Boot space measures .39 cubic meters.

Every S3 is equipped standard with:

• Power windows,
• Central locking, and
• Electric mirrors
• Cruise control
• Leather upholstery
• Bluetooth
• Panoramic sunroof.
• Audi’s MMI system with touchpad input with a big retractable screen displaying output from the dash.
• Audi Connect delivers LTE-speed data from AT&T and renders Google Earth maps and other rich feeds to the car, and also enables wireless service to as many as eight devices.