Sporty Audi RS3

If you’re in the market for the fastest compact five-door available, then the Audi RS3 Sportback should be your only choice.

This is a road-legal missile and the undisputed speed king of fast five-door hatchbacks.

Delivering a powerful punch to its competitors is the most powerful of Audi’s famed five-cylinder engine.

Turbo-charged to increase performance, the 2.5-litre petrol unit produces 362bhp and is electronically governed to 250kmh – though 280kmh is possible from a de-restriction at an additional cost. What is more impressive is the Audi’s 0 to 100 kmh at just 4.3 seconds.

Delivering this speed is a seven-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox and Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system. Both have been tuned to be more responsive, theoretically delivering more fun behind the wheel.

While official efficiency figures of 8.1 litres/100 kms and 189g/km of CO2 best the previous-generation RS3’s 9.1 litres/100 kms and 212g/km statistics.

The quattro system is designed in such a way as to minimize the ‘pushing wide’ into corners with understeer. Wider tires at the front than the back play their part here too, and while the rear wheels can have up to 100 percent of the power sent to them to keep cornering lines in check, seldom does this actually happen.

Sending proportionally more power to the ‘outside’ wheels of a corner now also helps tighten the RS3’s trajectory. Audi’s Drive Select function, switching between different driving modes, impacts the steering, throttle response, gear change points and, where fitted, the adaptive suspension’s compliance.

The RS3 Sportback remains largely unchanged visually- a honeycomb-pattern grille, and gaping chasms cut into the outer edges of the front bumper feed in additional cool air, a rear diffuser with enlarged oval exhaust pipes emerging from either side, and a unique design of 19-inch alloy wheels. Standard LED headlights and 25mm lower suspension are evident.

The RS3 maintains its classiness and solidity, and Audi have no plans to launch a three-door RS3 but has hinted a four-door saloon may eventually go on sale.

Sporty Audi RS3

If you’re in the market for the fastest compact five-door available, then the Audi RS3 Sportback should be your only choice.

This is a road-legal missile and the undisputed speed king of fast five-door hatchbacks.

Delivering a powerful punch to its competitors is the most powerful of Audi’s famed five-cylinder engine.

Turbo-charged to increase performance, the 2.5-litre petrol unit produces 362bhp and is electronically governed to 250kmh – though 280kmh is possible from a de-restriction at an additional cost. What is more impressive is the Audi’s 0 to 100 kmh at just 4.3 seconds.

Delivering this speed is a seven-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox and Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system. Both have been tuned to be more responsive, theoretically delivering more fun behind the wheel.

While official efficiency figures of 8.1 litres/100 kms and 189g/km of CO2 best the previous-generation RS3’s 9.1 litres/100 kms and 212g/km statistics.

The quattro system is designed in such a way as to minimize the ‘pushing wide’ into corners with understeer. Wider tires at the front than the back play their part here too, and while the rear wheels can have up to 100 percent of the power sent to them to keep cornering lines in check, seldom does this actually happen.

Sending proportionally more power to the ‘outside’ wheels of a corner now also helps tighten the RS3’s trajectory. Audi’s Drive Select function, switching between different driving modes, impacts the steering, throttle response, gear change points and, where fitted, the adaptive suspension’s compliance.

The RS3 Sportback remains largely unchanged visually- a honeycomb-pattern grille, and gaping chasms cut into the outer edges of the front bumper feed in additional cool air, a rear diffuser with enlarged oval exhaust pipes emerging from either side, and a unique design of 19-inch alloy wheels. Standard LED headlights and 25mm lower suspension are evident.

The RS3 maintains its classiness and solidity, and Audi have no plans to launch a three-door RS3 but has hinted a four-door saloon may eventually go on sale.

Audi A8 2015

The Audi A8 is available in both short-wheel base and long-wheelbase (A8 L) configurations.

The A8 3.0T has a super-charged 3.0-litre V6 engine and the A8 4.0T has a twin-turbo-charged 4.0-litre V8.

The long-wheelbase models are also available with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 and a 6.3-litre W12.

The performance-oriented Audi S8 also has a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8.

All models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The A8 hasn’t been fully re-designed since the 2011 model year.

Comments from Auto Writers, Critics and Test Drivers

·         Automotive writers are impressed with the Audi A8’s offers nimble handling, a strong engine and a lavish interior.

·         Every A8 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

·         According to the EPA, the 2015 A8 3.0T gets 12.4/8.1 kms/100 kms city/highway, which is good for the class.

·         Test drivers agree that the A8 has excellent handling with the agility of a much smaller sport sedan.

·         They impressed with its sharp steering, excellent traction and smooth ride.

·         Test drivers are impressed with the Audi A8’s interior opulence, high-end materials and great styling.

·         Critics say the front seats are comfortable with roomy rear seats but are disappointed with the boot space offered by a car of this size.

Standard Features Include

Leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, satellite radio, a USB port, Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and Audi’s MMI infotainment and navigation system.

Available Features

·         Heated front and rear seats that are ventilated with massaging feature.

·         Panoramic sunroof, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, blind spot monitoring, active lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, a head-up display, night vision and a surround-view camera system. Reviewers are impressed with the number of high-tech features in the A8.

Comments from International Motoring Websites

1.    “The 2015 Audi A8 remains one of our top luxury sedan picks for its high levels of comfort, performance and numerous high-tech features.” – Edmunds

2.    “If you crave a full-size luxury sedan that’s conservative on the outside but sophisticated within, the A8 is the subdued standout in this segment.” – Kelley Blue Book

3.    “The Audi A8 delivers the stretch-out-space, high-tech gadgetry and pampering extras one would expect of a full-size luxury sedan, but it drives much smaller than its generous dimensions would suggest. These virtues, along with standard quattro all-wheel-drive and a wide range of powerful yet efficient motors, make the A8 a highly tempting option for executive sedan shoppers.” – Left Lane News

4.       “Compared with the big S-Classes and 7 Series of the world, the A8 feels lithe and more responsive – less of a limousine and more of a sport sedan.” – Motor Trend (2013)

The Audi A5 2015

The Audi A5 is a medium-sized two-door coupe aimed to attract buyers of the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class coupe. Audi have not changed the design dramatically for seven years, and yet it still remains popular worldwide.

The Audi ‘quattro’ four-wheel-drive system is also available on models lower down the range, so you can enjoy the benefits of extra grip and safer handling in poor weather if you’re willing to pay a bit extra over the standard front-wheel-drive models.

Front-wheel drive also sets the A5 coupe apart from its chief rivals: the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class coupe are both rear-wheel drive, which arguably makes them better driver’s cars but also more unpredictable in slippery conditions. The A5 also has a choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or one of two automatics: S tronic and Multitronic. The latter two are a little more expensive, but they’re also more desirable.

The A5 coupe is very comfortable and well-appointed and powered by extremely economical engines.

The 2.0-litre TDI is most popular and is capable of 4.2 litres/100mkms and doing 0-100 kmh in 8.3 seconds.

On the other hand, the S5, equipped with a 3.0-litre petrol engine and Quattro four-wheel drive is capable of doing 0-100 kmh in just 4.9 seconds, and uses 7.7 litres/100 kms.

The S5 is not the only Audi A5 with `Quattro 4 Wheel Drive` as most versions of the A5 coupe are available with Quattro.

Otherwise, the standard A5 is fitted with safe and predictable front-wheel drive, (Mercedes and BMW rivals use sportier rear-wheel drive).

With the Audi A5 there is a choice of manual or automatic gearbox (this is considered more economical and the preferred choice.)

The A5 isn’t the most comfortable coupe in its class and reviewers find the rear seat   cramped for large passengers.

From a safety point of view the A5 is fitted with six airbags, front and rear parking sensors and electronic stability control.

Comments from International Motoring Websites:

1.    “The Audi A5 is based on the more practical A4, meaning it gets all the tried-and-tested technology from that car, as well as stylish looks.”

2.    What Car?

`Coupes don’t come much classier than the A5. It’s just a pity it’s not better to drive.”

3.    Parker’s

“It may not be a radical departure in terms of styling, but it looks purposeful nonetheless.”

Audi A8 2015

The Audi A8 is available in both short-wheel base and long-wheelbase (A8 L) configurations.

The A8 3.0T has a super-charged 3.0-litre V6 engine and the A8 4.0T has a twin-turbo-charged 4.0-litre V8.

The long-wheelbase models are also available with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 and a 6.3-litre W12.

The performance-oriented Audi S8 also has a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8.

All models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The A8 hasn’t been fully re-designed since the 2011 model year.

Comments from Auto Writers, Critics and Test Drivers

·         Automotive writers are impressed with the Audi A8’s offers nimble handling, a strong engine and a lavish interior.

·         Every A8 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

·         According to the EPA, the 2015 A8 3.0T gets 12.4/8.1 kms/100 kms city/highway, which is good for the class.

·         Test drivers agree that the A8 has excellent handling with the agility of a much smaller sport sedan.

·         They impressed with its sharp steering, excellent traction and smooth ride.

·         Test drivers are impressed with the Audi A8’s interior opulence, high-end materials and great styling.

·         Critics say the front seats are comfortable with roomy rear seats but are disappointed with the boot space offered by a car of this size.

Standard Features Include

Leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a 14-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, satellite radio, a USB port, Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and Audi’s MMI infotainment and navigation system.

Available Features

·         Heated front and rear seats that are ventilated with massaging feature.

·         Panoramic sunroof, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, blind spot monitoring, active lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, a head-up display, night vision and a surround-view camera system. Reviewers are impressed with the number of high-tech features in the A8.

Comments from International Motoring Websites

1.    “The 2015 Audi A8 remains one of our top luxury sedan picks for its high levels of comfort, performance and numerous high-tech features.” – Edmunds

2.    “If you crave a full-size luxury sedan that’s conservative on the outside but sophisticated within, the A8 is the subdued standout in this segment.” – Kelley Blue Book

3.    “The Audi A8 delivers the stretch-out-space, high-tech gadgetry and pampering extras one would expect of a full-size luxury sedan, but it drives much smaller than its generous dimensions would suggest. These virtues, along with standard quattro all-wheel-drive and a wide range of powerful yet efficient motors, make the A8 a highly tempting option for executive sedan shoppers.” – Left Lane News

4.       “Compared with the big S-Classes and 7 Series of the world, the A8 feels lithe and more responsive – less of a limousine and more of a sport sedan.” – Motor Trend (2013)

Sporty Audi RS3

If you’re in the market for the fastest compact five-door available, then the Audi RS3 Sportback should be your only choice.

This is a road-legal missile and the undisputed speed king of fast five-door hatchbacks.

Delivering a powerful punch to its competitors is the most powerful of Audi’s famed five-cylinder engine.

Turbo-charged to increase performance, the 2.5-litre petrol unit produces 362bhp and is electronically governed to 250kmh – though 280kmh is possible from a de-restriction at an additional cost. What is more impressive is the Audi’s 0 to 100 kmh at just 4.3 seconds.

Delivering this speed is a seven-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox and Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system. Both have been tuned to be more responsive, theoretically delivering more fun behind the wheel.

While official efficiency figures of 8.1 litres/100 kms and 189g/km of CO2 best the previous-generation RS3’s 9.1 litres/100 kms and 212g/km statistics.

The quattro system is designed in such a way as to minimize the ‘pushing wide’ into corners with understeer. Wider tires at the front than the back play their part here too, and while the rear wheels can have up to 100 percent of the power sent to them to keep cornering lines in check, seldom does this actually happen.

Sending proportionally more power to the ‘outside’ wheels of a corner now also helps tighten the RS3’s trajectory. Audi’s Drive Select function, switching between different driving modes, impacts the steering, throttle response, gear change points and, where fitted, the adaptive suspension’s compliance.

The RS3 Sportback remains largely unchanged visually- a honeycomb-pattern grille, and gaping chasms cut into the outer edges of the front bumper feed in additional cool air, a rear diffuser with enlarged oval exhaust pipes emerging from either side, and a unique design of 19-inch alloy wheels. Standard LED headlights and 25mm lower suspension are evident.

The RS3 maintains its classiness and solidity, and Audi have no plans to launch a three-door RS3 but has hinted a four-door saloon may eventually go on sale.

Audi’s Limited-Edition A8 L

Audi’s Japanese division have produced a limited-edition version of the A8 L flagship christened ‘Chauffeur Edition’ to cater for the growing needs of chauffeur driven cars in Japan.

It is very difficult to distinquish the Chauffeur Edition apart from the normal A8 L.  The inside tells a different story.

·         Rear seated passengers are treated to a pair of adjustable LED reading lights and individual power-adjustable seats upholstered in luxurious marble gray upholstery.

·         Passenger are provided with a specially chilled drinks compartment which is integrated into the panel between the rear seat back rests.

·         Two Audi Exclusive-branded glasses are stored in a small purpose-designed cabinet built into the center console, allowing the rear passengers to have a drink on the go.

The Chauffeur Edition is powered by a standard A8 L-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged TFSI engine that provides 435 horsepower and 444 lb-ft. of torque and is fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission that powers all four wheels. The 8-cylinder car is also no slouch and can do the 0-100 kmh sprint in under four seconds.

Audi will build 5 examples of the Audi A8 L Chauffeur Edition with a price tag of USD 131,000