AUDI doesn’t do things by halves, and it certainly hasn’t been hanging back waiting for the rest of the global economy to regain a rosy hue.
No, the quality brand that's been expanding its range at a rate of knots is just about to unveil not one but two new models at the Geneva international motor show.
On the one hand Audi has shrinkwrapped everything it stands for to create the new A1, a more compact and cityfriendly three-door premium hatchback that delivers all the celebrated quality, design flair and engineering acumen synonymous with Vorsprung durch Technik in a more concentrated form.
The Mini Cooper rival will be available to order in the UK from May for deliveries late in the year priced from around £13,000.
In characteristic Audi style it has a sleek, streamlined body with an impressively low drag coefficient, without sacrificing space for four adults and their luggage. Specification includes the latest, ultra-efficient diesel TDI and petrol TFSI engines backed up by start-stop and recuperation systems, state-ofthe- art ESP with a new electronic differential lock and archetypal convenience features such as the optional Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system.
Standard features will include alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric front windows and mirrors, remote central locking, a single CD audio system and split folding rear seats.
Moving considerably up the scale in terms of performance is the RS 5 Coupe available to order soon with first deliveries in October and the price expected to be in the region of £58,500 on the road.
Powered by a high-revving FSI petrol engine delivering 450PS at 8,250rpm and 430Nm between 4,000 and 6,000rpm, it promises 0- 62mph acceleration in 4.6 seconds, with a governed 155mph top speed and yet 26.2mpg combined economy.
Thirty years after the original Audi quattro captivated the Geneva Motor Show, the new Audi RS 5 Coupe has done it proud with a combination of high-revving V8 power, super fast S tronic twin-clutch gear shifting and a new evolution of the world famous allwheel- drive system featuring the latest differential technology.
This RS can of course trace its roots to the original quattro launched in Geneva in 1980, but also to the critically acclaimed R8 sports car, the V10 FSI engine from which provides the technological basis for the new hand-built, high-revving 4.2 litre V8 FSI engine.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here