The first two generations of the allroad quattro in 2001 and 2007 were a hit and won the hearts of drivers around the world. Audi intends to build on this success with the third generation of this universally-talented, new A6 allroad quattro. At its heart, the A6 allroad quattro is a very versatile Avant, offering space and comfort that compares with an SUV, and when the asphalt ends, it truly comes into its own. This third generation offers improved performance and fuel consumption that has been reduced by 16 per cent over the previous model. The Audi A6 allroad quattro has a sporty and distinctive road stance. It features balanced proportions while sharp lines delineate taut surfaces. The roof line flows into flat D-pillars, emphasizing the svelte coupe-like shape of Audi’s Avant models. The body of the new A6 allroad quattro sits six centimetres higher than that of the A6 Avant, giving it increased versatility for rougher road surfaces. Visually, the trim strips on the side sills, the widely-flared fenders and the single-frame grille with vertical slats set this new model out from its A6 siblings. Stainless steel covers protect the under body at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars. The wheel well edges, the bumpers and the sills are painted in a contrasting colour. Not only is the A6 allroad quattro vigorous to drive, it is also strikingly different in its appearance. This is no ‘ordinary’ Avant. Sporty performance is assured from the potent 3.0 TDI engine, which produces 180 kW of power and a rather impressive 580 Nm of torque from just 1,750 rpm. Combined with the fast-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive, the A6 allroad quattro will reach 100 km/h from standstill in 6.6 seconds. Despite this strong performance, fuel consumption is very frugal at 6.3 litres per 100km. Adaptive air suspension is a feature for which previous generations of the A6 allroad quattro have become iconic. Most importantly, adaptive air suspension allows for a supremely comfortable ride at all times, and is a standard feature of this versatile vehicle. It lowers the body by 15 millimetres at high speed and raises it by 35 millimetres at the push of a button. This allroad mode is ideally suited to rough terrain, ensuring a comfortable journey no matter what the road surface. Furthermore, the driver can select a lift mode at low speeds. An additional ten millimetres enables the new Audi A6 allroad quattro to handle major irregularities in the road surface, allowing for a total ground clearance of 175mm – almost as much as an SUV. Due to limited supply, only 150 will be available in the A6 allroad quattro, making it a limited edition. The Audi A6 allroad quattro 3.0 TDI S tronic is priced at $117,900, plus dealer and government charges.

Citroen’s DS4 was first released in Australia without the option of an automatic. Now the company has released the coupe crossover with a more powerful engine and matched it to their six-speed automatic gearbox.   The brand are claiming that the DS4 with the full automatic loses none of its performance as the state of the art six speed automatic and the new THP 120 engine are tuned specifically to match each other’s characteristics. The new engine boasts an additional five kilowatts and this, added to the punchy 240 Nm of torque, means that the DS4 THP 120 automatic actually has a better 0-100kmh time, down from 9.9 to 8.6 seconds, more than maintaining the DS4’s sporting credentials.   Citroen Australia expects the new DS4 DStyle THP 120 kW to be the dominant variant in the Citroen DS4 range, but adds that it also complements the existing variants, each of which is tailored to specific customers from the advanced environmental credentials of the micro hybrid e-HDI to the performance of the THP 147, providing a DS4 variant for all.   Citroën now has four different models in a market area in which it previously had just one body with a choice of three or five doors. By offering separate models, rather than variants of one model, the four new models are able to be tailored much more accurately to the market areas they serve and are not limited by compromises.   The new Citroen DS4 DStyle THP 120 kW automatic slots into the DS4 range at a recommended retail price of $35,990, with the advanced micro hybrid Citroen DS4 DStyle e-HDi at $36,990, while the Citroen DS4 DStyle THP 115 kW opens the DS4 family at $35,990 and the DS4 DSport THP 147 kW tops the range at $49,990, all excluding statutory charges, delivery and dealer costs.   The two mainstream models are the Citroën C4, which covers the traditional five door small car market sector and which, in its latest incarnation, offers more comfort and space, and the Citroën C4 Picasso, which, freed of the requirement of sharing a floor pan with the C4 hatchback, is a versatile, flexible and high capable seven seat people mover. The Citroën C4 AirCross, enables Citroën family of ‘4’ models to cross over into the all-wheel drive market. The Citroën DS4, meanwhile tackles the premium and prestige sections of this market sector.   Occupying a unique position in the premium lower medium segment, DS4 offers a stylish coupé design that doesn’t suffer the negatives of long, heavy front doors, limited access or compromised versatility.   The DS4 is a new proposition that will appeal to free-spirited drivers looking for a vehicle with dynamism, sophistication and a premium character.  The car’s distinctive styling blends dramatic coupé lines with versatile hatchback functionality, together with the raised-stance of a cross over.   The Citroën DS4 is positioned at an intersection of different competitor types – such as three-door coupés (e.g. VW Scirocco, Renault Mégane Coupé), 3 & 5-door hatchbacks (e.g. VW Golf, Honda Civic) and Crossovers (e.g. Mini Countryman).  The DS4 is expected to attract attention from buyers in these segments.  Key rivals also include five-door premium and semi-premium hatchbacks that offer a similar blend of status, dynamism and versatility, such as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 Sportback.   Citroën’s target of providing enhanced style, design and exclusivity with the Citroën DS4 is already well on its way to being met with the DS4 having already been voted “Most Beautiful Car of the Year” by more than 60,000 web users in 62 countries, a jury from the worlds of design, sport, culture and the media presented the DS4 with the “Most Beautiful Interior” prize at the 26^th International Automobile Festival and the DS4 has been honoured at the 2011 Auto Bild Design Awards in Germany where it was named “Most Beautiful Car” in the City and Compact Car class.   The DS4 combines head-turning good looks with an unrivalled driving experience – both fundamental to the DNA of the DS line.  By abandoning the norms of conventional design, Citroën have created a pioneering and singularly desirable addition to the DS range.  Designed first and foremost as a sleek coupé, but with 5-door flexibility and a commanding, raised stance, the DS4 takes ‘Créative Technologie’ to a whole new level.   The DS4 is dominant, confident and powerful – a perfect sequel to the multi-award winning DS3. The DS4’s striking profile immediately portrays presence and prestige.  Its eye-catching lines are enhanced by a chrome-finished waistline and dark tinted windows.  Sculpted wheel arches emphasise the stylish alloys. The taut roofline and rear spoiler add extra prowess.  Striking ‘always on’ light signatures at the rear and around the front fog lights ensure that the DS4 stands out from the crowd.   The DS4’s defined coupé physique belies its versatile 5-door layout.  Three full-size rear seats are accessed via seamlessly integrated rear doors with handles encased in the car’s extended window frames.  When open, these rear doors reveal their angular shape as a uniquely elegant design touch.   A sophisticated and well-appointed cabin offers exquisite comfort in a premium environment.  The interior exudes a sense of status, innovation and finesse through meticulous attention to detail.  From the carefully tailored acoustics to the premium cabin materials, the DS4 projects an air of confidence and sophistication.   A large panoramic windscreen offers enhanced occupant visibility and illuminates the driver-focused cockpit, creating a bright and welcoming environment.   In keeping with Citroën’s focus on ‘Créative Technologie’, the interior is home to a range of clever storage solutions for maximum convenience.  The intelligent cabin design includes a raised centre console (available on models fitted with the EGS gearbox) with a cooled, illuminated and protected compartment that holds up to four 500 ml bottles and houses a connectivity area with a USB port and a 12-volt socket.   With its raised, taut and agile stance, the DS4 is tuned for dynamic performance that will set the heart racing. The suspension and steering are engineered to be highly responsive and smooth, with exemplary control.   Citroën’s new DS4 is powered by a range of four Euro 5 compliant engines, delivering refined performance with optimised fuel and CO₂ efficiency.  There are three petrol engines with a choice of 115, 120 or 147 kW and the 82 kW e-HDI is fitted as standard with Citroën’s micro hybrid system.   The spirited 147 kW THP dispenses thrilling power and performance with a top speed of 235kmh and 0-100kmh time of 8.5 seconds.  Efficient, this engine returns 6.4 l/100 km over a combined cycle with low CO₂ emissions of just 149g/km.   The Citroën DS4 e-HDi  boasts  Citroën’s innovative micro-hybrid technology, with second generation Stop & Start, boosts fuel economy by up to 15 per cent in city driving conditions and lowers the model’s official CO₂ emissions to just 114g/km, while offering a combined fuel consumption figure of just 4.4 l/100 km.   One of the safest vehicles in its class, DS4 has been awarded a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating with a 97 per cent score in the ‘Safety Assist’ category.  An extensive range of safety features are available as standard, including ESP with Intelligent Traction Control, ABS with EBD and EBA and six airbags. Other safety enhancing technology includes programmable cruise control with speed limiter and Citroën’s new blind-spot monitoring system.   Both trim and equipment versions of the DS4, the DStyle and DSport, are comprehensively well equipped with all the features expected in the premium end of the market as well as unique Citroën touches such as the extra-large windscreen that has become a Citroën touchstone, drinks coolers, a rechargeable torch and elegant interiors.  

The time seems to have arrived where manufactures see Australia as a place for sales and not just for what’s left in the range. For the first time ever, Audi is launching the spectacularly versatile A4 allroad quattro in the great southern land. The A4 allroad quattro is vehicle that knows no boundaries thanks to its permanent all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance. This brand new member of the A4 family can handle a variety of roads and trails, offering driving pleasure that Audi is known for, even on unsurfaced roads. Naturally, the Audi A4 allroad quattro features all the innovative technologies expected in the A4 model line, including a powerful and highly-efficient 2.0 TDI engine with 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque, S tronic transmission, and of course, advanced quattro drivetrain technology. It is the first time that Audi is offering this torque TDI engine in combination with quattro, in Australia. With increased ground clearance, wider wheel tracks and a special ESP system that detects the driving surface and varies the stability system accordingly, the versatile A4 allroad quattro can take its occupants off the beaten track with relative ease. The quattro all-wheel-drive system can handle sealed or loose surfaces with aplomb, ensuring the driver can enjoy dynamic performance at all times. Visually, the A4 allroad quattro appears very different to the rest of the A4 model line. The aluminium-look exterior, including roof rails and sill extensions with stainless steel provide the A4 allroad quattro with a dynamic visual presence to match its capabilities. Underbody protection at the front and rear in stainless steel further adds to the A4 allroad quattro’s robust construction. Power comes from a torquey 2.0 TDI engine that produces 130kW and 380Nm. Combined with the fast-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox, the A4 allroad quattro is a strong performer, reaching 100 km/h from rest in 8.1 seconds. Frugal fuel efficiency is also another strong point, sucking down just 6.0 litres per 100km. In Australia, the Audi A4 allroad quattro model is available as a limited edition of 150 units. In order to maintain exclusivity for owners, the volume has been capped for this versatile and vigorous new package. Its larger sibling, the Audi A6 allroad quattro, has the strongest loyalty following of all of Audi’s models; such is the practicality and performance of this SUV-like estate. The A4 allroad quattro model is expected to find similar strong support down under. Each vehicle features an attractive list of standard features. Highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, MMI Navigation Plus, Audi parking system plus with rear view camera and a tyre pressure monitor. Audi’s A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI S tronic retails for $69,900 plus dealer delivery and government charges.

Audi has given the world a glimpse of the future shape of design, along with automotive and drive concepts, through its Audi crosslane coupé concept car. This concept is an entirely new fusion of technology, engineering and design, and provides pointers to the design language of Audi’s future Q models. With a Multimaterial Space Frame, the vehicle concept strikes out along an entirely new paths with regard to weight, costs and energy usage over its lifecycle, and is an evolutionary stage of Audi ultra – the lightweight construction principle from Audi. The Multimaterial Space Frame of the compact Audi crosslane coupé is comprised of three materials – aluminium, carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP). The concept car has an unladen weight of around 1,390 kg including the large lithium-ion battery. The aluminium profiles form a continuous, rigid structure around the occupant cell. Beams beneath the front lid join the single-frame grille, which performs a supporting function and is also made from aluminium, with the occupant cell. Audi is convinced that the highly integrated Multimaterial Space Frame is the right path to the future. Its weight is of the same magnitude as a monolithic body of CFRP. It also offers convincing advantages in terms of costs to the customer and its energy usage in a life cycle assessment. An innovative and efficient plug-in hybrid drive based on a purpose-designed 1.5-litre three-cylinder TFSI and two electric motors redefines the benchmark, with fuel consumption of only 1.1 litres per 100 km and CO₂ emissions of just 26 grams per km. The result is a cosmopolitan vehicle that will appeal to young, sporty customers in particular thanks to its removable roof and the customizable services available under the Audi connect concept. The plug-in hybrid drive is described as a dual-mode hybrid which is as innovative as it is efficient. It comprises a combustion engine, two electric motors and a single-stage transmission. Its system power is 130 kW and the Audi crosslane coupé sprints from zero to 100 km/h  in 8.6 seconds and in pure electric mode takes 9.8 seconds. The car’s top speed is 182 km/h. Its average fuel consumption is a mere 1.1 litres per 100 km and it emits 26 grams per km of CO₂. The lithium-ion battery has an output of 17.4 kWh, sufficient for an operating range of around 86 km in the electric mode.  The combustion engine is a purpose-developed three-cylinder TFSI with a displacement of 1.5 litres, delivering an output of 95 kW and 200 Nm  of torque. The three-cylinder engine is coupled to an electric motor (EM 1), which acts primarily as a starter and an alternator. It develops an output of 50 kW and 210 Nm of torque. Electrical traction is provided by the second electric motor (EM 2) developing 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The transmission makes it possible to connect the combustion engine complete with alternator to the remainder of the drivetrain by means of a claw clutch. The dual-mode hybrid concept enables different operating modes. From 0 up to 55 km/h, drive power is supplied solely by the EM 2, which draws the energy it needs primarily from the battery. In serial mode, the combustion engine and the alternator (EM 1) produce electrical energy to support, relieve or substitute the battery should it be discharged. The electric mode is possible up to 130 km/h. Starting at about 55 km/h the drive system allows the TFSI engine together with the alternator to couple to the drivetrain – in this hybrid mode, the drive sources combine to optimize both efficiency and performance. Above 130 km/h, the three-cylinder engine becomes the main drive source but the EM 1 can support it if required. When behind the wheel of the Audi crosslane coupé there are choices to be made by the driver. The two modes are “cruise” and “race”. The “cruise” mode prioritizes electric driving. The driver does not notice either gear changes or the power source kicking in. When the TFSI is running, its engine speed is always adapted to the road speed – without a “rubber-band” effect. The high efficiency of the transmission makes the dual-mode hybrid drive especially efficient in urban traffic. The 2+2-seater Audi crosslane coupé body design comes across as powerful and striking, and it already provides a foretaste of the design language of a future generation of Audi Q models. The single-frame grille, which is subdivided into several segments by struts, dominates the front end. Its prominent frame is integrated into the Multimaterial Space Frame as a supporting element. This solution symbolizes the philosophy behind the Audi crosslane coupé: a totally new fusion of basic concept, technology and design. The trapezoidal headlights use Audi Matrix LED headlight technology. Small, individually controllable light-emitting diodes generate all lighting functions, and microreflectors enable their precise positioning. The bumper incorporates large, mainly smooth-surfaced air intakes. Through two narrow openings in the front lid it is possible to glimpse the upper aluminium members of the Multimaterial Space Frame. Along the sides, the horizontal edges are the dominant feature above the wheels. The low greenhouse tapers into a very flat C-post, emphasizing the coupé-like character of the Audi crosslane coupé. The doors extend a long way down thanks to the space frame design, which allows very low sills. The doors open to reveal the aluminium structures of the Multimaterial Space Frame. The tail lights are a variation on the motif of the headlights; the trunk lid seam divides them each into two segments. The bumper, the lower section of which is made from CFRP, incorporates an aluminium diffuser that extends quite some way up. The roof element comprises two CFRP shells and weighs slightly less than ten kilograms. The driver and front passenger can unlatch it by an electric drive, remove it from the body structure and fit it over the trunk. The trunk forms a separate pan within the body structure; it is attached to the backs of the rear seats, which are separate from the seat cushions. At the press of a button, the entire unit travels about 40 cm forward electrically; this is how the latched roof reaches its end position, in which it protects the luggage. At the same time, the level surface under the trunk becomes accessible, and it offers a flat storage space for dirty or wet objects. The driver and front passenger sit on electrically adjustable sport seats with integrated head restraints, the shells of which are made from CFRP. The centre console integrates a large selector lever, which is electrically extended when the car is started; it is used to control the hybrid drive. The spokes of the steering wheel incorporate control surfaces for the thumbs, which the driver can use to carry out most functions. These can also be controlled just as intuitively from a large touchpad on the centre console. The low dashboard is very clearly turned towards the driver. The air conditioning controls incorporate miniature displays. The virtual displays in the instrument cluster can be toggled between two different levels, and a powermeter visualizes the drive system’s operating statuses. The Audi crosslane coupé introduces new online services under the key word Audi connect. Its passengers are always connected to the Internet community – via Twitter, Facebook or by sending photos and videos recorded on the road. A completely new feature is the “Escape Manager” – a program passengers can use to review and comment on the routes they are driving for their friends. The interior design of the Audi crosslane coupé continues the design language of the exterior in the geometrical clarity of its basic shapes; instrument covers and the grilles on the air nozzles, for example, take up the trapezoidal theme. The narrow gap dimensions and three-dimensional surfaces reflect Audi’s uncompromisingly high quality standards. The dominant interior material of the Audi crosslane coupé is CFRP, which is used in a number of different variations. On the dashboard cowl, for instance, the composite fibres are all aligned in a single direction; this unidirectional arrangement is a new departure in the automotive sector. The CFRP parts are slightly lighter in color in some areas and darker in others, an effect achieved by different clear coat applications. The aluminium elements, too, are used in a subtly differentiated way. Most of them are machine-polished, but the air nozzles use a black anodized light alloy. The vehicle floor is made from glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) incorporating sections of a new material: Thick cords are woven with rubber threads to form a hard-wearing carpet. In their leather selections, Audi designers also employed various material grades. The most widely used grade is soft semi-aniline leather. Velvet leather in black provides an enlivening contrast. It has a robust, slightly coarse surface reminiscent of suede.  

Audi are bringing a dash of exclusivity to the upcoming Paris Motor Show. They will be showing off a limited production vehicle from quattro GmbH, which Audi is presenting as the “SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept.” The performance SUV will be showcasing new design solutions in the interior and an exclusive exterior finish in a limited production run for Europe of just 50 vehicles. With 230 kW, the Audi SQ5 TDI is the new top model of the Q5 model series and also the first S model in the history of Audi with a diesel engine. After its public debut at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Audi SQ5 TDI has been confirmed for an Australian launch in the first half of 2013. The status of the “SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept” to be shown at the Paris Motor Show is readily apparent from its appearance alone. The Aral Blue crystal effect exterior finish was specially developed for the exclusive, limited production model and conveys an amazing feeling of depth. As with every S model from Audi, the exterior mirrors are in aluminium look. Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights are standard. The four exhaust tailpipes dominate the rear of the vehicle. The interior of the “SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept” dazzles with striking contrasts. The leather multifunction sports steering wheel and the gear lever gaiter in black Fine Nappa leather are accentuated with contrasting stitching in snow white, as are the centre armrest and the dashboard cover. A special highlight are the black sport seats covered in Fine Nappa leather, which also feature contrasting stitching in snow white and black, woven leather in the centre section of the seats. The SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept marks the first time that woven leather has been used in a production vehicle. The Alcantara headlining, the blind for the sunroof and the inlays and applications in the doors shimmer in snow white. The inlays are natural grain ash. The open-pored veneer has been specially treated to emphasize the grain. The door trims and the entry sills sport Audi exclusive badges. Production of the “SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept” is limited to 50 vehicles, and it is currently only offered for sale in Europe. There is no further information available on the possibility of an Australian introduction for this limited model. Australian pricing and specification details of the Audi SQ5 TDI will be announced closer to launch.