String of new Audi models on the way
31 May 2006; By Ukoha Kkalu, Daily Sun Tabloid Motoring News

Audi has confirmed a raft of new models including a high-performance S3, all-new A5 coupe and a Q5 compact 4x4 to sit beneath the Q7. Trust the local franchisee for the premium badge, Stallion Motors, to bring these models to your door-steps here in Nigeria.

The powerful S3, it has been revealed, will be the first to arrive, with a launch date in Europe, some time later this year and a speculated price tag of about £27,000. Little is known about the sporty A3, but it's thought to have a turbocharged, direct-injection petrol engine with an output of around 270bhp.

Next to arrive in showrooms will be the A5. The coupe will use many of the mechanical parts from the next A4, expected around 2008, and will probably be between the A4 and A6 in size.

It's tipped to follow Audi's Nuvolari concept car in styling which is used as the basis of the computer-generated images you see here. Budget for around £25,000.

Audi has also confirmed that in 2008 it will launch a smaller 4x4 to slot underneath the Q7. The Q5 will offer five-seats to the Q7's seven, and rival the BMW X3. The computer-generated images should give a good idea of what it's going to look like. Expect to pay from about £30,000.

Mercedes is also working on a compact 4x4, built around next year's new C-Class platform, and will also launch its car in 2008.

...Mean while expect new diesel for A3 and A4

Both cars are available with either Audi's quattro four-wheel drive or regular front-wheel drive and are fitted to either a standard six-speed gearbox or S-tronic automatic 'box.

You can order cars with the new engines now, with first deliveries expected in July.

A3
Prices for the three-door A3 fitted with the new engine start at £18,930 and £19,430 for the five-door Sportback.

The 168bhp A3 can go from standing to 62mph in 8.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 136mph, making it the fastest diesel A3. The car has an average fuel consumption of 48.7mpg, which Audi claims will give it a range of 750 miles on one tank of diesel.

A4
The A4 fitted with the 168bhp diesel starts a £22,966 for the saloon and £24,115 for the Avant. Its 0-62mph sprint takes 8.6 seconds and top speed is 142mph.

Average fuel consumption is 48.7mpg and has carbon dioxide emissions of 154g/km, which equates to a company car tax banding of 20%.

The A4 engine line up will soon be tweaked further. The 1.6 petrol is being dropped, while the 2.5-litre diesel is being replaced by a 2.7.