Archive for category Audi
Audi A3: Hot Hatch Meets Smooth Cool German
Posted by in Audi on August 14, 2011
Despite today’s never-ending talk about globalization and the merging of world cultures, German cars still have a personality all their own. But like most strong personalities, the distinct flavor of Teutonic automobiles isn’t a favorite with everybody. While the typical German car’s smooth, refined manners are impressive, such machines can seem a little too slick feeling for some — they tend to be a bit isolating, sterile, chilly.
Count me among believers of the latter. I generally like cars to have more soul than the usual Bahn-stormer delivers. But that’s why I found the new Audi A3 to be such a pleasant surprise. It’s as friendly feeling as a Japanese sports sedan, without giving up the sense of precision and refinement that’s the hallmark of machines from Audi and other German makes.
Slipping into the A3′s cabin, you find it to be noticeably smaller than its A4 sibling, but not dramatically so. Surrounding occupants are quality-feeling black plastics of various finishes, offset by a sprinkling of aluminum here and there. Although not opulent or expensive feeling, the A3′s furnishings are sophisticated and pleasing. They convey a sense of thought and care in their design. Read the rest of this entry »
Audi 6, Named As the World Car of the Year, Offers World Class Parts at Partstrain
Posted by in Audi on June 30, 2011
Among the list of thirty six new vehicles out of the market before January 1, 2005 for at least five countries, on at least two continents, the Audi 6 was named as the World Car of the Year for 2005. This was held during the media preview for the Canadian International Auto Show held last February 16, 2005 in Toronto. The decision came out from the forty eight international automobile journalists representing sixteen countries that acted as the jury. They use twenty separate parameters including acceleration, braking, vehicle dynamics, safety features, cargo, and off road capabilities. They then selected the top 10 vehicles for the final round of voting.
The final selection was rated on five key areas of importance to costumers: merit, value, safety and environmental responsibility, significance, and wow factor! – the car’s emotional appeal. The secret ballots were then collected and tabulated by KPMG, an international accounting firm.
The World Car of the Year programme is administered as a non-profit corporation with a Steering Committee of six journalists who oversee and monitor the integrity of the voting process. The Audi 6 surpasses the Volvo S40-V50 and Porsche 911 in a close race to be declared as the World Car of the Year.
“The concept of national borders is now almost non-existent in terms of where vehicles and their components are designed, engineered, developed, and built … or where they are sold,” said British automotive journalist, Graham Johnson, who is also a co-chair of the award program. “Considering the ever-increasing globalization of the automotive industry,” he added, “the concept of a World Car of the Year award program was inevitable … it is truly an idea whose time has come.”
“An award of this magnitude rests like a crown jewel among a host of accolades for our new A6. To be selected as the ultimate winner from a list of so many deserving vehicles, by automotive experts from around the world is truly gratifying. It signals the universal appeal of Audi’s approach to designing and building the most progressive, sporty cars in the premium class,” said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice-President of Audi of America Inc., who received the award. “We are delighted to be the first-time recipients of such a prestigious award,” he added. Read the rest of this entry »