What a year this has been for Audi. In the year of its 100th anniversary, the German automaker won an array of accolades and this week; with four more being added to the collection.

First one comes from Wards magazine and wardsauto.com, for the fourth consecutive year. Audi’s 2.0 TFSI turbocharged engine came first on Ward’s 10 Best Engines, considered by many as the “Oscars” of automotive engine awards.

The award honours the engine’s excellence, taking in consideration a series of factors like efficiency and technological innovations. Audi AG’s new generation of 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged 4 cylinder engines had little trouble in winning this years awards thanks to small but highly effective innovations including an optimised turbocharger; variable exhaust-valve-lift technology; revised electronic controls; a lower compression ratio (9.6:1 vs. 10.3:1) and refined internal components.

Meanwhile, down under in Australia Audi celebrate a triple triumph at the 2009 Australian Best Car Awards. The Audi Q5 3.0 TDI was named “Best Luxury 4WD” while the Audi TTs TFSI won for the second in the “Best Luxury Sports Car” category and the trifecta was completed with the Audi A6 Sedan 3.0 TFSI Quattro claiming the title of Best Luxury Car.

What a year it has been so far for Audi, on the year it celebrates 100 years of existence its comprehensive range of cars simply can’t stop winning awards all over the world.

In Germany, Audi won nine awards in the Sport Auto Readers Choice Contest organised by the automotive magazine Sport Auto. The Audi RS6 once again, led the way and it was voted the best vehicle in its class, while the Audi S3,  A3 2.0 TDI, TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI, TT RS Roadster and Audi R8 were voted second in their respective categories and to wrap things up the A4 3.0 TDI Quattro, the A4 3.2 FSI Quattro and the Audi S4 grabbed three outstanding third places.

Meanwhile in the UK, Audi’s range won for the fourth consecutive year the British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards held last week at the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham, Berkshire. For those of not familiar with Thatcham, they are one of Europe’s leading authorities in the field of vehicle security; its experts have been assessing the theft protection standards of vehicles for over ten years.

Audi not only won the Manufacturer do the Year Award but also achieved three categories wins, the A4 range was votes most secure in compact executive class, while the S8 was awarded in the performance car class and the newly launched Audi A5 Cabriolet won the open-top class.

All these awards are the rewards for a company that is always trying to improve the safety and driving experience of its customers.

Audi has one the most complete fleet of vehicles, from the sportive Audi A3 hatchbacks to the ultra luxurious Audi A8 saloons, to help you choose an Audi Company Car that best suit your company, we at Audi Nationwide compiled a list of Audi’s best models to ease your decision process.

Audi A3 – Everyday Luxury

The Audi A3 is a model with endless options from Cabriolets to Hatchbacks, the A3 has all the practical benefits of a sports car together with advanced technologies and the classic refinement from Audi. Its design combines the muscularity of a sports car with the practicality of a hatchback and flared panels help deliver sporty driving dynamics and looks.

Audi A3 Leasing for Company Cars and Audi A3 Specifications

Audi A4 – Evolution

The new Audi A4 is beautifully built and flawlessly engineered. The Audi A4 Saloon boasts modern, ultra-stylish looks and advanced technology. Audi’s traditions of perfect performance, luxurious interiors and high safety levels are all here. Satisfying to own and drive, it’s clear why the Audi A4 Saloon sits proudly at the top of its class.

Audi A4 Leasing for Company Cars and Audi A4 Specifications

Audi A5 – Intelligent

The New Audi A5 is special from the first sight of it; the first time you accelerate the first corner and the first long journey. For this special feeling there are now three very special Audis: the new Audi A5, its Sporty big brother, the Audi S5 and the recently launched Audi A5 and Audi S5 Cabriolet.

Audi A5 Leasing for Company Cars and Audi A5 Specifications

Audi A6 – Executive

The Audi A6 offers unrivalled beauty, power and cutting edge technology. In all areas, from styling, performance and handling to value, safety and environmental responsibility, it simply excels. Superior technology and refinement make the Audi A6 one of the most desirable models in the prestige market.

Audi A6 Leasing for Company Cars and Audi A6 Specifications

We want to hear from you, out of these four Audi Models which is your favourite or the one the best suits your company’s needs? Leave your thoughts in our comments section and don’t forget to check back for next week’s post

The Audi A4 has been voted company car of the year by the readers of Fleet News Magazine at the 2009 Fleet News Awards held in London a few days ago.

What is so special about the Fleet News Awards is that it provides real insight into costumers preferences as it is voted by Fleet Magazine readers. The awards reflects the growing popularity of the Audi A4 among the business community thanks to its cost effectiveness, The Audi A4 was also won an award as the Best Large Premium Car.

Hundreds of fleet managers added their votes online to a jury formed by industry experts chaired by former Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chairman Christopher Macgowan and in the latest issue of Fleet News the panel published and explanation of its decision:

“The Audi A4 was a clear winner with Fleet News readers. They obviously agree with the Awards judging panel, recognizing the A4’s talents. The new model gains extra interior room over its predecessor has improved residual values and therefore lower whole life costs, while retaining the huge choice of models available – saloon, Avant, front or four-wheel-drive, and a wide choice of engine and gearbox options.”

Head of Audi fleets sales Iain Carmichael was presented with the awards during a ceremony held at the London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on March 18th, and said:

“It’s always great to win awards, but there’s one thing that makes the Company Car of The Year award really special – it’s voted for by the readers of Fleet News. The fact that they have voted for the A4 reflects the fantastic work being done by Audi Centres in providing customers with great cars and outstanding service.”

To find out more about Audi A4 Contract Hire and Audi A4 lease options contact Audi Nationwide.

The Audi A6 Avant and Audi A4 Avant were named Executive Estate Car of the year in Germany by two trade publications – Deutsche Handwerks Zeitung ( The German Handcraft Newspaper) and Handwerk Magazin ( The Handcraft Magazine), excuse my rough translation here.

Both Audi’s were the readers first choice in a survey conducted by the German publications, the Audi A6 Avant was named Executive Estate Car in the full size category while the Audi A4 Avant prevailed in the standard-size category, all together there were 29 state car models being evaluated.

Audi’s Avant concept impressed readers by combining a sporty and dynamic design with high utility, in the full-size category, the Audi A6 Avant superiority was seen on the number of votes it received, with 50% of the total votes on the full-size category Audi’s premium model claimed its second victory in a row.

Audi’s success was completed with the victory of the Audi A4 Avant in the standard-size category. Thanking the readers while receiving the Awards at the weekend during the International Automobile Show (AMI) in Leipzig, Germany, Markus Siebrecht, AUDI AG General Sales Manager for the Region East, noted:

“As small-business owners in the trade sector, these customers place an especially wide range of demands on their company cars. This makes us especially pleased that they picked Audi.”

The new Executive SE Audi A4 and Executive S Audi A4 line models will enhance the sports appeal of the Audi A4 and Audi A4 Avant with cost effective specifications upgrades.

The SE equipment list features 17-inch 7-arm alloy wheels, climate control, Audi concert CD audio system and automatic wiper and headlight control,  the new Executive SE specifications brings an upgrade to 17-inch 10-arm spoke alloy wheel, Audi Symphony audio system with six CD auto-changer, cruise control and mobile phone preparation.

All the Executive SE Audi A4 line specifications adds an extra value of £635 over the standard Audi A4 SE model, which saves the buyer a total of £480 compared with the cost of adding each item individually.

The Audi A4 S line is a more sporting Audi A4 and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, unique body design, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and the S line sports suspension lowered by 20mm and it is available to all A4 Saloon and Audi A4 Avant models.

The new Audi A4 Executive S line model are new for 2009 and come with top end specifications such as Alcantra and leather combination sports seats, Audi Symphony audio system, cruise control and mobile phone preparation.

The Audi A4 Executive S line adds an extra £635 to the value of S line models, saving buyers £650 if items were added individually.

Once again, Audi models have qualified for the finals of the World Car of the Year Awards, the Audi A4 / Avant has been nominated as a finalist in the World Car of the Year category while the Audi RS6 Avant is also nominated as a finalist in the World Performance Car of the Year.

WCYA are administered by a non-profitable association and have no affiliation with, nor are influenced by any automaker, publication or auto show, the awards were officially launched in 2004 and the inaugural World Car title was first handed in 2005 to the Audi A6.

Finalist were selected by a group of 59 renowned international automotive journalists from around the world, all jurors hold a significant reputation within their own regions and countries.

Winners of the WCYA will be announced at a press conference during this year’s New York International Auto Show.

The Audi A4 / Avant is competing against some heavy weight vehicles like the BMW 7 series, the Jaguar XF and the Nissan GT-R just to name a few. See full list of eligible vehicles here.

While the Audi RS6 Avant is competing against names like the Lamborghini LP560-4 Gallardo, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Porsche 911 Carrera and Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG. See the complete list of vehicles here.

The Awards also determine winners for World Green Car of the Year and World Design of the Year.

Audi has won SEVEN gongs in this year’s BusinessCar Awards, including the biggest prize -

Business Car of the Year for the A4!

These annual awards are voted for exclusively by the readers of BusinessCar, making them an important barometer for performance in the fleet sector. And if this year’s awards are anything to go by, Audi is looking after its fleet customers exceptionally well and making first-class cars.

“We thought Audi winning six BusinessCar Awards in 2008 was a tremendous achievement, but the ever-increasing popularity of Audi has led to it surpassing last year’s achievement and collecting an incredible seven awards in 2009,” said BusinessCar Editor-in-Chief Tristan Young. “The new A4’s quality, both for drivers and business car managers, made it an outstanding choice and worthy winner of the 2009 Business Car of the Year. And the six category wins demonstrate the strength in depth, class and appeal of Audi’s entire model range.”Iain Carmichael, Audi UK’s Head of Fleet Sales, said: “We are naturally delighted to collect a record seven awards from BusinessCar. These awards reflect the real strength of our great range of cars, and the appeal they have for fleet drivers in particular. They are also testament to the professionalism of the Fleet team and the Audi Centres that so ably take care of the fleet industry’s needs.” For more about this year’s BusinessCar Awards log on to http://www.businesscar.co.uk/		Audi’s awards in full: Business Car of the Year – Audi A4 Lower Medium Car of the Year – Audi A3 Upper Medium Car of the Year – Audi A4 Luxury Car of the Year – Audi A8 Small 4×4 of the Year – Audi Q5 Large 4×4 of the Year – Audi Q7 Sporting Car of the Year – Audi A5 Highly Commended – Manufacturer of the Year

With the launch of the Audi A4 Avant fast approaching fleet news have test driven and reviewed the much awaited 2008 Audi A4 Avant.

They commented:-

“With more room inside and great looks, especially in S line trim, the A4 Avant should hold on to its title of best-selling premium estate.”

“The 2.0 TDI diesel makes for a fine all-round package for cost-conscious fleet buyers and drivers.”
For the full review click here.