For those of that are no familiar with the acronym BIVSA, it stands for British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards. The A5 Cabriolet is one of four Audi models to be honoured as best-in-class in the British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards 2010. The A4, Q5 and S8 were also winners in their respective categories.

Audi has yet again been amply rewarded for its uncompromising approach to car security with four category trophies in the British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards, held recently at the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham, Berkshire.

Audi models were voted best-in-class in four of the specific model categories assessed by the experts using the New Vehicle Security Rating process that awards star ratings based on ‘theft of’ and ‘theft from’ protection. The Audi A4 Saloon, Audi A5 Cabriolet, Q5 compact SUV and Audi S8 luxury high performance saloon all achieved higher NVSR scores than their respective competitors. Since the awards began in 2006, the Vorsprung durch Technik brand has secured no less than 15 category wins, bearing testament to its absolute commitment to security.

This meticulous approach has not only brought outstanding anti-theft protection for Audi customers, but has also helped to ensure that their insurance premiums are the lowest in the premium sector, according to data sourced from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) group ratings database.

Commenting on this impressive achievement, Director of Audi UK Jeremy Hicks said: “The plaudits recognising the efforts of Audi AG’s security team in making the Audi range as secure as possible just keep on coming year after year. With their help Audi customers not only benefit from exemplary protection, but also from the lowest-in-sector insurance premiums that their meticulous approach has made possible.”

Award-winning security is achieved right across the Audi range through features including Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser technology with interior ultrasonic protection and anti-tow sensors, Thatcham Category 4 locking wheel bolts and extensive covert and overt marked parts.

To learn more about Audi Lease & Audi Contract hire and other Audi Finance options please contact Audi Nationwide or follow us on Twitter

Audi range insurance premiums are lowest of the ‘Big Three’. Award winning security measures and competitive repair costs cut insurance premiums for Audi drivers

Audi drivers can expect to pay considerably less to insure their cars than owners of equivalent models from the German premium sector brands, according to data sourced from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) group ratings database.

Managed by the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham on behalf of the ABI and Lloyds Syndicates, the insurance group ratings database has been updated monthly with new car insurance rating data since the 1980s, and includes all trim levels, variants, body styles and engine types. This data has been used to calculate average insurance group ratings for Audi models and their equivalents wherever applicable from German premium sector competitors. In virtually every range, Audi models post considerably lower average ratings than competitors, meaning that owners will generally pay lower insurance premiums.

These ratings are defined using a system which allocates penalty points to each vehicle based on a number of factors, including the purchase price, the cost of key parts and the ease, and cost, of repair following an independent crash test undertaken by the Research Council for Automobile Repairs (RCAR).

The higher the outright purchase price or parts and labour charges, and the more costly and labour intensive the crash repair, the higher the points tally, and consequently the higher the insurance group rating.

Crucial security performance
Security performance is of course also a critical factor in determining each rating, and four British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards and three What Car? Magazine Security Awards for ‘Best Overall Manufacturer’ attest to Audi expertise in this area. Held by Audi for four consecutive years since 2006, the top BIVSA award for ‘Best Overall Manufacturer’ highlights the fact that the brand offers more ranges in which every variant has achieved the maximum five star rating for ‘theft of’ security and of at least four stars for ‘theft from’ security than any other entrant.

Award-winning security protection is achieved right across the Audi range through features including Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser technology with interior ultrasonic protection and anti-tow sensors, Thatcham Category 4 locking wheel bolts and extensive covert and overt marked parts.

To learn more about Audi Lease & Audi Contract hire and other Audi Finance options please contact Audi Nationwide or follow us on Twitter

Currency exchange rates necessitate adjustment of Audi pricing which in a number of cases is offset by enhanced equipment.

With effect from Tuesday May 25, retail prices for most models within the UK Audi range will increase as a result of prevailing currency exchange rates. Their impact has necessitated an average rise of around two per cent, which in some cases will be partially offset by specification improvements.

New customer orders placed up to, and including, May 24 will be fixed at currently advertised 2010 Model Year prices.

Among the core models in the Audi range, the three-door A3 and five-door A3 Sportback hatchbacks are subject to an increase of 1.9 per cent, the A4 Saloon and Avant rise by 2.4 per cent (in SE form) and the Audi A6 Saloon and Avant by 2.0 per cent.

Audi A5 Sportback, Coupe and Cabriolet models increase by 2.5 per cent, 2.4 per cent and 2.2 per cent, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 by 2.0 per cent and 0.6 per cent, TT Coupe and Roadster by 0.9 per cent and Audi R8 V8 and Audi R8 V10 by 3.0 per cent. Recently announced prices for the A1 hatchback, the R8 Spyder, the RS 5 Coupe and the A8 remain as before.

In a number of cases the increases go hand-in-hand with improvements. The TT range, for example, has been visually enhanced for the 2011 Model Year, and features a newly introduced and significantly more efficient Turbo FSI petrol engine and recuperation technology that boosts economy virtually across the board. The Q5 adds an engine start-stop system for four-cylinder models that also works in favour of improved fuel economy, and the Audi Q7 is revitalised by even more frugal new petrol and TDI engines and a new eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

For Audi lease and contract hire for company cars contact Audi Nationwide.

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.

Audi models achieve top ratings for safety in four prestigious tests.

The Audi A4 and Q5 achieved a top five-star rating in the new Euro New Car Assessment Program safety tests.

The Audi Q5 also achieved top ratings from the renowned Insurance IIHS in the United States. This makes Audi the first carmaker in the world to earn the honour of “Top Safety Pick” for the fifth time.

The Audi Q5 and A4 both achieved a top five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety test, for which a new and expanded evaluation system was used.

You will find that Audi offers an extensive active safety package to help prevent accidents before they happen. The Audi A4 and Q5 rated highly in the Euro NCAP tests thanks to their efficient ESP and seatbelt reminders, which come as standard. Customers can also select numerous optional intelligent driver assistance systems.

The high safety standards of the Audi A4 and Audi Q5 were also confirmed by the test methods applied by the U.S. National Highway Safety Administration.

Both cars received the top five-star rating from the U.S. traffic safety agency in a total of four categories. The results find American safety experts in agreement with their European counterparts: the Audi A4 and Audi Q5 are among the safest cars in their classes.

Audi pride themselves on safety being of the highest priority. For a full specification of the top safety cars of 2009, please visit Audi Nationwide’s Audi A4 and Q5 product pages.

This is the second and last part of our guide to help you choose an Audi Company Car to best suits your company needs. Last week we listed what is considered the lower branch of our Audi range, but if you own an Audi you know that there isn’t such a thing as a low quality Audi.

Audi A8 – Luxury Redefined

There is no conflict between sportiness and common sense in the case of the Audi A8: the luxury saloon brings together quattro four-wheel drive, the light but sturdy Audi Space Frame ASF® aluminium body and adaptive air suspension in a single car. The Audi A8’s design and technology redefine the benchmark in every respect.

If you want respect from your employees, this is the company car you need. The new Audi A8 is due to launch soon so stay tuned for more information on one of Audi’s most luxurious models.

Audi A8 Leasing for Company Car and Audi A8 Specifications

Audi TT Coupé and Audi TT Roadster – Inspirational

The Audi TTs perfect performance have come together to create the ultimate sports car. The Audi TT Coupe is of pure design. Perfect performance. A serious sports car with turbo-charged engineering and sports ratio 6-speed gearbox. And if you prefer a Cabriolet there is the Audi TT Roadster, automotive purism in its most beautiful form – for boundless open-top driving pleasure.

Audi has recently added the Audi TT to its RS line of cars with the launch of the Audi TTRS and Audi Roadster.

Audi TT Leasing for Company Car and Audi TT Specifications

Audi Q5 – Sports SUV

The new Audi Q5 combines the poise of a sports car with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure and family use, with strong and fuel-efficient engines, Quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear incorporating a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch auto/manual transmission and performance for all seasons and all surfaces.

The Audi Q5 is not even one year old but it has already gained the respect of world’s top auto critics by winning some respectful awards such as the Golden Steering Wheel, one of the most prestigious awards in the auto industry.

Audi Q5 Leasing for Company Car and Audi Q5 Specifications

Audi Q7 – The Performance SUV

For 25 years we’ve made Quattro for our cars. Now we’ve made the car for Quattro – the new Audi Q7. Refining the raw power of the Quattro drive train. The Audi Q7 7 seater is a true performance SUV, at home on any road even when there isn’t one.

The Audi Q7 doesn’t compromise on safety. Exceptionally strong build and innovative, all-round protection keep you – and your family – safe. Audi’s philosophy on safety is at the very heart of the Audi Q7.

Audi Q7 Leasing for Company Car and Audi Q7 Specifications

Audi R8 – True Art

The Audi R8 was built to take your breath away. Audi’s leading designers have pushed the boundaries of racing technology, futuristic construction and luxury refinement to deliver a genuine masterpiece. The Audi R8’s features include a centrally-mounted, high-revving V8 petrol engine, Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction; front and rear double wishbone suspension and the stability of Quattro four-wheel-drive.

Audi R8 Leasing for Company Car and Audi R8 Specifications

Now that you know more about all Audi models available, choose the right Audi Company car that will best suit your company needs.

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

Audi have announced that the proposed Audi Q5 hybrid have been postponed as have other hybrid’s like the Audi Q7 hybrid.

Senior Audi sources said:

“Audi won’t produce a petrol-electric hybrid until we can make nickel metal hydride batteries safer in crash situations, and hybrid technology more efficient overall. Until then we will concentrate on producing more efficient diesel engines and aluminium chassis.”

The Audi engineers may well have decided with the new NiZn battery technologies just coming out and with a lot of new NiZN announcements due early next year – to wait and see if this next generation of battery technologies will be a better solution for hybrid vehicles both from a performance, cost and a recycling aspect.

The first NiZn batteries are claiming to be around 1/2 the cost of Lithium Ion batteries which if scalable up to the sizes required for a car would give substantial cost benefits as well as removing the explosion risk that Lithium Ion batteries have.

The Q5 will now be fitted with a stop-start system, and could get further fuel-saving technology as demonstrated in its Audi A4 E-concept Car which we wrote about back in september when Audi was showing this technology off at the Frankfurt car show

Audi’s believes that the improvements are a natural part of its technical progress and will not be giving this technology a specific name such as BMW’s “Efficient Dynamics initiative”.

The new technology could make its debut on the A1 supermini, due in 2010, but development is sufficiently advanced that it could be added to existing models next year.

With VAT savings to be had across the range why not start your new year with a new car?!

Inflation busting prices on all our Audi’s and some can even be with you before Christmas! Subject to finance approval and delivery distances.

Enquire now!

Top of the range Audi Q7 3.0 TDI in lava grey metallic paint with Technology pack, S Line Pack, Communications pack and even beautiful 20″ 20 Spoke alloy wheels! all for £631 a month + vat!

THE Brand New AUDI Q5 for January delivery right to your door £495 + Vat including GSM mobile phone prep, Audi Parking system plus and Metallic paint!!

Christmas is coming a few weeks early and great saving’s to be had!

ENQUIRE NOW ON 0800 822 3116 FREE!!!

AND MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL HERE AT AUDI NATIONWIDE!

You can now order the new Audi Q5 from Audi Nationwide for delivery starting Mid December.

Audi Q5 Contract Hire Prices

ModelModel	Price / Month	Details
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI	£468 /Month*
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI S line	£488 /Month*
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI	£511/Month*
Audi Q5  2.0T FSI SE S Tronic	£525/Month*

*All prices shown are subject to Vat and based on individual terms shown. Pictures are for illustrative purposes only. See Delivery and Terms for full details.