New filler design prevents costly damage to Audi TDI models through accidental fuelling with petrol

Drivers of 2011 Model Year Audi A4, Audi  A5 and Audi Q5 TDI models will no longer have to face the inconvenient and potentially expensive consequences of accidentally filling with petrol thanks to a new preventative system built into the fuel filler neck.

The neck has been redesigned to incorporate contact points that open an internal fuel flap only when the larger diesel pump nozzle applies pressure on them. The smaller diameter petrol nozzles do not make contact, ensuring that the filler flap remains closed to prevent access to the reservoir.

Instances of “misfuelling” have risen significantly in recent years as an unfortunate bi-product of the dramatic forward strides in refinement made by Audi TDI models, which thanks to high pressure common rail injection technology operate very nearly as smoothly and quietly as their petrol counterparts. This latest advance will of course be of particular interest to companies running vehicle fleets, but it will also provide reassurance for private customers making the switch from petrol, and those who aren’t the sole user of their car.

The newly equipped models in the A4, A5 and Q5 family will be joined by further Audi models in the near future as the system is gradually rolled out.

What’s the ideal company car like? A vehicle that has high fuel efficiency, low CO2 emissions which means less taxes and the best long-term quality. The Audi A6 fit these characteristics with perfection; add to that the fact that the Audi A6 is the most reliable business sedan and viola: the ideal company car.

The Audi A6 long-term quality and reliability has been confirmed for the second year in a row by the Faults Report 2010 published by the inspection company DEKRA. Audi’s business sedan was awarded the title “Best of all Classes” with a score of 88.1%.

DEKRA Faults Report awards the models with the lowest fault rate over a high mileage, thus rewarding high long-term quality. Besides the fact that this special evaluation is an excellent marketing for the question in question, but also provides buyers with an important purchase guide.

For the first time DEKRA is also awarding cars with the lowest fault rate overall. With 97.3% the Audi A4 came second grabbing another accolade for the Ingolstadt carmakers.

Earlier this year the Audi A6 also landed the top spot in the ADAC breakdown statistics in the prestigious field of the “Upper Midsize/Full-Size” segment, reassuring even further the A6’s long term quality.

To make it even more tempting for companies, Audi offers exclusive finance options, Audi A6 leasing and contract hire options.

As an Audi dealer we are a bit suspicious of affirming that the Audi A6 is the ideal company car. So why not share your thoughts and opinions with us? Is the Audi A6 the ideal Audi company car?

Audi couldn’t ask for a better year to celebrate its 100 years of car making history, and what a year it has been for the Ingolstadt Company so far. Awards of all sorts, special marquees at renowned auto shows like the Goodwood festival of Speed and the Frankfurt Auto Show, not the mention the introduction of highly efficient engines, new models and ultra-innovative concept cars.

Last week, Audi just added two new accolades to its collection, the first comes from the biggest internet poll in the automotive industry, the online auto portal “AutoScout24″ conducted its 8th Internet Auto Award and guess what, Audi achieved an amazing total of four first places.

The Audi A3 defended its title in compact class and finished top for the second year in a row, while the Audi A4 reigned in the midsize class. In the upper midsize class the Audi A6 knocked down some tough competition to finish first and last but not least the Audi R8 topped the sports cars and coupe category.

The Autoscout24 poll is aimed to find Europe’s most popular cars, the voting was carried out in several languages, voter could choose from 331 vehicles in 9 categories and over 250,000 votes were computed.

Meanwhile the assembly line for the Audi A3 and Audi A3 Sportback won the Automotive Lean Production Award for streamed line production processes and exemplary excellence via efficient and economical approaches.

If you want to find out what is Audi’s secret to such a highly efficient assembly line don’t miss our next post were we’ll look into detail at the Audi A3 assembly process.

As Peter Kössler, Plant Manager at the Audi Ingolstadt site said:

“Today’s state of the art is only temporary – tomorrow we will be even better.”

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.

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.

The new 2008 Audi A4 has already begun to recognize its significance overseas. German newspaper Bild am Sonntag has awarded the new midsize saloon with the Golden Steering Wheel Award.

The Audi A4 has also been awarded the title of “Imported Car of the Year” by the RJC (Automobile Researchers and Journalists Conference). This respected jury, made up of 70 Japanese automobile market researchers and journalists, testified to the A4’s “perfect balance between the four key elements of the Audi brand – design, driving dynamics, safety and quality”.

In Spain, the Audi A4 has been awarded the title of “Family Car of the Year” by “Car & Driver”, one of the leading Spanish car magazines. The readers of the magazine, which has connections with the US periodical of the same name, chose the Audi A4 because of its high levels of “safety and comfort, combined with low fuel consumption”

New Sports Specification For Open Air Audi A4

Upgrades inside and out for new A4 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI S line Special Edition

• Special version of sought-after A4 Cabriolet powered by 2.0 Turbo FSI 200PS engine and priced from £29,990 OTR – available to order now for first deliveries in December

• Exceptional specification includes S line exterior styling, Pearl Nappa leather upholstery, BOSE sound system with CD autochanger, acoustic parking and xenon headlamps

• 200PS @ 5,100-6,000rpm, 280Nm @ 1,800-5,000rpm, 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds (multitronic 8.1), top speed 146mph (multitronic 144), combined mpg 34.0 (multitronic 33.6), CO2 199g/km (multitronic 199g/km)

A new version of the sought-after Audi A4 Cabriolet featuring a particularly impressive sports-oriented specification joins the UK range this week. Priced from £29,990 OTR, and available to order now, the new A4 2.0 TFSI S line Special Edition combines styling enhancements with extra interior luxuries to create one of the most covetable Cabriolets this side of the RS 4.

To do justice to its strong performing 200PS, 2.0-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine, the A4 Cabriolet S line Special Edition rides on exclusive 18-inch 7-arm double spoke design alloy wheels with 235/40 R18 tyres and lowered sports suspension. At no extra cost, visual impact can be added by an S line exterior styling pack, which brings a highly polished black painted grille and unique front and rear bumper design with rear diffuser. Xenon head lamps also add to the visual impact, as well as of course providing major benefits in visibility and safety.

Inside, the S line specification, which normally includes trimmings such as Pearl Nappa leather-upholstered sports seats, a perforated leather trimmed S line sports steering wheel and brushed aluminium inlays, is enhanced by an upgraded Symphony audio system with six CD changer, a BOSE speaker system, rear acoustic parking sensors and aluminium foot pedals. Combined, the extra equipment fitted inside and out would normally cost an additional £2,035.

The upgraded Special Edition specification supplements range-wide features such as fully automatic soft-top operation, electric front and rear windows and electronic climate control.

Helped by a healthy 280Nm of torque, available from 1,800rpm, the A4 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI S line Special Edition with six-speed manual transmission is good for a 0-62mph time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 146mph. Combined cycle fuel consumption is an impressive 34.0mpg. True to form, the optional, and still unique-in-class, multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) permits performance and fuel economy that run the manual version incredibly close, in stark contrast to the majority of conventional ‘stepped’ automatics.