Audi Black is the New White (UK)

Press Release

• Increase in uptake of monochrome colours in the Audi range

• New specification for A4 S line Special Edition models including ‘black optic’ exterior treatment

• SE specification offered at no extra cost, S line premium reduced to £750, BOSE sound system upgrade for all models at no extra cost until March 31^st 2007

Predictions from the prestige German car maker Audi reveal that its buyers are making strong personal statements by choosing more monochrome colours to achieve exclusivity and distinction. First came all-white, which was originally prominent in America and is now widely available across the Audi range as a paint option. Now black is becoming increasingly popular, not only for paintwork but also for all the exterior trims normally in contrasting chrome or metal.

In recognition of this fact, a new version of the popular A4 2.0 TFSI S line Special Edition has been launched for the 2007 Model Year, combining a striking all-black grille treatment, black window trim strips and, for Avant versions, black roof rails.

Also new to the latest S line Special Edition models are 18-inch 7-arm double-spoke alloy wheels, aluminium pedals and a leather and Alcantara-trimmed multifunction sports steering wheel. Two-tone graphite and black Valcona leather-upholstered sports seats, S line body styling and S line suspension are also standard features.

Commenting on the move towards monochrome, Director of Audi Jeremy Hicks said: “We have a very taste conscious clientele and for them detail is very important. Audi sees a very high level of bespoke ordering and Audi enthusiasts are now choosing more and more white or black specifications. This is their way of making a firm individual and personal statement”.

Available to order now, the latest S line Special Edition models are available in Saloon or Avant body styles powered by either an exclusive 220PS version of the award-winning 2.0 TFSI turbo charged petrol engine or the 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 170PS, both offered in conjunction with front-wheel-drive or quattro four-wheel-drive configurations. OTR prices range from £24,570 to £27,120.

A4 range enhancements continued into 2007

Availability of the equipment enhancements originally offered across the A4 Saloon and Avant range until December 31^st 2006 has been extended until March 31^st 2007.

Until then, all standard A4 Saloon and Avant models will be equipped to SE specification at no extra cost, bringing upgrades such as 17-inch 16-spoke alloy wheels, a Concert II radio with single CD player and cruise control. Upgrading to an S line sports model will also carry a reduced premium of £750, and adds features including 18-inch 5-arm alloy wheels, S line body styling, sports seats, sports suspension and a sports multi-function steering wheel.

A4 SE and S line and S4 quattro models will also be fitted with a premium BOSE sound system upgrade at no extra cost until the end of March.

A4 Saloon and Avant OTR prices range from £19,900 to £29,325, and S4 quattro models from £37,415 to £38,565.

AUDI RANGE TO BE FULLY iPOD ENABLED

A6, A8 and Q7 raise the tone with new Audi music interface

A new Audi music interface will connect iPod players to A6, A8 and Q7 models via their Multi Media Interface (MMI) control systems from January 2007.

Available as an optional extra expected to cost in the region of £200, the new music interface enables iPod units to connect with the car through a storage unit mounted in the glove box in A6 and A8 models and in the rear centre armrest in the Q7. Track, artist and album information is displayed on the central MMI screen and selections can be made via the rotary and push-button MMI controls or through the multifunction steering wheel.

Once the new system comes on stream the entire Audi range will offer the convenience of digital music playback. iPod connectivity is already available for all A3, A4 and TT variants.

NEW SPECIFICATION ACROSS A3 RANGE

• Enhancements to standard, SE, Sport and S line models

• Eyecatching new colour schemes for new 265PS S3

The perennially popular Audi A3 range - which numbers 27 models priced from £14,995 to £26,975 - moves into 2007 with the benefit of specification enhancements at every level.

Standard versions have been upgraded to include a Chorus radio with single CD player, SE models move up from a 16-inch alloy wheel to a new 17-inch 16-spoke design and Sport specification now includes a change to a 17-inch 5-spoke wheel.

In the cabin, S line models, originally fitted with leather and fabric combination upholstered sports seats, will now benefit from full Vienna leather trim.

At the head of the range, the new 265PS S3 quattro gains a variety of vivid new colour schemes, including Sprint Blue, Imola Yellow and the pictured Solar Orange, which are available at an extra cost of £485.