Anyone actually understand the Audi lineup nowadays...?

shreddedmeat

shreddedmeat

Active Member
Excuse this 'thinking aloud' piece ;) I'd be interested to see whether I'm alone in thinking this

Just heard that there's going to be an RS7 and it got me thinking about the whole Audi range. A quick count suggests there's something between 40-45 individual models across the range - a huge figure, and yet (IMO) there's not a truly desirable car among it. A predictable (boring?) pile of shared platforms, engines and design language. No truly impressive bit of design and engineering like the A2, nor anything as unique.

And as for the the S and RS models, its the same story as it has been for years. Epically fast in a straight line and ponderous in the corners. Each with a derivative of either the 3.0 V6 or the 4.0 V8. Great engines, but again, predictable, obvious choices. Nothing surprising or really exciting about RS models of late. And then there's the contradictions - the new RS4 and RS5 are still on a NA 4.2 V8 - based off the R8's V10, not the previous 4.2 (which does find its way into the R8 :confused:). And then the strange transmission choices - some with single clutch, some with dual clutch, almost nothing with a proper manual. It makes my brain hurt! I can't help thinking the equivalent BMW at each level is going to be a superior drivers car, and after all isn't that the point of cars like these?

If only they would give us something as classic as the B7 RS4, instead of slapping a RS badge on everything in the range and giving it a tuneup...

Rant over!
 
A2 owners are a hard bunch to please. We have it so good in a car that was first on sale over 10 years ago. Those looking for the same again from Audi have to look elsewhere within the VAG brand, I guess the Skoda Yeti has something going for it.

Having said that I do quite like the TT and R8 from Audi, but for very different reasons that I like my A2.
 
If I was able to be in the position to buy a new car, I wouldn't buy any Audi from the current range. Bloated, bland and numb vehicles all of them.. If I had the money I'd go buy an RS2 and lavish some money on it at least it had character. Or the B7 RS4. Or a 3L A2.
 
Bloated, bland and numb vehicles all of them
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Quite right. If I was to purchase a brand new Audi I'd need a shedload of spare cash to get something I'd be happy with, that's for sure. It's got me thinking though - what would we all buy new instead? Or what would be our perfect (money/maintenance no object) car? B7 RS4 or E39 M5 for me.
 
A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by an Audi dealer in the Midlands (where I had taken the A2 several times) offering me some special deals on pre-registered models (this was initially exclusive to valued customers). The salesman asked what current Audi I might be interested, and I replied that I was looking for something with the versatility, economy and appeal of the A2. He thought for a minute, concluded he had nothing to offer, and admitted I was the second person that day who had a 10 year old Audi that was unsurpassed!

Mark
 
unipower said:
A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by an Audi dealer in the Midlands (where I had taken the A2 several times) offering me some special deals on pre-registered models (this was initially exclusive to valued customers). The salesman asked what current Audi I might be interested, and I replied that I was looking for something with the versatility, economy and appeal of the A2. He thought for a minute, concluded he had nothing to offer, and admitted I was the second person that day who had a 10 year old Audi that was unsurpassed!

Mark
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I suppose A1 Sportback ticks a few of the boxes. Small, economical etc; one of the better looking cars on offer I think. I'd swap the A2 one with the 185ps 1.4, or maybe the 2.0TDI. It's hardly a thrilling proposition though.
 
The TT TDi does have a lot going for it, if there's only 2 of you and if you don't need bulky carrying capacity.

My new one is returning the same mpg as my A2 and it's so much nicer to drive - even on 19" wheels, the ride is more forgiving than the A2 and handling is on a par too.

OK, it'll never be able to carry a washing machine or anything like that, but for general running about and weekends away, it's doing me proud at the moment. Oh, and it's similar to insure and run too.

I do agree however that the rest of the Audi line-up is very uninspiring - the A4/A5/A6/A8 are all identical practically from the front and there really doesn't seem to be much to separate them either. A5 sportback=A7 sportback and it's getting to the stage where the only question a salesman can ask, or should ask, is "What length would you like your Audi, in metres?" That's pretty much all that separates the longitudinal engined models now.
 
except for a small diesel coupe, I would demand a better drive and so 120d coupe is the obvious choice. Fitted with some narrow not too grippy eco rubber and the car becomes a bit like the Toyobaru in terms of driver involvement and fun.

Pick any model from the Audi range, there is likely something better out there. Exception to, I think Q3/5 face little competition. A1's direct rival the Mini is a little dated. And the A3 sportback as a practical premium hackback is still a very good proposition.

As for the perfect car? E class (from W211 on) estate in either E55 or E63 whichever generation/version that has the smaller exhaust to allow the fold down rear facing seats option for 5+2 seating. And de-badged, of course.
 
I read last week BMW bringing a FWD Z2 based on the next Mini's platform. My immediate thought is when will Audi make a small 2 seater TT to match?
 
Some interesting thoughts!

The TT TDi does have a lot going for it, if there's only 2 of you and if you don't need bulky carrying capacity.
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I spent some time with a A3 TDI (DSG) and it was a lovely car to 'be in' and faster than I expected, but the handling was useless to the point of being annoying. I would hope that had been sorted for the TT

I would demand a better drive and so 120d coupe is the obvious choice
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Absolutely, in the long run one of the cars I'd look to upgrade to is a used 120d/123d. Even the petrol models are very appealing

Just read, with dismay, about the new Audi SQ5.
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It got me half interested just because of the engine, but no doubt its the car most undeserving of an S badge they've ever made

My immediate thought is when will Audi make a small 2 seater TT to match?
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I would imagine not long, based on how often they're trying to match BMW at every level

you can't really blame Audi for milking each pound of design development to the max
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True, it's certainly been a big success for them. But these are cars designed by committees not engineers!
 
Last year I decided to replace my SLK 350 as it was rusting round all the wheel arches - very dissapointing.
It was a lovely car but the rust and the fact that we now had two small dogs (when it was only one he sat in the passenger footwell no problem) meant it had to go.
My criteria for it's replacement was broad to say the least. I wanted something that excited me to drive, to look at and it had to be a bit 'different' - not something that blended in with all the other boxes on the roads. That was it, I had no preference for doors, fuel, brand etc. It had to take me and my wife, the two dogs and hold enough luggage for a weekend away or more. Mpg wasn't too important as that's what my A2 is for.

First stop was Audi. I came way very dissapointed. All their cars look the same, inside and out. I test drove a few, A3/4/5, Q3/5, they were all dull and uninspiring to drive - I moved on to the next marque. I really don't undertand why so many people buy their current cars, they are so dull.

So next was BMW, better cars to drive but most of them are ugly and dull - nothing stood out and grabbed my attention.

Then Mercedes, CLS - nice and comfy but dull, new B class- awful, brick hard it was. I could go on and pretty much say the same about the rest of the range.
Nothing in there gave me the 'wow' factor.

I moved on to Porsche, 996, 997. I test drove a £70k 997, way way above my price range. It was great but I still came away thinking if I could afford it I still wouldn't pay the money for it. Then I passed one exactly the same on the way home!

To cut a long story short I think if you want a 'drivers' car, something that stirs the soul so to speak you're going to have a difficult job finding a modern car that fits the bill. My A2 isn't fast, is a bit weird looking (a good thing IMHO) and pretty old but I really enjoy driving, owning and looking after it. I don't keep it pristine but I do look after it well and I hope to keep it for many years yet.

So after nearly six months of not finding anything that made me want to spent my hard earned dosh I was about to give up and get the SLK painted. Picked up an old copy of EVO magazine in the dentist one day - car of the year 2009 on the cover - Lotus Evora.
Test drove one the next week, thought it would be awful, it was anything but!
It was a bit more than I planned to spend but I had to have it, my wife said we had to have it, the dogs go on the back seat, the boot is reasonably sized - it was a done deal before I'd finished the test drive!

It might sound a bit out there but it's a Toyota engine and box, very very comfy and smooth, handles like you would not believe - it's alive and it talks to you as you drive it. I get 35mpg going to work, it won't rust, it's stunning to look at and was cheaper than many of the Audis that I'd looked at.

So if you want a modern car that stirs the soul, don't bother with the big brands, think outside the box and take a chance on trying something completely different. Ignore all that marketing blurb they push out, modern cars are becoming nothing but transport built for the masses who only care about MPG, air bags and the badge on their key ring.

PS - As soon as the Evora breaks down I'll let you know :cool:
 
Well said, FlyingScot.

I hope the long rumoured VW purchase of Alfa comes to fruition one day. Imagine a VW engineered 159. I'd never look twice at an A4 again.
 
I've long hankered after an Elise, had forgotten about the Evora, don't see many of them about. Would be nice to have two Aluminium cars :)
 
I used to see a blue Evora most days on my way to work until about 12months ago, but I go to a different place now so don't go that way any more.
I've seen a Renault Twizzy a few times though, ha ha! They must be horrible in the winter!
 
FlyingScot said:
I've yet to see another one on the road.
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I have seen a few. The one I have never seen is the Europa! Nice one on the Evora, my friend with a k-series 111s used to take a spare alternator (and rear toe links) to track days. Where as another with a mk2 Exige, the 'yota engine never skipped a beat so you should have more optimism!
 
drove an exige round the IOM TT course last year. noisy in the cabin but massive adrenaline hit. difficult to clamber in and out of (and i regularly squeeze myself into a seven) zero luggage capacity.
saw a couple of evoras at the lotus weekend (at Brands Hatch) sounded and looked v classy.
would like to try the europa.
no interest in the elise whatsoever. personal taste. (or lack of)
 
FlyingScot said:
So after nearly six months of not finding anything that made me want to spent my hard earned dosh I was about to give up and get the SLK painted. Picked up an old copy of EVO magazine in the dentist one day - car of the year 2009 on the cover - Lotus Evora.
Test drove one the next week, thought it would be awful, it was anything but!
It was a bit more than I planned to spend but I had to have it, my wife said we had to have it, the dogs go on the back seat, the boot is reasonably sized - it was a done deal before I'd finished the test drive!
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I previously had an Elise 111S and now have a VX220. If you like light small plastic cars they're great :) The Evora is certainly a step up with regards to quality and everyday usability. I hope you enjoy your Lotus as much as I did mine.
Have you joined SELOC yet?
 
Funnily enough just saw a 5-door A1 this evening, never seen one in the flesh before. It's actually quite nice.
 
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