Audi related: TT & A4 gain more top awards

Posted on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 @ 15:46:50 GMT by audioc
For an amazing fifth consecutive year, the Audi TT Coupé quattro has been voted Best Coupé in the 2003 What Car? Awards, held this week at London's Park Lane Hilton hotel. It has been joined by the A4 saloon, which for the third year in succession has earned the Best Compact Executive award. Following revisions last year which included wheel and suspension upgrades for all versions as standard, the TT Coupé quattro offers even stiffer competition for 2003. In summing up its decision, the editorial team has recognised this: "Since it won last year, the TT's appeal has been heightened further with the addition of larger alloy wheels, lower suspension settings and revised front headlights. But the fact is, it would have claimed another victory anyway." On the driving front, the team also praises the TT Coupé quattro for its "outstanding levels of grip, direct steering and good body control", which contribute to "surefooted, enjoyable handling". The interior also figured strongly in the decision: "The cabin is just as stunning as its exterior. Many have imitated it, but none have matched its exquisite quality." Coveted compact executive award The third What Car? Compact Executive award for Audi goes this year specifically to the A4 1.9 TDI 130. To qualify its verdict, the road test team wrote: "This is victory number three for the A4 in this category, and it's not hard to see why. With its beautiful styling and classy cabin, it oozes appeal. Any executive would be happy to be seen in it." "Our favourite model is again the superb 130bhp 1.9-litre turbodiesel. It provides cracking performance along with some fantastic pulling power. Its refinement and frugal economy make it a good long-distance cruiser too……. Despite costing slightly more to buy than the 2.0-litre petrol version, the diesel will help ensure you get a lower tax bill every year and this, combined with the savings you are going to make at the fuel pumps, means you will recoup the initial cost in no time. Strong residual values and competitive leasing rates nail the ownership argument." Director of Audi UK Kevin Rose was delighted with the What Car? verdict. "These two hard fought categories really are crucial to Audi, and I'm extremely pleased that such a respected magazine believes, year after year, that the brand is at the forefront of both. Following last year's taxation revisions, the extensive range of cost-effective A4 models has been in greater demand than ever, and TT sales also remain buoyant -even before the arrival of the new 3.2-litre V6 model. Both played significant roles in our achievement of over 65,000 sales last year - yet another record for Audi UK." OTR prices for the new A4 saloon range from £17,690 OTR to £24,890, with Avant models starting at £18,820 and rising to £26,020. The Audi TT Coupé quattro is available in 180bhp and 225bhp versions costing £24,100 OTR and £26,800 respectively.

Topic: TT Coupe & TT Roadster