VW Audi Car News

VW on Course To Be The Biggest

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:03:28 +0000

the Volkswagen group has made no secret in its determination to be the biggest car manufacturer in the world, with its recent announcement to use more of its Volkswagen car parts throughout all of its VAG vehicles, to keep costs down at the same time standards high, now it is its employment figures that has stirred interest. At a time when most manufacturing companies are looking to reduce their workforce, Volkswagen group has increased its workforce by 100,00 up to 500,000 world wide, according to an article in auto news.

VW have managed to deliver excellent sales probably dies to its reputation of reliability as well as other marques such as Audi and brands that were not on the shopping list so much as say Seat and Skoda, are now seen as credible if not excellent makes of cars to own. Gone are the days where Skoda’s were described as skips on wheels, so much so there are very few towns in the UK, where you will not see fleets of them being used by taxi firms.

This combination of brands that can extend to different price brackets and countries, but still using shared technology and resources means that the VW group has a very good chance of attaining its objectives.

What About A Golf

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:44:40 +0000

Its pretty hard to conceive now but the Volkswagen Golf was the successor to the Beetle which had until the mid 70’s been around since Hitler was in power and the the vehicle where most have ever been made. Compared to the rounded Beetle the Golf went to the opposite of flat and square shaped body that suited the 70’s at the time. At the time there must have been many sitting in Germany worried about this new successor replacing the most popular car ever, but we now know well into the 21st century, what a success the Golf has been over these 35 plus years.

Although radically different in shape, handling and comfort to the Beetle, the VW Golf did keep an important ingredient to German design and manufacturing and that was its quality of build. This is something still associated with the modern day VW Golf, now made will many models, from petrol to diesel to eco engines as well as the very popular GTi. Volkswagen as so proud of their reputation to quality they even insist on their TV ads that people are buying cars because they are like the Golf, so now buy a real one, so goes the message. Retention of value also keeps the Golf near the top of the favourite list of medium sized hatchbacks, as the higher asking price is often a good investment as used prices hold well compared to certain other manufacturers

The latest generation of the VW is in everyway different to the original, except you still know what it is. Surprisingly though there are older models that many people love and so are well on demand, especially certain GTi hatchbacks from the early 80s. Parts for the Golf are readily available and are shared with many other VAG vehicles, within the group including Seat, Audi and Skoda.

Used VW Audi engines

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 17:18:18 +0000

The VW Audi group, which includes Skoda and Seat as well, have a specific technological design approach to diesel engines called TDI engines or VW Audi Group Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) technology.

The latest range of VW Audi TDIs are forced induction engines which the VW Audi Group claims delivers greater performance and economy AND generating lower co2 emissions. The petrol engine technology range are TSIs.

The current VW Audi petrol TSIs are 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines.
The current VW Audi diesel TDIs are two engines sizes and four outputs.
1.6-litre 1 x 90 and 1 x 105 PS outputs
2.0-litre TDI engine 1 x 140 and 1 x 170 PS.

There is also BlueMotion Technology petrol and diesel engines.
VW Audi claim their new 1.6-litre 105 PS Blue Motion diesel engine can achieve 61.4 mpg on a combined cycle.

However the older TDIs and TSIs are on the whole outstandingly good engines, and have been used across the who VW AUdi range especially popular models have been the Skoda Fabia, Skoda Octavia, Seat Alhambra, VW Sharan, Toreg and Touran as well as the Golf and Polo ranges. Finding the right used car engines for VW Audi models is never easy but the burdensome task can be greatly lessened by using one of the excellent online car part locators such as Car Engine Finder, 4x4sparefinder and others searching for any of the following:

audi engines

VW engines
Seat engines
Skoda engines

. The savings are legendary, and the best tip is to source a newer version for your model and get some extra miles into the bargain. Happy engine hunting!

Audi A1 Win Best Small Car Award

Mark — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:27:12 +0000

The Audi A1 looks on course to continue its domination at automobile award ceremonies after it picked up its 5th award of 2011.

The A1 which was awarded the Best Small Car at the 2011 Fleet World honours, is also flying high in the Audi A1 car lease world as the German manufactures surpassed countrymen BMW as the most requested car to leasing companies. Steve Moody, Fleet World editor said: “Audi’s new A1 is just so desirable, combining chunky good looks with meticulous attention to detail and quality

“It might not be the cheapest, but strong performance on the used market will balance the books. Pre-launch, it always looked like being a winner – now on fleet, it has proved it.”

This award follows on from WhatCar? magazines Car of the Year and Supermini of the Year awards. The A1 also picked up the Best Small Hatchback from Parkers and Best Luxury Small Car at the CarBuyer Awards.

Audi launched the A1 at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010 aiming the vehicle at young,affluent urban buyers in a bid to compete with BMW’s release of the MINI.

The A1 is currently one of the most leased vehicle in the industry and is becoming more and more popular as people appear to have seen the benefits of leasing over buying outright. Automotive industry experts however have stressed the importance of shopping around for lease deals and to make sure that all prices are definitive.

Audi Races Ahead In Digital Marketing

Mark — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:44:55 +0000

Audi has shown forward thinking as it implements its latest marketing strategy using the latest in online and mobile technologies.

The German manufacturer gave hints at what its plans were for the future when it launched the worlds first iPad application made by an automotive manufacturer. The app is basically an advanced mobile version of the ‘Audi Configure’ option found on the website which allows users to put together an Audi to their personal spec.

Audi Motorsport have also announced that they will be releasing applications for both iPhone and iPad. Applications also include video marketing content, something that an established SEO company can help configure for your business.

Audi has grown as a luxury car manufacturer tenfold over the past few years culminating with it ousting country mate BMW as the most requested lease vehicle. The implementation of technology by the manufacturer has also been nothing short of outstanding. Premium vehicle comes with a built in mobile broadband Wi-Fi hotspot which integrates with the a cars voice recognition allowing hands free Google searches, which are then displayed on a 5’ flat screen which is fitted as standard. Wi-Fi can also be connected to mobile devices as you would expect, invaluable for older kids and adults on longer journeys.

Overall it’s clear to see that Audi have embraced multimedia and online technology alongside automotive technology to create a convergent vehicle of the future.

Audi A1 Wins WhatCar? Magazines Car of the Year Award

Mark — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:28 +0000

The Audi A1 has recently been awarded the coveted WhatCar? Car of the Year award in the 34th Annual awards.

The WhatCar? magazine awards have often be referred to as ‘The Oscars of the automotive industry’. Steve Fowler, Editor of the magazine said:

“If ever there has been a car that has hit the nail squarely and firmly on the head, the Audi A1 is it. It’s the right car at the right time: a car that combines desirability and ability alongside frugal financials – the perfect combination.”

The Audi A1 has been described by many industry experts as the first ‘premium concept car’ and had already been billed as the most anticipated car of the year by WhatCar?

Jeremy Hicks, Director of Audi UK commented on the win saying:

“It’s a tremendous accolade for the Audi A1 to receive the What Car? Car of the Year Award – a title with such a strong and long-standing reputation.”

The Audi A1 is also one of the first cars to have a tablet based brochure named the “Audi A1 eKatalog”. Which allows users to customise vehicles, includes a 3D driving game and is available as a free download for the Apple iPad.

The Audi A1 is one of the most popular in the leased car industry and Audi A1 contract hire deals are one of the most readily available on the internet. Experts however do recommend that customers shop around as prices quoted online are not always definitive.

Leasing is becoming increasingly more popular as more and more people realise the advantages of leasing over outright buying. Certain leasing companies even include costly servicing and repairs as part of the monthly payment costs. Business owners also need to be aware of the tax benefits of leasing and also the individual tax rates for having a company car.

Skoda Octavia Picks Up Two More Awards

Mark — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:56:20 +0000

The car that re-established Skoda as a market leader and also silenced the jokers has picked up two more awards this week, adding to it’s already impressive CV.

The Skoda Octvia has been named by Parkers Guide as the ‘Family Car’ for 2011 and also the Fleet News Juniors ‘Upper Medium Car of the Year’. The Skoda Yeti also scooped the made it two years on the bounce in the ‘Best Crossover’ category and was ‘Highly Commended’ by the publication.

Kieren Puffett, Editor of Parkers paid tribute to the Octavia saying:

In one of the most competitive sectors in the car market, the Octavia underlined just what tremendous value it provides to car buyers. The sheer roominess of the Octavia, its practicality and decent levels of standard kit make it an immediate hit with families. Throw in top build quality, great reliability and the frugal nature of the 1.2-litre petrol engine that also delivers great performance and it is a compelling buy."

Martin Burke, Head of UK Fleet Sales collected the awards adding:

"To pick up one award and get a ‘Highly Commended’ in front of so many people from the industry really puts Skoda at the forefront of their minds when deciding who they should talk to in the future."

Skoda Octavia hatchback lease deals have appeared everywhere in recent years thanks to the excellent rates offered to self-employed taxi drivers. The fuel economy of the vehicle is also outstanding, what may sound like a weak 1.2 engine gives exceptional power and fuel economy. The backing of Volkswagen also means you can expect a long life from the Octavia.

Leasing an Octavia for business is an excellent option as its low emissions and fuel consumption save you money straight away. The design also oozes style and class giving you the best impression if visiting clients. Remember that as a business owner you should be aware of the tax benefits of leasing a company car.

Although be aware and always check out the hidden charges when getting a quote online, the price you are quoted may not necessarily be the price you pay.

Audi A5 Coupe Contract Hire

Mark — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:27:00 +0000

Praised for its design and build quality the Audi A5 Coupe is marketed as a direct competitor to BMW’s 3 series which has sold more than 250,000 vehicles in the UK since 2008.

On reviewing the Audi A5 AutoExpress.co.uk even suggested that the coupe model could rival the Mercedes CLK in the luxury mid-size vehicle range.

Over the past year or so Audi contract hire has grown to become the most requested car from contract hire companies.

The Audi A5 just like its competitor screams class and looks amazingly well built, there is even special edition coupe made from completely from aluminium.

What really seems to have impressed people about the A5 though is the 3.0 TDI diesel engine which has been described as “feeling different”. 0-60 in little over 6 seconds shows the power this engine is packing.

For personal use the A5 has one of the biggest boots available, an impressive 455 litres. Pair all of this with the economical running modes you would expect from Audi and it’s an excellent choice for contract hire.

If you think contract hire is for you then be sure to get a range of quotes using a quote site, as some companies offer better packages than others. Many even include servicing and selected repairs as part of their payment packages.

VW Caddy Contract Van Hire

Mark — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:07:00 +0000

Since its introduction in 1980 the VW Caddy has been through three evolutions to get to where it is today.

One of the top sellers in the light commercial vehicle sector the Caddy held a 42% market share in 2007 and has since expanded its distribution to numerous worldwide markets. More recently the model scooped a hat trick of awards in 2008 as it awarded ‘Best Small Van’ for three industry publications.

With a range of engine options from a 1.4 16V up to 2.0 TDI there is an option to suit most requirements. When the vehicle was first launched many were concerned the premium pricing would hinder sales and put off would be fleet owners. However the driving experience upon release was recipient of high praise and Volkswagens inclusion of a diesel option, making it the only diesel option in its category.

VW Caddy contract hire has also gone hand in hand with the success of the van with many offering the benefits you would expect from individual deals for fleet hire. Contract hire also a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) option that could benefit a business over the long term. As with leasing you don’t actually own the vehicle but your payments are tailored and adapted to reflect the resale value of the Caddy so come the end of the initial lease period you get the option to buy outright. However an added benefit of this deal is that is can include services and certain repairs as part of the monthly payments, Giving you one less thing to worry about.

The Caddy also offers easy modification with models easily adapted to seat up to seven people and can store payloads of up to 750kg., coupled with VW’s usual reliability and economical running it’s definitely worth a look if you’re needing a light commercial vehicle for your business.

Audi A4 Contract Hire

Mark — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:50:17 +0000

The fourth generation Audi A4 is the definition of compact executive car, if you’re wanting to give a good impression to clients or need a vehicle with economic consumption then you’ve found it.

The recent resurgence of Audi as the car of choice for celebrities and footballers hasn’t cheapened it, if anything it shows the how good value this brand is. Dutch Midfielder Mark Von Bommel even reviewed his Audi for a Dutch car website.

Looking good is obviously one thing but if you’re covering a lot of road or wanting to keep costs low then the Audi A4 offers something else. With fuel emissions of only 120g/km you can expect low road tax liability alongside excellent fuel conservation.

If you are going to be using your Audi A4 for business then looking for an Audi contract hire deal might be a good option.

Using contract hire sites also allows you to gauge the market and find the best deals and package to suit you. As a business owner the last thing you need is more worries, by using a contract hire car you can avoid this.

Certain dealers offer inclusive service and repairs to vehicles, another weight off your mind.

Audi car finance – What is the Difference between Leasing and Financing?

admin — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:09:25 +0000

The difference between leasing and financing is with financing, you own the car with the car dealer having a lien on the car until it is paid in full. When you lease a car, you do not have ownership of the car. If you were in the market for an Audi, their dealerships offer two different financing plans. One is the regular Audi finance plan and the other is the College Graduate financing plan.
With either plan, you need to decide if you want a new or pre-owned certified car. Once that decision is made, the Audi dealership will work up a Audi car finance plan that will meet your needs. Two of the reasons you might consider purchasing a pre-owned certified Audi, besides the price of the car, is if the years you intend to own the car exceeds four years, and if you want a typical loan of 12-48 months.
The College Graduate financing plan requires less credit history than regular Audi car finance. The other stipulations for qualifying for this financing plan is that you must be within four months of graduating from an accredited program or you have completed your schooling from an accredited university within the last two years. If you have graduated, you must have full time employment. The typical loan period is 12-60 months.
If you do not want to own the car, there is also the option of Audi leasing, which includes a College Graduate lease. When you decide to lease, you can custom-tailor the amount of mileage allotment you will have. Most Audi dealers figure 15,000 miles a year, so any miles over that you will pay a standard mileage fee. You can also buy miles upfront for a discount. At the end of your Audi car lease, you can purchase the Audi, or turn in your current Audi and get a newer Audi.
You can qualify for a College Graduate lease is the same as the requirements to purchase an Audi using the College Graduate financing program. With either program, your payment cannot be more than 25% of your gross monthly income. As with the regular Audi car finance leasing plan, you have the same options.

Looking At The Audi A3 Including CarBuyer

admin — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:45:32 +0000

The question normally asked is why the Audi A3 when so much of the car is found on the cheaper VW Golf?The reality is the cheaper A3’s are a bit too similar, in terms of engine performance and even size of the car. As soon as you start looking at the larger engines especially diesels, you start to see similarities with the larger Audis.

Design is a matter of taste, although even though the VW does state quality, the Audi brand is still one step if not more higher.

Below is a video from carbuyer, with their opinions of the Audi A3. It claims the Audi A3 is one of the best premium hatchbacks on the market, stating it is desirable. It goes on to show the quality within the cockpit including its dash, but continues to compare to VW certain switches and more throughout.

As far as leasing an Audi A3 goes, even though it is expensive for a car of this size, it will hold its value and that is a main factor in cheaper leasing monthly premiums and why Audi always have a strong presence within the lease market. Audi offers its own finance for the Audi A3 and contract hire options for fleet hire and private individuals. But is you are looking for Audi A3 car lease then you consider the broker network also, to see what is available.

Here is the video of carbuyers opinion of the Audi A3

Audi Leads The Way in Winter 4×4 Leasing

admin — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:24:44 +0000

The snow has hit the UK bad, but for those companies selling car leasing, they have seen a boom in applications for 4×4 vehicles and according to some, Audi is leading the way. We are talking about models like the Audi Q7 that not only looks good, but will get you through the snow better than most and in a bit of luxury too. But lets not forget the Audi Q5 and those Quattro models that pretty much won all those rallies 20 years ago or so.

The bottom line is Audi offers more than just an alternative to BMW and Mercedes, they regularly deliver better cars and if you measure the car leasing figures as a whole using brokers as a guide, very often we see Audi at the top. As far as leasing goes, Audi offers its own contract hire finance solutions, but sometimes it is worth looking through brokers for Audi car lease, because sometimes they can get better interest rates against the dealers, who have higher overheads to cover (not always though).

So if the snow is falling heavy in your area of the UK and you are sick of watching these Audi Q7’s sail past you, then may it is time for you to lease an Audi Q7, Q5 or Quattro car too.

The Importance Of The Right Insurance

Mark — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:05:34 +0000

Leading insurance companies have warned motorists of the importance of having the right insurance.

According to a poll released in the past few days by Marks & Spencer (M&S) shows that nearly 60% of all drivers in the UK have fallen victim to car crime.

Meaning that a fully protective policy is vital for anyone that is looking for insurance, which isn’t a problem but it seems a lot of drivers are putting this area of their insurance at risk.

Almost 60% of drivers admitted in the anonymous survey that they do not activate their vehicle’s alarm when it is left parked up.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S head of general Insurance said:

"It’s important to make sure the vehicle is secure when unattended."

The RSA Insurance group have recently announced the UK’s first online insurance service, RSA customers can now add cover options to their accounts without having to phone a call centre.

The company believe that as the policy is only available online it will help keep premium costs down to a minimum.

Head of RSA Insurance Keith Maxwell said:

RSA eChoice is all about empowering the customer to take complete control of their insurance. Our customers want to be able to pick and mix their covers, rather than buying an off-the-shelf package as traditionally provided by insurers.”

Volkswagen Group Close In On Acquisition Of Italdesign

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:53:56 +0000

Volkswagen today completed its takeover of Italian design consultants Italdesign with an overall majority share of 90.1%.

The acquisition now officially makes the VW group the largest car manufacturers in Europe and Italdesign seem happy to be under this umbrella commenting:

“Italdesign has now become a permanent member of the Volkswagen Group. Given the full order books and numerous interesting projects, the perspectives are better than ever.”

The Italian company have been in business for over 50 years and pride themselves on having designed some of Italy’s iconic exports such as the Fiat Punto and the Alfa Romeo 156. Other clients of the company include Volkswagen where Italdesign were responsible for the Passat and Sicrocco.

The remaining 9.9% of shares have stayed with the founding family the Giugiaro’s who will stay on as directors of the company.

No details have been released yet as to whether the IDG would work exclusively for VW or carry on in its contracting business.