Audi TT 3.2 Quattro 2dr Hatchback

The 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro is extraordinarily fun to drive, with unbeatable cornering from its all-wheel-drive system. 12-speaker Bose audio system option produces pin-drop clarity.car lacks a standard auxiliary input jack and its satellite radio interface makes tuning stations tedious. Fuel economy seems like it should be better for such a small car.2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro is a unique sports car that can be pushed hard . It doesn't neglect the tech side of things, however, offering premium audio, navigation, and hands-free phone support.

Usually, roadsters imply compromise, but the 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro skimps on neither performance nor cabin gadgets. The convertible version of Audi's unique little coupe gets a remake for 2008, with some minor exterior updates and a full range of interior tech. But along with this incredible performance comes a high price, suggesting person's toy.

roadster deemphasizes the of its predecessor's body and breaks up the smooth sides with a more distinct. It looks like a slab on wheels, but Audi proves that a slab can be sculpted. The headlights and grille give the front end a distinct face, while the curved trunk lip has a retractable spoiler. The convertible top works effortlessly, lowering and raising at the push of a button, and latching itself down without driver intervention

Audi TT 3.2 Quattro

The 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro is extraordinarily fun to drive, with unbeatable cornering from its all-wheel-drive system. The 12-speaker Bose audio system option produces pin-drop clarity.car lacks a standard auxiliary input jack and its satellite radio interface makes tuning stations tedious. Fuel economy seems like it should be better for such a small car.2008 Audi 3.2 is a unique sports car that can be pushed hard with little effort. It doesn't neglect the tech side of things, however, offering premium audio, navigation, and hands-free phone support.

Usually, roadsters imply compromise, but the 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro skimps on neither performance nor cabin gadgets. convertible version of Audi's unique little coupe gets a remake for 2008, with some minor exterior updates and a full range of interior tech. along with this incredible performance comes a high price, suggesting person's toy.

roadster deemphasizes the curviness of its predecessor's body and breaks up the smooth sides with a more distinct beltline. It looks like a slab on wheels, but Audi proves that a slab can be sculpted. The headlights and grille give the front end a distinct face, while the curved trunk lip has a retractable spoiler. The convertible top works effortlessly, lowering and raising at the push of a button, and latching itself down without driver intervention.

Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T Quattro

The 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T Quattro delivers decent performance and an impressive range of optional cabin amenities. Its variable cargo bay gives it the luxury of a soft top without sacrificing valuable cargo space.The A4's navigation system is starting to look dated, and, without MP3 compatibility,enabled models have limited audio options. Rear-seat headroom is restricted--especially when waiting for the top to come down.The 2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0T

combines peppy performance and sun-loving style with a good range of cabin tech options and usable cargo room, making it an all daily driver and weekend cruiser.The Audi A4 is about to get a major overhaul for the 2008 model year, but the 2007 A4 Cabriolet has plenty to recommend it to those not willing to wait until next year. With many of the same technology options as the 2007 A4 sedan we got in earlier in 2007, our A4 Cabriolet tester was well stocked with cabin gadgetry, including a usable--albeit dated--navigation calling interface, and a sweet-sounding audio system. A4's outgoing stack-mounted multimedia interface system, the A4 Cabriolet's roof mechanism shows its age, and could do with an overhaul in the 2008 model. Nevertheless, the convertible does have plenty to recommend it, including a stunning side profile with the top down and a clever trunk expanding mechanism with it up.

Audi TT Coupe

With a double-clutch transmission, ample power, and grip for days, the 2008 Audi TT Coupe makes for a more enjoyable drive than the Roadster. Bluetooth, an dock, satellite radio, and optional navigation round out the package. integration is seamless but incomplete, and the Bluetooth setup has simila.Interior storage is all but nonexistent.The 2008 Audi Coupe has an upscale look and is a blast on twisty roads. It might seem impractical and pricey, compared with other sports cars in the $50,000 range, but it is one of the best toys we can think of.

Our week with Audi's second-generation Coupe came soon after our earlier test of the Audi Roadster. We enjoyed the convertible version enough to give Choice award, mainly thanks tounflappable performance and roster of available tech options.

Coupe similarly impressed us, with its dynamic performance benefiting slightly from the inherently stiffer chassis that comes with a fixed roof versus a retractable one. Our test Coupe didn't include the navigation option, just as the Roadster hadn't, and worse, did without our droptop's magnetic ride suspension, but we did get dedicated iPod dock in the glovebox this time around.

Audi S5

The beautiful 2008 Audi S5's engine delivers smooth power, while the Quattro all-wheel-drive system keeps the car on the road. The Bang audio system is in the top three car stereos we've heard, and the integration complements it well There's a big price to pay for this kind of power, and it's in the form of lousy gas mileage.With its refined cabin tech, very nice performance, and beautiful design, the 2008 Audi S5 excels in most areas, only being dragged down by poor mileage and unambitious cabin tech.

We were impressed with the look of the Audi A5, when we saw it launched at the Geneva auto show earlier this year. But when the 2008 Audi S5 turned up on our car review schedule, we were pleased and surprised to get the S5 before the A5. As it turns out, Audi brought the S5 to market and as of this review, the A5 is not available. That's OK, though, as the S5 is not only beautiful, it is just about perfect.

We loved driving this car, as it felt highly responsive while the engine gives a blast of power. Audi refined its navigation and Bluetooth systems, then upped the ante with a stellar Olufsen stereo system. At first, we found nothing to criticize about this car. But some issues emerged as we took it on our road tests.

Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Turbo 6M

The 2008 Audi A4 combines nimble performance with sprightly handling and the availability of some stylish S-Line trim. Its upgraded audio system is worth the investment.
The A4's dismal iPod integration, bizarre audio options, and dated navigation system give it some of the weakest cabin technology available on a premium sedan. The 2008 A4 demonstrates Audi's ability to run with the competition when it comes to performance, but the car's imminent cabin-tech upgrade can't come soon enough.

The premium sports-sedan market is generating a lot of competition for the 2008 Audi A4. With a recently updated 3-Series from BMW, a totally revamped C-Class from Mercedes Benz, and respectable contenders from Infiniti, Acura, and Lexus, the current Audi A4 is beginning to look a little out of its depth. The bread-and-butter of Ingolstadt's model lineup is itself due for a complete overhaul later this year. From a technology perspective, we're expecting to see some of the goodies that so impressed us recently in the 2008 Audi A5. We are particularly eager to see the departure of the current-generation A4's ill-thought-out digital-audio interface, which had us pulling our hair out during our week with the car. On the performance front, the turbocharged 2-liter A4 still holds its own against much of the larger-displacement competition, while Audi's legendary Quattro gives it go-cart handling.

Audi A4 2.0T Quattro

The good: The 2008 Audi A4 combines nimble performance with sprightly handling and the availability of some stylish S-Line Its upgraded audio system is worth the investment.

The bad: The A4's dismal iPod integration, bizarre audio options, and dated navigation system give it some of the weakest cabin technology premium sedan.

The bottom line: The 2008 A4 demonstrates Audi's ability to run with the competition comes performance, but the car's imminent cabin-tech upgrade can't come soon enough.

The premium sports-sedan market is generating a lot of competition for the 2008 Audi A4. With a recently updated 3-Series from BMW, a totally revamped C-Class from Mercedes Benz, and respectable contenders from and Lexus, the current Audi A4 is beginning to look a little out of its depth. The bread-and-butter of model lineup is itself due for a complete overhaul later this year. From a technology perspective, we're expecting to see some of the goodies that so impressed us recently in the 2008 Audi A5. We are particularly eager to see the departure of the current-generation A4's ill-thought-out digital-audio interface, which had us pulling our hair out during our week with the car. On the performance front, the turbocharged 2-liter A4 still holds its own against much of the larger-displacement competition, while Audi's legendary Quattro gives it go-cart handling.

The audio options on the Audi A4 are a study in confusion. The standard model comes with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, activated by the CD button on the car's head unit. So far, so good. Sirius Satellite radio is also available on the non-navigation A4, but is activated by the FM" button on the head unit.

Audi R8

The good: With its advanced suspension technology and all-wheel-drive, the 2008 Audi R8 sticks to the road around corners. car looks make it a real head-turner. The base audio system sounds very good, but that can be upgraded to an even better Bang system.

The bad: With the transmission, the R8 is difficult to drive in traffic or at low speeds, and fuel economy is extremely poor. There is no connection for an MP3 player, and the disc changer doesn't read MP3 Many of the R8's options should be standard for a car in this price range.

The bottom line: The 2008 Audi R8 is a serious blast to drive on the right roads and would be incredible on the but we recommend going with the manual transmission to make it more drivable in everyday circumstances. The cabin electronics work well enough but aren't cutting edge.

Audi previously impressed us with its handling technology in the Audi even that car feels a little staid when compared with the 2008 Audi R8. The R8 holds the pavement as only a low-slung car with all-wheel-drive and massive tires can. Then Audi throws in its magnetic damping technology suspension tuned for whatever kind of road you are driving on and puts the engine in the middle to balance the car. All of this combines to let us take the R8 around corners at speeds we wouldn't think possible.

For cabin tech, the R8 is well equipped with Audi's standard navigation, Bluetooth, and stereo module, all controlled through its multimedia interface. Although there is a lot to like about these components, we still have our usual litany of complaints for Audi, from its difficult destination entry to some quirks with the audio system. As we've seen a few cars with hard drive-based navigation systems, DVD-based navigation, used in seems slow.

Audi A5

The good: With an exceptional body design and excellent handling, the 2008 Audi A5 is a joy to drive. Its stereo allows multiple music sources with the Audi Music Interface, audio quality from the Bang system is superb.

The bad: The engine isn't all that efficient, and the navigation system is slow and doesn't include a full database of points of interest.

The bottom line: The 2008 Audi A5 is a beautiful coupe with an excellent sound system, making it fun to cruise around in or take on jaunts to the country. practicality with its mediocre mileage and navigation system.

One of the prettiest coupes around, the 2008 Audi A5 comes in with excellent handling, thanks to the standard drive system. Its 3.2-liter engine produces adequate power, but you'll have Our test car came with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission in lieu of the available six-speed automatic.

We also had all the goodies in the cabin, including an excellent sounding Bang & Olufsen audio system and the Audi Music Interface, which let us connect a crazy variety of music devices to the car. We're also very happy with the but the navigation system really needs help, despite its high-resolution maps. Audi rounds out the gadgets in the A5 with its very useful blind-spot warning system and the best rear-view camera available.

Audi A8 L W12

The good: The Bang & Olufsen audio system delivers exceptional audio quality in the 2008 Audi A8 L, and Bluetooth phone integration is excellent. The car handles superbly for its size, while pampering occupants with a very smooth ride. Innovative includes lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The refrigerator just hits it over the top.

The bad: Fuel economy is predictably poor, especially in city driving. The navigation system doesn't offer much beyond basic route guidance. A trunk-mounted DVD changer uses an awkward cartridge system.

The bottom line: The big 2008 Audi A8 L W12 combines high luxury and surprisingly sporty performance. Its tech credentials are anchored by a stellar audio system, and include some innovative driving tech. While quite nice to drive, a chauffeur makes a fine accessory.

The 2008 Audi A8 L W12 rests in a premier echelon of cars that combine extreme luxury with exceptional driving performance, cars that make it difficult rather be reclining in the back seat while a chauffeur drives or up there where the action is, with your hands on the wheel. The back seats tempt with a DVD entertainment system, power adjustment, and a refrigerator. The driver's seat offers control over the 6-liter 12-cylinder engine and superb all-wheel-drive handling for such a large car. All seats get treated to stellar sound from the Bang & Olufsen audio system.

But there are a few clouds over Audi's rolling oasis. An engine this size is thirsty, and limits the car's range. And while the car features some new and impressive tech from Audi, the navigation system is the same as in the company's lesser models, still DVD-based where many companies are going to When faced with such stiff competition as the Mercedes-Benz S63 and the Lexus LS 600h, you need to be perfect on all fronts.

Audi A4 3.2 Quattro

The good: Excellent handling because of Quattro, Audi Drive Select, and a new rear differential marks the 2009 Audi A4 3.2. The Bang audio system produces excellent sound, and the Audi Music Interface works well with . The blind-spot warning system is a very useful driver aid.

The bad: Optioned up, the A4 is very pricey. The car's navigation system is behind the curve, lacking external data sources or other useful information.

The bottom line: The 2009 Audi A4 features impressive handling and a luxury interior comes at a luxury price.

Audi became an early car technology adopter, with interesting tricks like SD-card slots and adaptive headlights. With the 2009 Audi A4, the company kept the latter but dropped the former in favor of the much smarter Audi Music Interface, which handles Audi's Multimedia present on the updated A4, but now uses the much better console-mounted controls, rather than the cheap-feeling plastic knob on the instrument panel.

Rather than drastically revamp its small sedan, Audi chose strategic updates for the 2009 A4. The front-end gets the blade-styling and LED parking lights introduced in the Audi R8. Quattro all-wheel-drive came standard on our 3.2-liter V-6 model, and is also now standard on the 2-liter turbo-charged version. We also had the Audi Drive Select option, which gives the car a dual personality as a sport driver and commute car. Adding a little icing on the cake, we got a very nice Bang Olufsen audio system as an option in our test car.

Audi S8

The good: The 2009 Audi S8 offers a good bundle of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection. It has a good iPod interface, an excellent Bluetooth cell phone system, and an exceptional stereo right kind of music. Its Quattro all-wheel-drive and air suspension deliver good control.

The bad: The navigation system is badly in need of an update and offers no advanced features. Fuel economy is abysmal.

The bottom line: The 2009 Audi S8 is a very powerful big sedan with some excellent handling features, but it doesn't offer all of the latest in-dash and you trade a luxury ride for performance.

The A8 is Audi's flagship sedan, pile, the king of the mountain, but the company does itself one better with the 2009 Audi S8, an amped-up version of its big luxury car designed to throw a little thrill toward those well-heeled enough to afford such a car. The S8 gets the same engine as the new R8 V-10, Audi's all-wheel-drive system, and an air suspension designed for aggressive driving. Sport touches abound in the car, too, with carbon fiber cabin trim and S8 logos on the tachometer, rocker panels, and front brake calipers.

Our Audi S8 also served as a test pad for a set of driver aid features that included blind spot assistance, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning system, this last feature being new for Audi. We were also quite pleased audio system we enjoyed so much in the Audi A8.

Audi A3 2.0T Quattro

The good: The 2009 Audi A3 combines a magnetically controlled suspension with Quattro all-wheel-drive, dual-clutch transmission, a direct-injection engine for excellent handling and performance. In the cabin, Audi offers a very useful Bluetooth system.

The bad: The A3's cabin tech interface, tedious to use and limited in functionality. The navigation system is very basic, while the audio sources lack iPod integration or an MP3 CD player.

The bottom line: Audi has some fine cabin tech waiting in the wings, but available on the 2009 Audi A3. Still, the car offers an excellent driving experience the practical configuration of a small wagon.

Audi features some excellent technology on its roster of performance tech, the top three being its all-wheel-drive system, dual-clutch transmission, and magnetic ride-suspension control. For 2009, the previously deprived Audi A3 gets this performance tech as a hand-me-down from its bigger, badder brothers. Now the A3 can take its proper place in Audi's performance legacy.

Unfortunately, it's still saddled with Audi's second-string cabin tech, which means a Multimedia Interface controller on the stack console, no iPod interface, and mediocre navigation. However, it does have an excellent Bluetooth phone system.

On the road
Getting ready to set out in the 2009 Audi A3, we put an MP3 CD into the six-disc changer, which resides in the glove box, and watched as the onscreen CD interface showed nothing. This disc player can't read MP3 CDs. But there are SD-card slots behind the LCD, which do read MP3s, although the screen only shows file names, and not track primitive interface.

Audi A6 3.0T

The good: With its new supercharged engine, the 2009 Audi A6 3.0T gets lots of power without sacrificing fuel economy. In the cabin, mobile phone integration both work excellent.

The bad: The Audi's interface for cabin tech, can be tedious to use. The navigation system lacks any advanced features. Adaptive suspension technology isn't available.

The bottom line: Although the 2009 Audi A6 3.0T is comfortable and fun to drive, we recommend waiting for the 2010 model, which will feature Audi's updated navigation system.

After a decade of increasing displacement to compete in the great horsepower race, automakers are turning their attention to fuel economy. But they don't want to lose the power buyers have c The 2009 Audi A6 3.0T gets a smaller engine than any other model in Audi's A6 lineup, but uses a supercharger to beat out the A6 3.2 for the middle spot, coming in behind the A6 4.2.

Other than the new power train for the A6, its cabin tech remains unchanged from previous models. It has the familiar Audi Multimedia Interface controls navigation, phone, and stereo. Audi is rolling out a new version of th cabin tech, but it hasn't found its way into the A6 yet. Audi promises the will be in the 2010 A6, due to come out in the fall.

Audi Q5

The good: With the Drive Select option, the 2009 Audi Q5 is one of the best-handling SUVs we've driven. Maps in the navigation system look very good, with many 3D-rendered buildings. The audio system delivers excellent musical reproduction.

The bad: Inputting destinations can be tedious with controller.

The bottom line: The 2009 Audi Q5, in Prestige trim, offers some of the best tech of any small SUV, along with incredible road performance. A compromise of practical cabin space, carlike drivability, and good fuel economy. should. But some small SUVs we've tested failed on that third trait. and the Land Rover LR2 turned in worse economy than we expected, but the 2009 Audi Q5 should serve as an example to those other car companies of how to do it right.

Motivated by a relatively small engine, the Q5 delivers impressive performance along with reasonable fuel economy. And with Audi's new Drive Select system, the Q5 transforms from a cruiser to a canyon carver at the touch of a button. This is the first Audi we've seen with the new Multimedia controller, which also brings in a new hard-drive-based navigation system. With the added storage space, it incorporates some very detailed 3D maps.

New tech
As the Q5 is a completely new model for Audi, it doesn't suffer from legacy issues, getting the new cabin tech package from the start. The previous generation last saw in the Audi S8, uses a knob surrounded by a quartet of buttons. adds a small finger-movable joystick on top of the knob, the only advantage being that you can use the joystick to move a cursor around on a map. Not a huge improvement, but it sure makes map navigation a lot easier.

Audi A5 Cabriolet

The good: Audi's new navigation system has the most beautiful maps in the business, and route guidance functions are excellent. suspension technology in the 2010 A5 Cabriolet makes the car fun in the corners.

The bad: The convertible top ruins the styling of the A5, and the engine feels a little weak providing the power to exploit the handling.

The bottom line: With its high cabin, the 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet is a comfortable cruiser, but it is not powerful enough to drive like a sports car.

he Audi A5 is a stunningly beautiful coupe with excellent power and performance. Unfortunately, the 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet is not that car. In an effort to please drop-top lovers, Audi cut the roof off of the A5 Coupe, an element that accounted for the majority of this model's looks. The cloth top taking its place has a humdrum style, merely purpose of covering the occupants' heads.

In a further blow, the 3.2-liter V-6, still an option in the hard-top A5 Coupe, isn't available with the 2010 A5 Cabriolet. Instead, Audi uses a turbocharged 2-liter fou We appreciate the use of turbocharging to get performance out of a small engine, and we wanted to like the high-tech power plant in the A5 Cabriolet. But the engine lacked thrust needed to push past that big rig on the highway, or make good use of the car's advanced handling technology in the corners.

Audi A3 2.0 TDI

The good: With its diesel engine, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI delivers exceptionally good fuel economy. integration and the Bluetooth phone system both work very well.

The bad: The DVD-based navigation system is slow and tedious to use. tronic transmission didn't always operate smoothly.

The bottom line: Although diesel driving takes some getting used to, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI's excellent fuel economy makes it worth it, and its cabin tech provides modern conveniences.

While test driving the 2010 Audi A3 TDI for this review, we showed it to friends and relatives, the fact that it gets about 40 mpg fuel economy. Inevitably, they asked us "Why aren't we all driving diesels?"

Being too close to the subject matter, we recited the history of diesel cars in the U.S., emissions regulations, and how the recession caused some automakers to pull back on their diesel plans. Five minutes into our lecture, our subject would go glassy eyed and comment on how the A3 looks like a really nice car.

Although the A3 is at the bottom of Audi's model lineup, it holds up Audi's premium car reputation with an overall look of quality and good materials. It really is a nice little car. However, being at the bottom of the lineup, Audi hasn't kept its cabin electronics up with opting for what looks like the first generation of Audi's Multimedia Interface, with a DVD-based navigation system and interface controls mounted next to the LCD.

Audi S4

The good: The 2010 Audi S4 doesn't compromise between good performance and fuel economy, offering both in the same package. optional Drive Select package delivers spectacular handling, and Audi offers a seven dual-clutch transmission. Maps show detailed 3D information and the driver can control most functions with voice command or the steering-wheel buttons.
The bad: For aesthetic and usability reasons, some of the cabin tech screens could use some work.

The bottom line: A smooth driver for a commute and an exciting ride for fun, the 2010 Audi S4 offers refined cabin tech and good fuel economy. It comes close to being a perfect tech car.

Audi's newest S4 proves that power and fuel economy are not mutually exclusive. Pushed by upcoming European and U.S. regulations covering CO2 emissions and fuel economy, the company created a 2010 Audi S4 that delivers exciting performance, everything you would expect from an Audi S, and very reasonable fuel economy.

The new S4 gets rid of the previous version's 4.2-liter V-8 in favor of a supercharged 3-liter direct-injection V-6, giving it much better fuel economy with no real loss of power. The new S4 also benefits from Audi's improvements all-wheel-drive system, its powered 3D navigation system, and Bang Olufsen audio quality, along with other features making it a créme de la créme tech car.