The new A8 stunned all who drove it, and the array of new technology and features kept our advisors busy demonstrating such items as touch pad MMI that alloys you to write the instruction to the car without taking your eyes off the road, advanced key that unlocks the doors automatically as you approach the car and the new 8 speed tiptronic transmission that adapts to the road ahead by communicating with the satellite navigation.

As I said, the weekend presented fantastic weather, the only downside is that we could not demonstrate the new night vision feature with pedestrian detection so perhaps next time we will arrange an evening event!

The new A8’s are available for test drive now at all our centres.

The first details of Audi’s latest RS model have been released and some of us here in the centres have been lucky enough to see the new Audi RS 5 at close quarters.

We have not yet had the chance to drive the new car but as usual from the RS team the car looks and more importantly sounds like a true RS with a high revving 4.2 V8 FSI engine, enhanced 7 speed S Tronic gearbox and fantastic engine acoustics through the large twin oval exhaust pipes.

From it’s flared wheel arches to the matt aluminium exterior mirrors this car shouts about the RS badge which has 16 years heritage of building stunningly fast road and track cars.

Take a look at the latest RS 5 images on Flickr

Our first cars demonstrators are due later this year so keep checking our website or register to be kept up to date.

Paul Greenberg

Head of Business
Watford Audi

Showroom Tax

This additional tax was announced in the last budget and comes into force from 1st April 2010. It is an additional first year tax and is affecting the cars which have the highest CO2 emissions to encourage drivers to buy greener cars. After the first year the amount you pay each will also change but will not be as high as in the first year.

How much will I pay?

Well, that depends on the car but it could be as much as £950 in the first year. However, many cars have had a reduction and those cars which have a CO2 of less than 130 g/km will pay no tax at all. Our sales executives have the full details and can let you know how your car will be taxed and which cars in our range are affected.

What can I do now to reduce my tax?

There is nothing you can do for your existing car but there are things to consider if you are purchasing a new car. Firstly, if the car is available for delivery before the end of March 2010 then it will be exempt from the additional tax. Secondly, check the CO2 of the car you are purchasing and ask what the new tax will be as it may prove to be worthwhile changing the engine choice to a lower CO2 emitting car.

Winter Driving Tips

Winter is a difficult time for the driver. The frost in the early morning and late evening, snow showers and shorter daylight hours all combine to make the driving experience harder. Regardless of how prepared your car may be, it is equally as important to modify your driving style.

Here’s some advice on safe winter driving..

Stopping distances in winter

• When roads are slippery it will take longer to stop. Up to 10 times longer.
• So, drop your speed, and give yourself more time to slow down and stop.
• Drive with care even if roads have been treated.
  

If your vehicle starts to skid:

• Depress the clutch. Do not brake!
• Turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid.
• When the vehicle straightens, steer along the road.
  

Driving in fog

• Use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you.
• If it’s really foggy (less than 100m visibility) and you can’t see much, then switch your fog lights on. Switch them off once conditions have improved so they don’t dazzle drivers behind you.
• Fog is often patchy so try not to speed up as visibility improves. You could suddenly find yourself back in thick fog further up the road.
  

Driving through ice and snow

• Check for snow on the roof of the vehicle before you drive off. It can slip down over the windscreen and obscure your view.
• If your tyres are making virtually no noise this could be a sign you’re driving on ice.
• If your vehicle skids depress the clutch and turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. When the vehicle straightens steer along the road. Don’t brake – it will just lock up your wheels and you’ll skid further.

Driving in Wind and Rain

Here at Audi, we are in the lucky position to have access to some powerful cars but as the winter draws closer it’s no good driving a powerful car if you can’t use the power on a slippery road.

So, as the weather worsens and the roads become more slippery, here are a few tips to help you cope with changing road conditions.

Driving Tips: Wind and Rain

Driving in the rain

• When the road’s wet, it can take up to twice as long to stop so it makes sense to slow down when it’s raining.
• If your vehicle loses its grip, or “aquaplanes”, on surface water take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
• Don’t brake or steer suddenly because you have no control of the steering or brakes.

Driving in windy weather

• In very windy weather we advise you to take extra care on the roads and plan your journeys by checking the latest weather conditions.
• High-sided vehicles are particularly affected by windy weather but strong gusts can blow a vehicle, cyclist, motorcyclist, or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges and high-sided vehicles.

Floods

• If you can avoid it, it’s best not to drive through lying surface water as you might flood your engine. The deepest water is usually nearest the kerb.
• If you do have to drive through flooded roads, use first gear. Move forward immediately to avoid stalling the engine. Keep your revs high and depress your clutch when you need to.
• Test your brakes after passing through the water. If they work then you can drive on at your usual speed providing it’s safe to do so.

Watford Audi

Watford Audi celebrates it’s second birthday this month and it coincides with the launch of another fantastic new model, the A5 Sportback. We’ve got a bit of a party going on this Sunday with a children’s theatre company and a magician to help us celebrate both events so please find some time to come down and join us. My team will be here to welcome you and show you around the centre if you have some time and there will be a few nibbles and drinks to supplement your Sunday lunch. To ensure you get a place at one of the two theatre shows drop us an email so we can reserve your places.

I can’t believe it’s 2 years since opening Watford Audi as we have been busy from day one and it feels like it’s been open for so much longer. We’re about the fifth largest Audi centre in the country and I’m sure I’ve got the fittest team as they have further to walk everyday just to get around the site. A few of us, including myself, were in the team last Sunday at the Herts 10km run so we needed the training!

Paul Greenberg

This is my first blog so I’ll try and let you know a little more about myself and the team over the next few messages but in short this is my 10th year with the Audi brand so it’s pretty much in my blood now. I just can’t imagine driving anything else and the constant stream of new models and new technology makes me incredibly proud to have the four rings above the door.

Paul Greenberg
Head of Business
Watford Audi