2011 Audi A5 TDI

Drivers of 2011 model year Audi A4, A5 and Q5 TDI diesel models will no longer have to face the consequences of accidentally filling their tank with petrol, thanks to a new preventative system built into the fuel filler neck.

The neck has been redesigned by Audi to ensure it cannot accommodate petrol nozzles. An internal fuel flap will open only when the larger diesel pump nozzle makes contact with it. The smaller diameter petrol nozzles do not make contact, so the filler flap remains closed and prevents access to the reservoir. It will also prevent any spillage on the forecourt.

This latest advance will be of particular interest to companies running vehicle fleets, but will also reassure for private motorists making the switch from petrol and those who aren’t the car’s sole user.

The newly-equipped cars in the A4, A5 and Q5 family will be joined by further Audi models soon as the system is rolled out gradually.

Audi Quattro Cup 2010

I look forward to the Audi Quattro Cup every year.  It’s an event I really enjoy because it gives me some time to get to know our customers – and what better place to do that than on the golf course at The Grove!

We had a great day’s play. The course was in superb condition, and the greens were fast – which proved to be a challenge for some players!

Now in its 20^th year, the Audi Quattro Cup is the world’s biggest amateur golf contest and this year over 85,000 contenders from more than 50 countries will be competing for a place in the week-long World Final.  Over one million golfers have taken part since the competition started in 1991, and every year the standard improves.

It’s the perfect opportunity for keen amateur golfers to compete in a truly world class golfing event – starting with the entry round.  The winners then go on to a Regional Final and a two-day UK Final after that.

Damian Tiernan won the M25 Audi entry round, with an excellent score of 37. Congratulations to Damien and I will certainly be following his progress – hopefully, all the way to the World Finals, at the stunning Pevero Golf Club on Sardinia in October.

Darren Guiver

Picture from left to right: Darren Guiver (Managing Director) with Damien Tiernam – 1st Place, Les Brown – 2nd Place, Clive Forsyth – 3rd Place and Dominic Moran – 4th Place.

New A8 launch event - West Lodge Park

Last weekend not only saw the most sunshine this year but also found us launching our new Audi A8 saloon. We wanted relaxing and picturesque surroundings to show off our most advanced luxury saloon and this found us at West Lodge Park in Barnet. Take a look at our photos on Facebook>>

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.

Audi A3 1.6 Sport Blue (1998, S-reg)

One of our favourite trade magazines has come up with a great way of supporting the motor industry’s official charity – known as BEN – and M25 Audi was delighted to help them out.

Car Dealer has set itself the challenge of raising enough money by the end of this year to buy a Porsche, which they will then sell and give all the proceeds to BEN.

How are they going to do it?  By starting with a cheap car, doing it up and selling it on – and repeating that process until they’ve got their Porsche.

Read more on the Car Dealer Magazine website>>

We were keen to get involved, and got them off to a fast start by donating a dark blue S-reg Audi A3 1.6-litre, worth around £1,500 at trade prices.  It sold on eBay for £790.03 – have a look at the details here.

There’s also a video of the car on YouTube>>

Enjoy the Easter Bank Holiday!

The Institute of Advanced Motorists has responded to the fuel price hike in the Budget by putting together some useful tips to help motorists cut their Easter Bank Holiday fuel bills.

IAM Chief Examiner, Peter Rodger, said: “A rise of as little as 1p per litre will quickly add up. Simple measures such as looking well ahead and slowing down earlier instead of always using the brakes to slow down can make a real difference.  A smoother driving style is the single best eco-driving tip.  Good economical driving starts with safer driving and anticipation.”

Make each litre last longer over Easter with good journey planning and forward thinking behind the wheel.

PS – Take a look at our Easter Opening Hours here

• Sticking to 70mph, instead of 80mph, can save around 4p per mile.

• An empty car roof box can increase fuel consumption by 20% on a motorway – if it’s not needed, don’t take it.

• A smooth driving style as opposed to an aggressive one has been estimated to save 15% fuel consumption.

• Correct tyre pressure reduces wear and helps fuel economy. Under-inflated tyres are unsafe, need replacing more often and can increase fuel consumption by 5%.  Check the pressure is right and that they are damage-free.

• Plan your route in advance. Continuous, smooth driving on uncongested routes is always more economical, even if they are longer.

• Remember to switch off the air-con and heated windows when they aren’t needed. Used together, these can increase fuel consumption by 15%.

• Take the unnecessary baggage out of your boot – the added weight will affect your fuel efficiency.

Enjoy the Bank Holiday!

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

Audi RS 5: View latest pictures on Flickr

Audi RS 5 is set to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show 04-14 March.. Take a look at the very latest photos of this new Audi RS on the M25 Audi Flickr photostream..

Ashes-to-Ashes Quattro at Watford Audi

This weekend we were lucky to have on display the famous bright red Audi Quattro from the television series Ashes to Ashes. This is the actual car driven by DCI Gene Hunt in his quest to rid 1980’s Manchester of the worst criminals whilst his assistant DI Alex Drake tries desperately to get herself back to present day. In the series the car is Hunt’s pride and joy but it certainly looked like the stunts had taken their toll on the car as it has now covered 160000 miles.

The Audi Quattro at Watford Audi: more pictures on Flickr>>

It was great to see a bit of Audi history in Watford and a few of our customers couldn’t resist asking for a test drive but no hand brake turns!

Paul Greenberg
Head of Business

Fire up the Quattro..!

Great news if you are a fan of the hit TV show, Ashes To Ashes. Our head of business, Paul Greenberg, has somehow managed to borrow DCI Gene Hunt’s Audi quattro for the day and it will be on display at our Watford Audi Centre tomorrow Saturday 13 February!

Come down and take a look.. we love to chat about all things Audi!

Audi A1 - New photos added to Flickr

The Audi A1’s official public launch will be at the Geneva Motor Show ( 4 to 14 March). It is expected to open for ordering in May and first UK customer deliveries are likely to be around October 2010. Take a look at our very latest photos of the sporty A1 on the M25 Audi Flickr photostream..