Audi
Audi produces a wide range of cars, ranging from the VW Polo-sized A1 to the giant Range Rover-rivalling Q7 SUV. The German firm's reputation is built on high technology, particularly its race-winning diesel engines, and high quality interiors.
Audi A1
Audi's smallest car is a direct rival for the MINI and Citroen DS3. The A1 is available as a three-door hatchback and a more practical five-door Sportback. The A1 is very stylish, and is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Polo. The A1 range features three economical turbocharged engines, and the interior is incredibly well built, feeling like a smaller version of Audi's larger cars. The suspension is very firm on top of the range cars, while a lot of desirable equipment is an optional extra.
Audi A3
The Audi A3 is one of the best premium hatchbacks on the market. Its smart, understated design and superior build quality add desirability and help improve resale values. It's offered in three-door hatchback, five-door Sportback and Cabriolet bodystyles, and there is a wide choice of engines, plus manual, automatic and DSG automated manual gearboxes - all of which are tough and reliable. A restyle in 2008 made it look even sharper.
Audi A4
The Audi A4 competes against the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Top-of-the-range models are powerful and luxurious, but basic A4s are starved of standard equipment. It's still an extremely popular car – proof that many people are prepared to make sacrifices to own Audi's upmarket badge. The A4 comes as a saloon or Avant estate, while three trim levels and six engine choices are offered, as is front or four-wheel drive.
Audi A5
The A5 was launched as a two-door Coupe in 2007, and the range has since expanded to include a soft-top Cabriolet and five-door Sportback - a hatchback that competes with the likes of top-specification Ford Mondeos and the VW Passat CC. All models in the range have just four seats, and all share a low, wide look that defines them as sporty. As with all Audis, build quality is exceptional, and there's a wide range of engines to pick from, from economical 2.0 TDI diesels to the range-topping petrol units in the high-performance S5 and RS5 versions.
Audi A6
Audi's new A6 is better to drive, and better to look at than the car it replaces. Featuring a new aluminium and steel chassis, it's lighter and more agile too. Despite being slightly smaller when measured from bumper to bonnet, driver and passengers will find lots of room inside. Interior quality its first rate, and the car is an impressively luxurious cruiser. Equipment levels are very generous... With satellite navigation, and fuel saving stop and start engine technology available on top specification variants.
Audi A7
The A7 is Audi's most ambitious model yet. Aimed at offering a luxury alternative to the Mercedes CLS, it offers a four-seat interior, five-doors, plus coupé like styling and the interior space of the larger A8. Even entry-level versions are expensive but this is arguably Audi's most beautiful car after the stunning R8.
Audi A8
Audi's all-new A8 saloon is a showcase for the firm's luxurious interiors and high technology. It's very understated to look at, which may disappoint some buyers, but there's no faulting the beautifully-made interior. The A8 is very well appointed, with technology like satellite navigation, climate control and a DAB digital radio all fitted as standard. On the move, the car is very quiet and comfortable, while the 3.0 TDI diesel engine provides plenty of power.
Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 is a premium crossover designed to go head to head with likes of the BMW X1, Nissan Qashqai and Range Rover Evoque. It's smaller, cheaper and more fuel efficient than the Q5 SUV, while the Q3's looks resemble the A1 city car. The Q3 comes with a choice of petrol and diesel engines and either two or four wheel drive.
Audi Q5
Sharp styling and car-like handling make the Q5 an appealing choice for those who want the practicality and status of a 4x4, but without the size or high running costs. It's much smaller than its big brother, the Q7, but there's still plenty of space inside, and it's a lot easier to park. There's a good choice of engines and the appeal of the prestigious Audi badge on the bonnet - although the Q5 is expensive.
Audi Q7
With its massive size and imposing looks, the seven-seat Audi Q7 has enormous road presence and a versatile cabin. The downside is that its gigantic size makes it tricky to park and fuel consumption is heavy. The quattro four-wheel-drive system and raised ride height means that it can cope off-road, but it's not as accomplished as a Land Rover Discovery 4 - the Q7 was designed more for on-road use.
Audi R8
Audi's sports car flagship features an aluminium chassis and the choice of a powerful V8 or V10 engine to deliver incredible performance. Two models are offered - a coupé and open-topped Spyder - and all cars are four-wheel drive with the choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.
Audi TT
Not only is the Audi TT a beautiful piece of design, but it drives very well, too. Available as a coupe or a convertible, Audi's small sports car is not the most practical around, but few machines match its blend of prestige, quality and comfort. Equipped with Audi's 2.0 TDI diesel engine, it's relatively cheap to run. At the other end of the scale, the range-topping TT RS offers supercar-matching performance.
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