What's the news?
Audi Ireland says that it wants to 'redefine' luxury motoring in 2019. Which we think means it has some new cars to launch, but in fairness one of those is its first all-electric car, the e-Tron SUV, so maybe there's more to this than mere marketing puff.
First up of the new model assault is the new A1 small hatch. Audi claims that it boasts 'a resemblance to the Audi Ur-quattro and Sport quattro when viewed from the side' which we're not quite sure about, but it's an aggressive new look for Audi's smallest, and comes with pre-sense front which allows the radar sensor to recognise critical situations involving other vehicles, crossing pedestrians or cyclists ahead of the vehicle, even when visibility is poor, such as in fog. Engines range from 1.0-litre turbo petrol, alongside 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbos.
Is the new Q3 more important than the A1? Quite possibly, given the huge popularity of SUVs now, and the Q3's sitting in a pretty sweet size and price point. You can choose from petrol and diesel engines ranging from 150hp to 230hp, and either front-drive or quattro four-wheel drive.
The e-Tron could be Audi's most important new model of 2019, and maybe even of the next decade. All-electric, with a potential fully charged range of more than 400km. It arrives here in the spring of 2019, with a 0-100km/h time of under six seconds. The price tag is €101,750, but that's before grants and VRT rebates.
On a more conventional note, the Q5 SUV will get a special edition model with a new 163hp 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, and a price tag of €52,950 (€449 a month on a PCP). Standard kit includes quattro four-wheel drive, the S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and standard equipment including xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, the Audi MMI Navigation with seven-inch MMI colour display, leather upholstery and front and rear parking sensors.
There's also the new A6, which has been on sale for a couple of months already and which is proving to be hugely impressive. Prices start at €52,360 OTR (with monthly PCP cost of €479).
Audi's offering 2.9 per cent PCP finance for 191 sales and registrations, and commenting on the 191 range, Audi Ireland, Managing Director Thorsten Godulla, said: "The reveal of the 191 range represents a defining moment for the brand across the entire range. Through our commitment to innovation and introduction of new models, the 191 range, offers drivers a truly unique and enhanced driving experience. I would encourage customers to visit their local authorised dealer to experience a personal test drive."