Almost everything Audi has done in the last few years has worked. Late to the party with a big SUV? Don’t worry, we’ll make the sector our own when we get there (Q7). Show Porsche how to do it? No problem (R8). An object lesson in executive cars? This is how you do it (A6). And now we add the Q5. Is the Audi Q5 for sale yet? No, but as soon as it is (first models should be available in September) there are going to be some seriously worried manufacturers out there (think Land Rover with the Freelander, BMW with the X3 and Mercedes with the upcoming GLK).

The Q5 is a shade longer than its rivals, but it would seem, a darn sight more sporty, with a few new toys and suspension choices to hand. A trio of engines is available at launch, but I think it’s a fair bet we’ll be seeing a high-performance version in 2009. For now the 2×2.0 litre cars (a petrol and a diesel) are a good entry point, but the 3.0 TDI is the choice. This engine does a great job in the A6, and not such a good job in the Q7. But in the Q5 it will offer 0-60mph in a little over 6 seconds and 30+mpg. This car is going to be unbeatable in its sector.

I have become a big fan of Audi in the last few years but, although I’ve driven my fair share, I’ve never owned one. But, so long as the Q5 drives as well as I expect, I think this is the perfect car for Carla (L&M). Beautifully made; high driving position (for the less than confident driver); great auto-box (7 speed twin-clutch S-tronic) ample room for the dogs and decent fuel consumption. And, just to make it ideal, a decent turn of speed for when I have to drive it!

Well done Audi. Cracked it again!

As those who read here know, I do have a fondness for the Audi Q7. It does so much right (and so little wrong) and even though I drive a Cayenne most days, I feel the Q7 is the best of the modern 4×4s. And now we have the ultimate version - The Audi Q7 V12 TDI for sale from the summer (ish) in the UK.

From a complete distaste of diesels to a convert (well, not quite a convert, but certainly I consider diesels an option these days) thanks almost completely to what Audi have achieved with their diesel engines. From the 3.0 in the Q7 & A6 (the best car in its sector), through the 4.2 that goes in the A8 and Q7 and now this, the absolutely unbelievable V12 TDI. Where next? The figures are already astonishing- 500bhp and 750lb ft of torque - but I am sure Audi have more tricks up their sleeve.

Audi have chosen Geneva (starts 6/3/08) to confirm what we already knew - that the concept Q7 V12 TDI would become a full production model. And probably quicker than most thought - but why wait?

But Audi haven’t just brought along a pre-production version of the V12. Oh, no! They’ve brought along something they call the Q7 Coastline, which is sort of a cross between a 4×4 and a racing yacht (did they employ the guy who did the Drophead Coupe?) with a wood floor in the boot and white leather. Actually it sounds a bit Swedish. And a bit naff. But, somewhat surprisingly it does work. But I wouldn’t suggest you opt for this particular colour scheme if you have a gaggle of kids. Chocolate and white leather. Not a good combination!

There will be a real demand for this. You get almost Cayenne Turbo performance (although, to be fair, not quite the handling) in a package you can put the wife and kids and luggage in and drive up a mountain or across a desert. And all from around £70k. It’s a car that’s hard to dislike (unless you’re a card carrying tree-hugger, and even then it’s a damn site greener than any other 4×4 with this sort of performance) and very easy to enjoy.

The queue starts here!

The Audi R8 has been a huge success story. We get a fair number of emails and phone calls every week asking if we have an Audi R8 for sale (and I do mean every week - the R8 is still in huge demand), and it’s easy to see why. This is such a good car to drive, and it’s built like an Audi, not your average temperamental supercar. Great build quality; great handling; good performance, and it seems bullet-proof. What more could you want? A bit more power maybe?

I wrote about the upcoming SR8 late last year. The SR8 is the R8 Audi are due to put in the showrooms later this year. It’s the 911 Turbo killing mean machine we want to see, with a huge V10 and mid 3 seconds 0-60. But, much to everyone’s surprise, Audi have announced that there will be an Audi R8 V12 TDI for sale in 2009 - the world’s first diesel supercar.

The R8 TDI gets a 6.0 litre, twin turbo with almost 500 bhp and a huge 740lb ft of torque. With that amount of torque it won’t need to accelerate - it can just move the earth beneath it! But it will offer around 4.0 seconds 0-60 (a good 1/2 second quicker that the petrol version) and a top speed ‘in excess’ of 186mph. No slouch. But in reality, I think it’s the way that performance will be delivered that will be most astonishing. With that amount of torque its mid-range shove is going to be nothing short of stunning. And it’s reckoned to average 24mpg. That’s TT territory with Porsche performance. I’m still amazed at what diesel engines do now, and this seems incredible. And don’t think you can order up the dsg box and paddle-shift in this baby. That amount of torque would shred the box, so it’s going to be manual box only - a good thing. It’s by far the best option on the R8 anyway.

There appear to be a number of cosmetic tweaks on the R8 V12, but these are probably upcoming changes across the range (which will, within the year, encompass the original and the V10 as well as this V12 TDI). My only reservation with this car is on the handling. The R8 is a very well balanced car. It has a lot of poise and handles very well. Will the inevitably heavier diesel block play havoc with this? I can’t believe Audi would let it, but I’m sure it has, and probably continues to be, a problem. But Audi usually get things very right these days, and I’m sure that by the time we get our hands on this it will be well and truly sorted.

At this rate, Audi are going to corner the ’sensible’ supercar market completely. Look out Porsche!

I have to confess I have a real problem with oil burners. I’m still astonished when people buy a diesel in preference to a petrol engined vehicle. I know, they are more economical, but with the sort of motors we sell fuel economy is not usually a top priority. So why do people go this route?

Back in September I had a play with the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI, which I believed was the pick of the Q7 bunch. But just recently we’ve been seeing more and more people opting for the diesel version. Price-wise they’re much the same, but there seems to be a distinct preference for the diesel version from our customers. So I thought, before the next client asks if we’ve got an Audi Q7 4.2 TDI For Sale I’d better have a day out with one. So I did.

Although it’s based on the Cayenne underpinnings, the Q7 is a fair bit bigger, and heavier, than it’s sibling. That can’t be good in performance terms, but it does make the Q7 more imposing. And it’s prettier than the Cayenne (or the Toureg for that matter). And it is very well equipped, even in standard trim. But the one I’ve got seems to have had every single option boxed ticked on the spec sheet. It’s the ‘S’ line version - a more sporty drive - and it has every bell and whistle, from radar side-assist and the six seat option, to a wonderful Bose system and rear DVD. But it pushes the price up to the £70k level - a huge amount for an oil burning 4×4 by any measure.

The first thing I notice is how damn quiet the thing is. It doesn’t sound like an old truck, even at idle, and although there is a faint vibration at tick-over and at low revs, you’d be hard pushed to know it’s a diesel from driving it. And just like every Audi these days it is beautifully put together. The interior in particular is a very nice place. Well thought-out and well-equipped, it puts the other German marques to shame. Audi really have nailed their interiors in the last few years, and this is one of the best. Their MMI is an object lesson in how to make all the electronic goodies accessible, and BMW could learn a thing or two. But I’ve already done the ‘How well it’s built’ bit on the petrol version, so there’s only one thing that matters. How well does it go?

Bloody Hell! I didn’t expect that. I know diesels have a fair bit more torque, but this thing is ridiculous. There is a real kick in the back from standstill, and it leaves my Cayenne S for dead from a standing start - a little over 6 seconds to 60. And the handling is really very, very good. It feels a little more nose-heavy than the petrol version, but maybe that’s because I expect it to. It turns in well, it holds the road very well, and the ride is rarely, if ever, caught-out by changes in direction or rough roads. Up to 100mph it’s quicker, and more refined, than the petrol version. It starts to run out of steam a little earlier than the petrol version, but in the real world how often would you run a 4×4 at 100mph+? So it has all the refinements of the petrol version and more performance. How can that be right!? It’s supposed to be the ‘cheap to run’ option, not the performance option. Can it really offer the best of both worlds? Well much to my surprise it does. I got 24mpg in a whole day of mixed motoring. At least 35% better than the petrol version on the same sort of journey. Wow!

It’s obviously time I took diesels seriously. This is a superbly refined power-plant and I can honestly say I would buy it over the petrol version. Did I really say that? I prefer the diesel version to the petrol? Good Lord, how times change!

There have been rumours flying around for a long time about a ‘Hot’ version of the R8. A very enticing prospect I have to say.

Audi had problems with the early testing of the SR8 when a fire wiped out their test car at the Nurburgring in April. After that, it seemed like Audi had gone off the boil with the idea. But they’re back testing again, according to those well-informed chaps over at Left Lane News, and it seems almost certain that the Audi SR8 will be with us before the end of 2008.

In many ways the SR8 is a big political problem for Audi. It seems likely that Porsche will take a controlling interest in VW Audi in the very near future, and that means that the group will have 2 cars competing directly with one another - the R8 and the 911. That is difficult enough, but if Audi produce the SR8, which now seems certain, then Porsche will find it very difficult to trump that with the 911 Turbo. If, as seems likely, Audi endow the SR8 with the same engine as the astonishing RS6, then there is every possibility the Audi will out-perform even the mighty 911 Turbo. Now that’s enough to make your mouth water! But then there is an extra piece to this puzzle - the Lamborghini Gallardo. Audi own Lamborghini, but it seems likely the SR8 will do serious damage to the sale of the Gallardo. It will be significantly cheaper, significantly quicker and be an everyday car to boot. Will anyone want a 911 or a Gallardo when they can have a better, quicker car from the same stable for less money? Of course they will, but it’s going to have a few heads scratching in the next year to sort out the pecking order.

But frankly I don’t care. Just give me an SR8!

I was more than a little surprised to see an advert for the Audi R8 on TV last night. I can’t remember ever seeing an ad for a supercar before on national television. Seemed a little odd. After all, with a huge waiting list for the R8 (unless you’re an Innovation Cars customer!) what’s the point. But there is a point, and it’s a very clever piece of advertising.

Unlike other supercar makers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin etc, Audi has a very big mainstream model range. And that gives them the ability to let their lesser models bask in the reflected glory of its high-end products. It’s called ‘Halo’ advertising. And it does work. After all, if you were toying with the idea of buying a smallish, family saloon wouldn’t you potentially get a kick out of choosing a car with the same badge and common styling themes as a world-renowned supercar? Well, maybe you wouldn’t, but many would. Audi don’t need to worry about devaluing the R8 by associating it with lesser models as it’s such a sell out success. And to be honest, all the Ford and Volvo bits that have found their way in to Aston Martins, never mind the Fiat bits that have appeared on Ferraris and Lamborghinis in the past, never did any harm.

But what’s the ‘Slowly’ bit about? Well, as I’m sure you’ve realised, it’s about the build speed. Again, a smart piece of advertising. Whilst allowing the lesser models bask in the glory of the R8, it’s detaching itself from the ‘mass-produced’ tag that could be associated. They’re basically saying “Yes we make high-volume cars, but we make the R8 by hand”. So with one advert they’ve let the world see that they make the R8 in a different, bespoke way, but the rest of their range is made by people capable of building a hand-made supercar that has taken the motoring world by storm. Hats off Audi - a clever move.

We will soon be taking delivery of an Audi R8 for ourselves, we’re that impressed. But it won’t be a white one. I’m not sure about white. I have to admit it looks good, But it’s a bit too ’70s for me. Maybe I’m just getting old!

But to be honest, I’d rather have a white one than not have an R8 at all.

Have you got a Lamborghini for sale? It’s a common cry from the Everton FC lads! They do love their motors. But that’s closely followed by a request for a Ferrari, an Audi Q7, a Mercedes AMG, a…..!

As you probably know, we started out providing cars for professional footballers, and that’s still an important part of our business. That’s something Hugh gets very involved in (he was a professional footballer after all, and his dad is still a coach at Liverpool FC), but he also gets involved personally with anyone who needs his services. Good lad. That means his hands-on approach now covers not just professional footballers, but sports professionals in Rugby, Cricket, Golf, Tennis…..! And he’s also learnt that entertainment professionals and business people want the same hands-on, discreet approach. So all that time he spent running round when the business was new has paid dividends now we have such a diverse range of clients.

Most of our clients are a little publicity-shy when it comes to personal purchases in particular, so it’s really nice when they get in touch to tell us what a great job we’ve done for them, and that they’d be happy to stand up and be counted as very happy Innovation Cars customers. And that’s what happened last week when three Everton Players - James Beattie (although he’s actually just moved off to Sheffield United), Tim Cahill and Lee Carsley - got in touch to tell us they were very happy bunnies!

James Beattie, along with a lot of our customers, has a real love for the Lamborghini Gallardo. Good choice, James - one of our favourites. He also had an Audi Q7 (for when he needs a little more space!). Tim Cahill also had a Lamborghini and Lee Carsley joined in with a Q7 and a Mercedes CLS. Good choices all round, and thank you lads for your support.

Fun though it is to throw test cars round a track (and I can’t deny it has been known!), we do do try to use cars in the way a real owner would when we have a test car to run with. And so it was with the Audi Q7 4.2 fsi.

Audi have resisted entering the SUV fray for a long time, believing initially it was a passing fad, but as always with Audi, when they decide to get stuck in they do make a very good car. Based on the same underpinnings as the Cayenne and Toureg (a good starting point) Audi have built a car that is essentially Audi, and not a rip-off of its existing siblings (the Toureg is made by Audi’s parent company VW, which in turn is owned by Porsche - how incestuous!).

What sort of buyer looks to the Q7? Logically, someone with a gaggle of kids looking for a stylish alternative to a Chrysler Grand Voyager or any of the numerous people carriers littering the market. So it seemed like a good idea to pile the kids in to the Audi and have a day out at Thorpe Park, that Mecca for kids of all ages in deepest Surrey.

The Q7 offers an extra row of seats (as do Land Rover on the Discovery) which means you’re not limited to the usual 2 adults and 2 children scenario, so we piled in to the Audi (I’d rallied friends kids to make up the numbers, so we had the full compliment of 7) and off we trollied to Surrey.

I’d expected the Q7 to drive like a softer version of the Cayenne, and in many ways it does. It’s much softer and quieter, but it actually handles very well. All the Q7s get the air suspension set-up, which I have to say seems to work even better than on the Cayenne. At motorway speeds the Q7 is very planted, very quiet and very pleasant. Like the Cayenne, it belies its bulk in an astonishing way, and never feels like the 2.5 ton monster its is. Lane changes are crisp and easy, and you never get any of the rock and roll you’d find in a Range Rover. I am very impressed.

What did the kids think? Well, they loved it! Even those in the ‘dicky’ seats at the back were comfortable! There were lots of arguments over what to play on the extremely good Bose sound system; who got the heated seats (and this was on a warm day - but I must admit I do like the aircon cranked up!) and who was going to choose the food pub in Surrey for a spot of dinner on the way back (it was me!) from the very impressive DVD satnav menu. They were intrigued by the rear-view camera and the ’side-assist’, which gives radar assistance warnings for lane changing. And they loved being in a ‘tank’! Overall, a very big thumbs-up from the passengers.

What about the driver? I have to admit I did like it. It wasn’t as sharp as the Cayenne, but it did a better job than a Range Rover on road (I’m not sure about off-road - we didn’t go there, despite the kids eagerness to try it out). The handling and road holding are very good, the cabin ambience is very Audi (in fact very A6, which is a good thing), and Audis MMI knocks BMWs i-drive in to a cocked-hat. And frankly, if you’re ferrying around your brood - shopping, school runs etc. - this is a much better option than the Cayenne or any of the people carriers on the market.
So if you’re in the market for a people carrier, this is the best 4×4 by far! (sorry Land Rover).

I like Audis. In a world where build quality has been compromised for the sake of mass-market appeal (did someone say Mercedes?), and when quick cars seem to have to shout their credentials from the rooftops (hello Mitsubishi, Subaru et al), Audi have become a haven of understated , high quality performance cars. True, the new R8 is not exactly understated, but we’re talking saloons and estates here (or Avants, as Audi insists on calling them), not Supercars, which the R8 most certainly is.

Owning a Supercar is a wonderful, privileged position to be in. But quite honestly (with the possible exception of a Porsche 911) it’s not every day you want to jump in and drive it. It can be a real hassle if you’re not in the mood. You don’t exactly merge in to the background in an F430 or a Gallardo, never mind an SLR or, heaven forbid, a Veyron (you can’t drive for more than 100yds in a Veyron without people pointing camera phones from every direction - you expect to be ‘Beamed Up’ at any minute!). So what do you do if you have the joy of owning one of the world’s great cars, but there are days when you haven’t shaved, and the clothes you’ve got on, wonderfully comfortable though they are, make you look like a refugee from a 1980s Oxfam shop? Simple. You do what the clever money does - you buy a quick Audi.

Audi have introduced the new RS6 (sadly not for sale until 2008) and it certainly raises the bar a notch or two. Powered by a 5.2 litre V10 (thank you Lamborghini), and promises 0-60 times of around 4.5 seconds and the usual (limited) 155mph top speed. I do love these cars (the A6 is such a good car) and this promises to be a very ‘Peachy’ car indeed. Sensible, refined, understated and very, very quick. But actually, and I’m going to contradict myself here, not quite as understated as you might think. The reason is simple. Although on the face of it the RS6 looks very similar to its lesser siblings, there are an awful lot of people out there who know their cars, and want to know “What’s it like?”

I was sat in a Waitrose car park a couple of weeks ago, gently minding my own business, whilst my Lady & Mistress (sounds more appropriate than Lord & Master - and more interesting) restocked the cupboards, and we were in a very understated, and quite quick, Audi A6. Did I melt in to the background? Well, yes and no. Most people passed us by (me and the dogs that is - not me and the car), but several stopped to ask the ubiquitous question “What’s it like?”. But there was one big difference. I didn’t feel on show. It was the car they liked, and in their eyes I was just a bloke in an Audi. A slightly mud-spattered (the dogs do find the mud in the woods - as anyone who owns Jack Russells will know), unshaven and scruffy bloke in an Audi, admittedly. But that didn’t matter. I was approachable. People like Audis and, it would seem, Audi drivers. I didn’t need to be buffed and polished and posing. And that makes the new Audi RS6 the perfect car in my eyes. Mouth-wateringly quick, but driven by a nice bloke!

Audi RS6 - The lazy shaver’s friend.