Audi SQ5 TDI arrives at Le Mans

The Audi SQ5 TDI – a 309bhp diesel Q5 – is revealed at Le Mans as the first Audi S model with a diesel engine. It’s quite appropriate that the first diesel S Model from Audi has arrived at Le Mans in the shape of the Audi SQ5 TDI, where Audi are expected to dominate in diesel-engined cars. It also shows that Audi are aware that powerful diesel compact SUVs are a must have in today’s car market, and they’ve got in first with a proper barn-storming diesel Q5 before a Range Rover Evoque Sport with perhaps the 3.0 litre V6 diesel or a BMW X3 M40d arrives.

Transportation Department clinics to test connected-vehicle communication

Usually communication between cars on the road consists of expletive-ridden road rage or “hey, your headlight’s out!” Thanks to new technology, the exchange of information could soon be far more productive. The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that it will be holding Driver Acceptance Clinics in six cities across the country to assess how well drivers respond to vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology.

Audi Q3: new entry-level 1.4 TFSI & new S Line Plus trim option

The new Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI (pictured) offers a sensible petrol alternative Although we all now seem as obsessed in the UK by frugal diesel engines as Europe has been for many years, there’s a lot to be said for a petrol engine. So the launch of the Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI petrol as the new entry point for the Q3 range should make private buyers – and those who don’t do mega miles – sit up and take notice. The Q3 1.4 TFSI only comes with front wheel drive, but it does offer a sensible alternative to the 2.0 litre TDI 140 for many buyers, with 148bhp, a 0-62mph of 9.2 seconds (8.9s with the optional S tronic ‘box), official economy of 47.9mpg and emissions of 137g/km.