Despite the pressure of the credit crunch, 2009 turned out to be a good year for Poole Audi.
We started well with the launch of the Audi Q5, a mid-size 4
wheel drive SUV. This car went down a storm at our showroom launch, and has been in short supply ever since. This will have proved a canny buy for anyone in 2009 because used car values remain high. It also provided an opportunity in the snows of February for Audi UK to run the press advertisement “an ad for the Audi Q5 – written by someone who drove one to work today”The year finished with the surprise reveal of the new Audi A8.
This car is set to be launched in April 2010, and combines beautiful sleek, modern styling with impressive technology and driving characteristics. What’s more, our 3.0 TDI car has a CO2 figure of just 159g/km. Our nearest competitor is at 178g/km, so this is great indication of how a high-tech car with an aluminium body frame can also be incredibly efficient. We’re planning our launch event now, and can’t wait for this new flagship to the Audi range.
Bargain of the YearWe still can’t quite get our heads around the Audi S4. This is an exquisite and beautifully built sports saloon or avant. It has quattro four wheel drive and a powerful 3.0 litre V6 supercharged engine. It accelerates to 62mph in just 5.1 seconds, and still shows a combined fuel consumption of 29.1mpg. The car magazines are raving about the way it drives, and we love its subtle power and style. And the price? Just £35,375 – how can this car be such good value?
Dream car of the Year
No question – it has to be the Spyder version of our Audi R8 V10! We launch this car in April, and have already specified our showroom display car. It will be worth the wait, this car will look amazing!
Economy drive of the Year
The new 120 PS version of our Audi A4 – bear in mind this is a full size executive saloon which will comfortably accommodate five adults and with 0-62mph acceleration in 10.5 seconds is hardly an economy focused slouch either. When our sales specialist Jon Follows took it to a training course, he achieved 67 mpg on his trip. That’s a real world reading and indicates what amazing efficiency these cars provide.
Surprise of the Year
How the scrappage scheme wasn’t just about £5,000 Hyundai cars. We sold many more cars than we expected under this scheme, including some £30,000 plus coupe and convertible models.
Disappointment of the Year
Losing the 24 hour Le Mans endurance race to Peugeot was a bitter blow. In fairness, they should have beaten us last year, but superior organisation from the Audi team won the day. The French of course turned it into a national holiday style celebration. Audi declared themselves determined to come back stronger in 2010!
No-Brainer of the Year
Service plans – such an easy way to budget for servicing, with a monthly direct debit, your own pot of funds, and transferable either to your next car or to the next owner of your current car. In no time, we’ll all be paying for services this way.
Emotional moment of the YearSelling Bessie, our 19 year old Audi 100 Avant. We used this car to compete in the “Bangers4BEN” charity challenge, a 1500 mile endurance event. Despite her age, and the 176000 miles on the clock, this lovely old car wormed its way into our affections.
Thank you of the Year
We’d like to thank all our customers and friends in the world of Audi. We appreciate your custom and your interest in the Audi brand, and we look forward to an amazing 2010 together.
