19 hours ago
8
Following the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) coming into effect, Audi says it's still keen to continue supplying performance options to Australia.
Despite the implementation of stringent New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) rules, Audi Australia says it’s still committed to supplying performance versions of its popular models.
“We're very much enthusiasts. We have our finger on the pulse in terms of the market. From what we can see and the feedback we're getting, Australians really value performance,” said Audi Australia’s Head of Product, Matthew Dale.
“Having a broad range of models we can pivot around things like NVES and environmental factors [is important], but also have performance cars available to speak to those consumers.”
Australia sits at number five on the global list for consumers of RS products, up there with countries such as the United States and Germany, not just in sales split but in volume as well.
Cost increases see the RS 5 body styles cost up to $17,885 more than their direct predecessors, but with an increase in power thanks to a new plug-in hybrid system matched with a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, for a combined 470kW and 825Nm.
“It really shows that the Australian market has a strong consumer base for performance-focused cars,” Dale said.
“That's why we brought the RS5 to F1 [in Melbourne] as well. That was the first time a vehicle has been shown to the public outside of Europe,
“That was to talk to that point of we're in the top five for RS. The amount of public interest we've had in that car and enquiry has been exponential, and it was just by bringing it to that one event.”
Audi Australia says it also has its hand up for future models, like a potential future RS Q3.
“We don't have confirmation of an RS Q3 in the new generation car yet, but watch this space,” Dale said.
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
