Audi RS6 Avant C8 and RS7 C8

The best RS Audis in the stable, the RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback, are back in the latest C8 generation and the newest incarnations of the so-called best Audis have been uncaged on the road and track to deliver the best-ever performance that will leave them driven to tears, wishing they just want either one of them. Let's investigate more on the all-new RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback.

2020 Audi RS6 Avant

2020 Audi RS7 Sportback

The all-new RS6 Avant, priced at 124260 Euros plus on-road costs, and the all-new RS7 Sportback, priced at 127,720 Euros plus on-road costs, are the best Audis aimed squarely at the opposition with its dynamics and performance that will push them beyond their limits.

Both of them are powered by a powerful 4.0L V8 TFSi engine with a 48-volt electrical system and cylinder-on-demand system for added efficiency on the go. This engine produces 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque and when mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it goes from 0-100kph in over three and a half seconds and with the dynamic package plus, up to 305kph of top speed. Stats like these will make them as fast as those from the AMG stable, especially their prime targets such as the E63S and the GT63S.

Unlike their AMG rivals, both the RS6 and RS7 don't have special witchcraft that makes them behave like rear-wheel drive monsters instead, both come with a number of race-inspired suspension setups, including the available dynamic all-wheel steering and RS sports suspension plus Dynamic Ride Control, allowing them to misbehave like the drivers want while keeping them enjoyable to drive on the road and track, even on gravel and snow thanks to its Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. 

Yes, they're not as mad as the AMGs but they're way beyond Subaru WRX STi levels of enjoyment and these best Audis are sure to give drivers a fresh new take on dynamic driving for all seasons. 

Such enjoyment will leave the others driven to tears, wishing they just want either one of them, and boy, they just did. And apart from being as mad as they look, their interior smells manly enough to get accommodated with. It even has good space in the back as well just like the normal ones.

The new RS6 and RS7 may not be as good as the AMG rivals because of the fact that they don't have rear-wheel drive witchcraft on their all-wheel drive systems but with numerous improvements tinkered inside out, these best Audis are simply the best Audis you really wish to want one. If you want one, so be it.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi e-tron vs. Mercedes EQC

Luxury carmakers Audi and Mercedes-Benz committed themselves to a carbon-neutral future by launching their newest electric vehicles in a form of, you guessed it, crossovers in the form of the first-ever Audi e-tron and the first-ever Mercedes EQC. Both crossovers are representatives of a carbon-neutral future and by first impressions, they are somewhat promising to get your hands on, but before jumping through the electric crossover bandwagon, let's look at the whys and the X-files on these electric luxury crossovers making a huge impact to the electric car craze.

2020 Mercedes EQC

2020 Audi e-tron

Both the Audi e-tron, starting at 69,100 Euros plus on-road costs, and the Mercedes EQC, starting at 71,281 Euros plus on-road costs, are electric crossovers emerged in an era where electric cars are surging the motorways in response to most but not all of the world governments' all-out efforts to curb CO2 emissions within the next few decades and they really are in tune with the times.

2020 Mercedes EQC

2020 Audi e-tron

Starting on the design, the first-ever Audi e-tron crossover is actually based on the current-generation Q3 crossover with some fake grilles on it like most electric cars possess and although questionable to look at, the e-tron is all business at the signs of motoring-related times. The EQC, meanwhile, is different in every single way and not reminiscent of existing Mercedes SUVs in the lineup because the folks wanted to give their electric crossover some originality that sets them apart from the rest and judging from its Sportage-esque rear view and the front face inspired by concept cars from their secret stash, the EQC is all about statement done right.

2020 Mercedes EQC interior

2020 Audi e-tron interior

On the inside, these two electric crossovers are heavily dominated with loads of tech in the dashboard to toy with unless if you don't want to overdo it to conserve its remaining battery charge on the trip back home, of course. Although they have room for five people onboard, the question is who's got more room? Annoyingly, it's the Audi that has more room than the Mercedes thanks to is larger dimensions compared to the EQC, meaning it has better legroom and better boot space compared to the EQC and looks like the Audi's got a point for that.

2020 Audi e-tron

2020 Mercedes EQC

Now we get to know more about the performance these electric crossover delivers and starting with the Audi, the highest system output generated from two electric motors is 408PS of power and 664Nm of torque, making it capable of going 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 200kph. The EQC, meanwhile, generates a similar power output compared to the Audi but it has 44Nm more torque compared to the e-tron. Although its 0-100kph time is 1.5 seconds faster compared to the e-tron, its limited top speed is equivalent of an average Japanese passenger car on the road so therefore, both these electric crossovers are stalemates in the performance side.

Brushing off the the performance side, both crossovers possess mild driving feel because of the weight it carries like most electric cars to day but because the EQC is a tad lighter compared to the e-tron, handling one is like trying to win the Battle of the Bulge by all means necessary. Although not recommended to be taken on track duty because the bulge it carries will upset the drivers' arms, these crossovers feel right at home on the city and on the outside world thanks to its quietness and comfort these crossovers posses. Speaking of quietness, these crossovers are equipped with the most well-known driver aids known to man and machine, in case someone never heard of them coming through the pedestrian lane by the second.

So, which would you pick for your car collection? The roomier but stale-looking e-tron or the rather small, quick, and light EQC? The choice is yours.

Photo: Daimler AG/Audi AG

Audi S6 C8 and S7 C8

Audi's S6 range and the S7 Sportback are back for their latest generation but they're not what you think because what's underneath them is a different story that's going to be worth an argument heard round the world because for the first time, all of them are powered by a 3.0 TDi diesel engine, which is going to be irrelevant in today's Europe. but in such interest, let's investigate the whys of the S6 range and the S7 Sportback.

2020 Audi S6

2020 Audi S6 Avant

2020 Audi S7 Sportback

Back on their C8 outing, the new S6 range and S7 Sportback ups the ante with its sporty exterior styling, sporty handling, sporty interior, and same tech from its normal A6/A7 derivatives, but the most questionable of all is the engine that powers it. Yep, the new S6/S7 is powered by a new 3.0L V6 TDi engine, a semi-high performance diesel engine that is deemed irrelevant in today's diesel-sceptic Europe, but for such curiosity, let's get to know the diesel engine that powers it.

The 3.0L V6 TDi diesel engine that powers it comes from the A6 allroad and it is fitted with a 48-volt primary electrical system capable of producing 350PS of power and 700Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it is capable of going 0-100kph in five seconds and electronically limited to 250kph. Now that is something else for these diesel-powered sport saloons despite being carried from a pseudo-crossover wagon relative of the A6 C8 family tree.

With the diesel engine sorted, let's investigate more on the basic stuff of the S6/S7 range. On the exterior design, the sporty exterior really is like a businessman in a track suit jogging at the park on a Sunday morning, although the rear is somewhat questionable due to its fake exhaust tips, but either way, the new S6/S7 really means business in a nearly athletic way and the dark-themed interior really smells like aftershave everytime you get in and out of the familiar cabin that comes with all of the familiar toys and comforts from the standard A6/A7.

At the dynamics section, the S6/S7 possess sportscar-like handling like every S model in the Audi catalog and although it feels rather mild but menacing, the dynamic all-wheel steering and optional ceramic brake system adds some dramatic feel to these models, making them solid all-rounder that balances the right things and the wrong things in a timely manner. Although not quite as impressive as its M Performance variants from BMW or the AMG 35 range from Mercedes but the new S6/S7 feels nearly addictive to drive.

The S6 range starts at 76,500 Euros plus tax and delivery while the S7 starts at 82,750 Euros plus tax and delivery. Yes, they really are expensive but feel free to get to know them if you got the time.

Photo: Audi AG

BMW X3 M and X4 M vs. Audi RS Q3 range

The BMW M lineup has gained some unexpected additions in the form of the current generation X3 and X4 crossovers and with the new X3 M and X4 M high-performance crossovers, a lot of people wish that they could have done it right from the very beginning but since better late than never, time to flip the whys and the X-files on the newest BMW M crossovers.

2020 BMW X3 M

2020 BMW X4 M

The first-ever BMW X3 M, starting at 70,300 Euros plus OTR, and the X4 M, starting at 72,500 Euros plus OTR, are the most affordable SUVs in the BMW M lineup, making them cheaper to own than the upcoming X5 M and X6 M. For starters, they look broadly similar to your basic X3 and X4 but because this is the M we're talking, you'd expect this to be as macho and hot as your basic M3 and M4 but no. They're a lot more different than that.

Yes, both these models are macho in looks and smell like aftershave on the inside, but what's underneath them is worth asking. It uses a 3.0L straight-6 Double VANOS Twin Power Turbo engine, which is almost identical to the BMW M3 and M4 but in the range-topping Competition spec, which produces 510PS of power and 600Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it goes from 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 250kph. 285 with the optional extra, of course.

Because most believe the X3 is like the 3-Series of the SUV lineup, you might imagine that M crossovers like these, might behave like the already great BMW M3 but no. They're bulkier than the M3 of course and they handle very differently compared to the M3 it draws inspiration from. On the plus side, since being a BMW, they're not afraid to get its drivers hooked for more and if they want some competition, perhaps they should face these;

2020 Audi RS Q3

2020 Audi RS Q3 Sportback

This is Audi's answer to the little BMW M crossovers mentioned above. This is the all-new RS Q3 range and this is what happens when the folks from Audi Sport decided to make them behave like Russian Olympians that will get them to trouble easily but sadly, they're not Russian Olympians. They're just like high school ladies in two-piece swimsuits enjoying the pool.

The RS Q3 starts at 63,500 Euros plus OTR while the Sportback equivalent starts at 65,000 Euros plus OTR, making them cheaper to own than the almost bonkers BMW X3/X4 M but don't let the pricing fool you because although cheaper to own than those above, they can be quite troublesome for those who got their hands on.

The 2.5L TFSi engine that powers the RS Q3 range produces 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque and when mated to a 7-speed S tronic, it gets from 0-100kph in four and half seconds and with the optional extra, up to 280kph of top speed. In other words, they're a lot slower than the BMW X3/X4 M in a middle of a drag race.

Handling-wise? The RS Q3 can be downright mild and tangy but it feels downright easy to drive on the road and on the track. Sure, you can take them on the dirt but why would you want to in the RS Q3? Anyway, these crossovers are almost as enjoyable to drive as the TT RS, I'm still jealous to have one but it's too late because with the TT RS meeting its maker, these RS crossovers are surely to blame for this.

Which would you go for? The powerful but expensive BMW X3/X4 M or the less powerful but less expensive and sensible RS Q3 range?

Photo: BMW AG/Audi AG

Audi A6 C8 allroad

The Audi A6 allroad is now based on the same underpinnings as the latest C8 A6 range and this new generation offers the same stuff that you get from today's Audi A6, now in an increased ground clearance and some extra cladding to make it look rugged and outgoing like a cameraman going out on the woods for some wildlife photography.

2020 Audi A6 allroad

It's been two decades since the original Audi allroad quattro went on sale and with the advent of the latest generation, the Audi A6 allroad continues to blend the right balance between the ruggedness of an SUV and the riding comfort of a luxury car, or be it an Audi A6 Avant perhaps, making this sport utility wagon one step ahead of the rest, although this new model wants to play hide and seek against the Mercedes E-Class All Terrain, which is its main rival.

With prices start at 61,500 Euros plus taxes and delivery, the new A6 allroad is surprisingly more expensive than the Mercedes E-AT and because it's an Audi, most speedo boys would be better off with the Mercedes instead because Audis are like the antithesis in the German luxury car wars. They're like sober people who went out from their rehabs and behave with all of the good manners and right conduct intended.

2020 Audi A6 allroad interior

Speaking of good manners and right conduct, the new A6 allroad is surprisingly an Audi A6 Avant with some increased ground clearance and some extra cladding to make it look rugged and dependable and because it's based on the A6 Avant, you can expect boot space fit enough for your mountain bike and some camping essentials on the trip to one of Europe's most scenic landscapes for your healing vlog purposes.

Under the hood, this sport utility wagon never learned a bit because the new A6 allroad is powered by a 3.0L TDi engine paired with a mild hybrid system, with the highest bearing 350PS of power and 700Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it is capable of going 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph. I know that most Europeans are not welcomed but considering how much power and torque the top-end A6 allroad possess, that's something you would really want to play tug of war against the E-Class All Terrain and because it can tow up of 2.5 tons, it's capable of towing caravans, which is going to be a menace for speedo boys everywhere. Who cares? You're in an Audi, of course, and the A6 allroad is the perfect caravane people's car to cause so much misery for the speedo boys, unless if they are fighting like tigers in a battle.

On the road, the A6 allroad works like an Audi A6 Avant, especially when it comes with a wide array of driving assists, but when taken off the road, it really is like a bear in a battle when the adaptive air suspension is raised to make it more enjoyable on the dirt, although not intended to be taken out for cross-country purposes like every crossover drivers heard of today. Because it comes with the Audi drive select offroad mode, the new A6 allroad really works like an elephant in the room and this is going to be one of the most enjoyable allroad you can try if you can afford the massive pricetag.

From tarmac, gravel, and snow, the all-new Audi A6 allroad is now worthy enough to follow the footsteps of the original allroad quattro 20 years ago and whether you love it or hate it, this sport utility vehicle is the ideal antidote for those who are raging against crossovers but don't worry because this is just a station wagon disguised as a crossover and you should thank Audi for that, whatever it takes.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi Q3 Sportback

The Germans invented the coupe utility trend starting with the BMW X6. Then, Mercedes-Benz followed it with the GLE Coupe, and recently, Porsche with the Cayenne Coupe. Now, Audi is late for the party with their first-ever coupe utility vehicle based on the second-generation Q3. So, what's it all about the Q3 Sportback?

2020 Audi Q3 Sportback

Priced two grand more than the normal Q3 SUV, the first-ever Q3 Sportback is a coupe utility vehicle that offers the same stuff that you get from the normal Q3 but now with the sloping roof line too difficult to explain.

The world gets used to this coupe utility niche the Germans invented and with better late than never for Audi, the Q3 Sportback tries to be more noticeable with its unique styling that can upset a BMW X4 for a change but sadly, being an Audi, it feels like being the only teenager invited to a children's party.

Although less roomier than the standard Q3 with the seats folded, it's still as spacious as the normal one with the rear seats present, meaning there's enough room for your grocery stuff and others. Not bad.

Under the hood, the Q3 Sportback is powered by a choice of a 2.0L TFSi and the 2.0L TDi engine, both mated to a 7-speed S-tronic double clutch gearbox in most models and a mild hybrid system for electrification purposes. The latter is something to avoid because Europeans today are not friendly to the whole diesel thing despite its Euro-6d compliance. Anyway, the range-topping 45 TFSi produces 230PS of power and 350Nm of torque, making it capable of going 0-100kph in  6.5 seconds and a top speed of 233kph. Not bad.

In terms of dynamics, it still behaves pretty much like a normal Q3 despite being in the niche nobody knows. Not as enjoyable to drive like a BMW or a Mercedes as such but it feels not bad to drive even with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system that goes pretty well with tarmac, gravel, and snow. Although not fit for cross country abuse, it sure is not afraid to get itself dirty when Audi's quattro system is around.

It also bears the same wide array of safety tech as the normal Q3 but it's too much to ask for now.

With Audi late to the coupe utility niche afterparty, the Q3 Sportback raises a lot of questions from people who are fed up with this niche and no matter how fed up the average speedo boy be upon seeing more and more like these, rest assured that its the Germans to blame for making the coupe utility vehicle trend and there's nothing they can do to stop them. It's real life. Get with the times.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi A1 citycarver

The second generation Audi A1 takes pride for being the most affordable Audi ever offered and with its stubbier appearance, more fashionable interior, performance, tech, and bang for the buck, the "next big thing" gets even better and it's hard to make an argument with it. However, the latest-generation A1 makes a house call on the crossover department and after intense nursing and doctoring with some ruggedness, the first-ever A1 citycarver is born.

2020 Audi A1 citycarver

2020 Audi A1 citycarver interior

Starting at 25,680 Euros plus on-road costs, the citycarver is what happened when the latest-generation A1 makes a house call with the crossover experts and what just did is they give it a slightly higher ground clearance, rugged cladding, unique interior theme, and that's about it.

Citycarver rhymes with caregiver, making it the perfect crossover hatchback for anyone who's got a nursing degree and paid for making house visits to the elderly so the next time when a nurse makes a house visit, rest assured that the car your nurse drives is basically an Audi A1 citycarver, the caregiver's choice, some say.

Despite its crossover looks and the slightly added height, it still behaves like an A1 and it's offered only in front-wheel drive, therefore not fit to play the role of the elephant invading another nation through the mountains, but on the upside, with the available dynamic package, it behaves like a hot hatch despite the crossover looks. Now that's a house call with a twist.

Even the range of engines are similar to the normal A1 as well, with the most powerful version bearing 1.5L TFSi engine producing 150PS of power and 250Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed S tronic double clutch gearbox, it goes from 0-100kph in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 220kph. Any Japanese compact crossover hatchbacks can't do that, you know, so that's a plus for the citycarver.

As for tech, the citycarver offers all of the same tech stuff as the normal A1, meaning it comes with e fully digital instrument cluster, MMI, Audi connect, and a wide array of driver assistance systems, giving them plenty of reasons to get to know the citycarver better.

The citycarver can be easily joked as the caregiver's car, hence the name, but despite its nearly rugged looks, it still works just like an A1 and there's no arguing about that reasonably priced Audi crossover hatch.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi SQ8 TDi

Audi has slapped the S letter on the Q8 crossover coupe and with it, this slightly pumped-up crossover coupe promises to be more agile than your basic Q8 except for the engine that is not welcomed to today's Europeans. Let's investigate more on Audi's first ever SQ8 crossover coupe.

2020 Audi SQ8

With prices starting at a very expensive 102,900 Euros, not to mention the additional costs added, the first-ever Audi SQ8 promises to be more fun to drive than the basic Q8, although it's hard to sure if this slightly pumped-up coupe utility is somewhere between a rock and a hard place because judging by the weight it possess, it's going to be as hard as a hard place and as comfy as a rock, in dynamics term at least.

While it features unique styling that adds some sporty character to this coupe utility as well as a specially made dark interior that smells like aftershave when you first get in, which is good for a semi-hot coupe utility in the beginning, the SQ8 is powered by a 4.0L V8 TDi diesel engine, which is deemed irrelevant in today's diesel-sceptic Europe, even when this engine comes with a 48-volt primary electrical system. This engine produces 435PS of power and 900Nm of torque, which sounds aplenty for a V8 diesel, and when mated to an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox, it does 0-100kph in less than five seconds and electronically limited at 250kph. Not Urus quick but this diesel engine really means brute force for the SQ8 and you can really pull some dynamic punches with this one.

Apart from the dynamic punches its V8 diesel engine delivers, the SQ8 features Audi drive select dynamic handling system, adaptive air suspension, and the electromechanical active roll stabilization, allowing the SQ8 to exploit its sports-inspired suspension setup to its fullest and with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, it's capable of handling through all kinds of weather. Not bad but such stuff made it slightly better to drive than the normal Q8 but not quite as good as a Cayenne Coupe per se in terms of sportiness.

Hands up if you want a Q8 with a beefy V8 diesel, sporty suspension, and that's about it. Anyone? Oh well...

Photo: Audi AG

Audi Q3 (F3) and Audi Q8

The Audi Q3 is now on its second generation and with its all new look, all new powertrain, all new packaging, and so on, the Q3 is now fully prepared to take on the luxury compact midsize crossovers in a way it has never done before, although this new model feels right at home on the road rather than on the outdoors but see if I can do with it.

2019 Audi Q3

Starting at 33,700 Euros, the all-new Audi Q3 is all about being a proper all-rounder by Audi standards and with its new form and packaging, this crossover tries so hard to be like one of the good boys rather than being one of the proud boys like the ones from BMW and Mercedes. Beginning on the exterior design, the all-new Q3 looks sharper and sportier than the first-generation and with expensive versions get Matrix LED headlights, this crossover really puts a shine into it.

2019 Audi Q3 interior

The interior retains the futuristic elements that today's Audi models possess such as the Audi Virtual Cockpit that puts the sat-nav into the speedo as well as smartphone connectivity, MMI, and so on and while the cockpit is basically driver-focused, this five-seater is surprisingly comfortable for luxury car standards and because it runs on today's platform, it's surprisingly more spacious than the old Q3 it replaces in terms of legroom and boot space, which carries 530 or 675 liters with seats present. 1,525 liters when the back seats folded, of course. With that amount of space, this crossover does a lot of things for drivers to do in their free time.

At launch, the new Q3 is offered with a wide range of 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines mated with either a six-speed manual transmission or a fast-shifting seven-speed S tronic. Since this is Europe today, best to ignore the diesel engines all thanks to the issues about the government banning diesel engines on the road in the near future because of the D-word.

For now, the highest of the range goes to the Q3 45 with the 230PS TFSi 2.0L petrol engine and when mated with the S tronic, it does 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds and onwards to 233kph while delivering CO2 emissions of 167 g/km and combined WLTP fuel economy of 8,7 l/100km. Not bad, but the most fuel efficient goes to (no, not the Q3 35 TDi S tronic because Europeans are ruling out diesels) the 35 TFSi S tronic with 130g/km of CO2 emissions. That's it.

Running on the new platform, and with quattro all-wheel drive system, the new Q3 feels alright on and off the road, but in terms of exciting, since this is an Audi alright, it's about as buzzkill as Buzz Killington and it's just being too behaved for its own good. Couple that with a wide array of safety features and this nice guy next door is all about slow and steady winning the race but this is no turtle and hare story. It's the real world and in the real world, the new Audi Q3 is all grown up to do what's right not just for itself but for the drivers and passengers around it.

At this rate, I wanted to complete my analysis about the second-generation Audi Q3 but then, there's another new Audi crossover in the mix and looks like there's something about this Audi equivalent of BMW's sport activity coupes such as the X6.

2019 Audi Q8

2019 Audi Q8 interior

This is Audi's answer to BMW's sport activity coupes such as the X6. It's called the Q8 and with prices start at 76,300 Euros, it's very expensive to own especially when the fact that it offers only with the 3.0 TDI engine mated to a tiptronic gearbox but before ignoring this engine because it's diesel, this engine is equipped with mild hybrid technology like the one from the new Audi A8. This mild hybrid technology uses a 48-volt main electrical system that connects to the li-ion battery and a belt alternator starter. It's capable of long coasting phases with the engine deactivated and a start-stop range that begins at 22 km/h, resulting to 172g/km of CO2 emissions and combined WLTP fuel economy of 8,2 l/100km.

Word of caution, however, that because this is shaped like a BMW X6 and despite having quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the new Audi Q8 is going to behave like what the old BMW X6 does when taken to the streets of Spain, the Swiss Alps, Sydney, Hong Kong, even offroad where the Range Rover excels. Rings a bell, hmmm?

As for styling, yes coupes are sexy but coupe utility vehicles are in a different story and this Audi Q8 is pretty much like what happened with the BMW X6 and when taken on the road, how people react when they see one is everyone's guess.

Think about this; because the Q8 is priced at 76,300 Euros, you can buy two Q3s with that allowance and some spare change for some optional extras. Now there's your piece of consumer advice for you but I wouldn't care about it even though the Q8 packs a lot of technological features as seen in more expensive Audis like the A8 and so on.

So, how can I conclude this analysis? Well, because they're both Audis, it's hard to sum up these two because frankly, these Audi crossovers are always be Audis. Nothing more, nothing less.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi SQ2 vs. Skoda Kodiaq vRS

When Audi first launched the Q2 compact crossover years ago, it is basically a now-old first-generation Audi A1 underneath that competes to the likes of Mercedes' GLA-Class and with the pricing is what sets the Q2 apart, its sizing, its value for money, its tech, and so on makes it somewhat of a treat but now, Audi's compact crossover has been given some spices to the mix, resulting to the new SQ2, a semi-high performance variant that sounds enigmatic from the start.

2019 Audi SQ2

Starting at 44,500 Euros, the Audi SQ2 is what happens when you inject a bit of a Volkswagen Golf R engine into the heart of the Q2 crossover, resulting to a crossover that claims that it works and behaves like a Golf R and as a matter of fact, it really is, sort of.

While the SQ2 looks similar to your basic Q2 crossover inside and out, this hot crossover is powered by the same 2.0 liter TFSI engine that powers the Golf R, producing 300PS of power and 400Nm of torque and while mated to a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, it does 0-100kph in less than five seconds and electronically limited to 250kph. That's about as fast as the Golf R, of course, but more importantly, that's enough gusto to smoke out every single compact crossovers, even today's CUPRA Ateca or even this guy.

2019 Skoda Kodiaq vRS

This is the first ever vRS SUV from Skoda, it's called the Skoda Kodiaq vRS, and it only runs on a 2.0 TDI engine with two complementary turbochargers connected in series. It produces about 240PS of power, 500Nm of torque, and with the 7-speed DSG, 0-100kph in less than seven seconds and onwards to just 221kph. That means, our little SQ2 can easily eat this big Kodiaq vRS alive but don't get all to jumpy because we have to take a look of the price and other stuff.

In terms of pricing, the SQ2 starts at 44,500 Euros as mentioned, but the Kodiaq vRS, meanwhile, costs about 1,189,900 Koruna (about less than fifty grand in Euro talk), meaning that the petrol-powered SQ2 is more value for money compared to the diesel-powered Kodiaq vRS that is about to be kicked out from the band because of its diesel powertrain and diesels have become Europe's public enemy number one of today since the D-word.

Dynamics aside, they both have four wheel drive, meaning that they are ready to tackle whatever roads they come across even when today's weather forecast calls for either rain or snow but on the track, its mild but menacing dynamics really spells understeer and drivers may find it struggling even at slow speeds. Just saying but because the SQ2's smaller, it's got a slight edge compared to the hulking Kodiaq vRS with the diesel engine in it so it should be good as they say.

Conveniences, this is where the Kodiaq vRS gets the upper hand because while the SQ2 only seats five, the Kodiaq vRS comes with an additional third row seat, meaning that this is worth being a family car full-stop as long as its sweet spot's not ruined by the invasion of the child seats so if you want a sweet spot, get yourselves a SQ2 instead, but what are the chances? Boot space? Leave it to the Kodiaq, of course.

So, while the the SQ2 is all about the performance that speaks for itself as a hot crossover, the Kodiaq vRS, despite the powertrain that is not friendly for Europeans of today, excels of being a family car because of its space, the additional third row seats, and so on. If you have to choose, which one will you drive for the weekends and why? Decisions, decisions...

Photo: Audi/Skoda Auto

Audi A1 Sportback GB

About eight years ago, the Audi A1 was labeled as their "next big thing" and with stubby appearance, fashionable interior, performance, and bang for the buck, the A1 really says it all, and with the arrival of the all-new second-generation model, the all-new A1 elevates the city car stakes to the turning point whee everything's a revelation to know about the little tykes. So, what's what with Audi's all-new A1 Sportback?

2019 Audi A1 Sportback

2019 Audi A1 Sportback

Starting at 21,150 Euros, the new Audi A1 still delivers some more bang for your buck even though the appearance becomes even stubbier than the old A1, more fashionable on the inside, more lively than before, and above all, more accessible for first-time buyers. Despite its all-new appearance on the outside, it still looks pretty much the same as the old A1 it replaces and above all, it's still a small car fit for the urban chaos lies ahead.

2019 Audi A1 Sportback interior

2019 Audi A1 Sportback interior

The interior of the Audi A1 is all new and on the driver's side, the list of connectivity features ranging from the available MMI Navigation Plus, Audi connect, smartphone interface, DAB tuner, and other features that will keep them entertained on the go. It maybe a small 5-door car but the new platform it uses makes it even more roomier at the back and more space at the boot for more stuff to fill in, especially those from your grocery-shopping list or from your trips to the mall. Now that's logic get information and the new A1 is worth a surprise for owners.

2019 Audi A1 Sportback

As a small car, the new Audi A1 deserves a very compact engine and the engine that powers it is a 1.0L TFSi engine that produces up to 116PS of power and 200Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. A range-topping variant can get from 0-100kph in 9.4 seconds and onwards to just 203kph. 

That's not the case because being small, the dynamics of being a front-wheel drive little car is pretty impressive thanks to its sporty suspension setup and with the Performance dynamic package armed, it gets even crazier for the little car to be so upbeat like a Benny Hill comedy show. The way it handles for a little car of this size is a riot to drive and for the journey home, the new A1 comes with a wide range of driver assistance systems so you don't have to worry about a thing or two.

There's so much to talk about the new Audi A1 Sportback but whether you like it or not, it's starting to take shape for the most affordable Audi ever offered and with its stubbier appearance, more fashionable interior, performance, tech, and bang for the buck, looks like the "next big thing" gets even better and it's hard to make an argument with it.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi A6 C8

The Audi A6 has been rivaling the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes E-Class for several years now and with the arrival of the new C8-spec incarnation, the newly regenerated Audi A6 wants to be leading the executive luxury car class with its newly revised tech and performance that will show the world just how serious this new model is, although it's not going to be as enjoyable as its rivals as some would point out.

2019 Audi A6

2019 Audi A6 Avant

While car companies like BMW have forgone the usual "Russian doll" effect, which makes customers confused about which is which, the new Audi A6 doesn't go for that approach and while it looks vaguely similar to the old C7 model, it can be easily distinguished from its brothers such as the smaller A4 and the supreme A8, fitting for the middle child of the family tree. Not a bad looker as such but what's beneath the coat and tie approach is somewhat hard to explain.

2019 Audi A6 interior

2019 Audi A6 Avant interior

Like we saw on the new A8 and the A7, the new interior is now donning to the new Audi interior like the ones mentioned a few seconds ago, meaning there's going to be some confusion about which interior does this car come from. Anyway, confusing the interior it can be, what's offered on the driver's side show that who says you can't sit on both boards and who says an office should have four walls. With MMI navigation plus and Audi connect, connectivity really means business and with all the internet connectivity provided, it's like you have work today even if you're stuck at traffic. Apart from that, the seats aren't as bad as you might think and rear space is fit enough for VIP escorts. On the Avant version, not only it's surprisingly bigger than the old model but it retains the same boot space as the old model, giving you plenty of space to store some for your day-offs and another rounds.

2019 Audi A6

2019 Audi A6 Avant

Like the new A8 and the A7, the new A6 range is now offered with a mild-hybrid system with a 48-volt primary electrical system and a belt alternator starter generating up to 12 kilowatts of recuperation power, standard on all variants. At launch, the sedan is offered a choice of two 3.0L engines, in petrol and diesel guise while the Avant is offered only with a 3.0L diesel, which is therefore out of context in today's Germany due to Europe's hatred affair with diesel engines. Most variants are fitted with a seven-speed S tronic or an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Because it runs on an entirely different platform compared to the previous model, the new A6 sees some slight improvement to the handling department and when coupled with an optional limited slip differential and dynamic all-wheel steering as well with any of the four suspension setups as long if air suspension is chosen, it handles and behaves like what an Audi should be, getting round corners in a dramatic matter while staying true to its comfort zone but on the downside, it can snap your arms real good and that will drive you a bit mad if you are trying to push it over the limit.

Putting safety as its top priority, the new A6 offers a wide range of driving assists inspired from the A8, divided into the "City" and "Tour" packages. Whichever driving aids you ticked from its checklist, you can rest assure that while some can be worth surprising, there are others that will also drive you mad. Hey, that's the Audi way, you know. You won't win many friends by driving one rather than those who got a BMW or a Mercedes.

The sedan starts at 55,050 Euros (3.44 million pesos) while the Avant starts at 57,550 Euros (around 3.592 million pesos), which is annoyingly more costly to own compared to the BMW 5-Series and there you have it. While the new A6 is more expensive and less exciting compared to its compatriots from Germany, its tech, comfort, and efficiency won't go unnoticed and there's so much more to expect with the new model over the coming years, although there's nothing to excited about seeing a new Audi by yourself.

Photo: AUDI AG

Second-generation Audi A7 (C8)

Since the start of the new decade, Audi presented the world their equivalent to Mercedes' CLS, known as the A7 Sportback. Of course, this is Audi's foray to the almost non-existent four-door coupe genre and by the looks of it, it's not half bad to look at but judging by its rear view, it's like a bad case of "finish or not finished, pass your papers" as well as the way it behaves while driving. It's like getting suffocated by two fat ladies squeezing you like a sandwich in a subway. Knowing this, Audi made a second-generation of their eccentric offering and I'm here to have a probe on it.

2018 Audi A7 Sportback

2018 Audi A7 Sportback

Here is the new A7 in question and at first glance, you can think of it as an Audi A8 with a rear of the Tesla Model X and it's better looking than the previous A7, which is good because they used the prologue-inspired design language first introduced at the Audi A8 and while most luxury cars had forgone the Russian doll effect, the new A7 almost looks like it but because the rear view is different than today's A8, it's easy to distinguish between the two cars.

2018 Audi A7 Sportback

The interior has a different story as well because it looks like it came from the latest A8, meaning there's a hint of Russian doll effect on it, and because most of the stuff at the dashboard are touch panel rather than buttons, speedo boys are running scared over this kind of layout because in today's high-tech cars, their sat-navs and radios are now irreplaceable. Sorry, speedo boys, you can't replace their fancy gizmos with that kind of layout. Although the dashboard can easily intimidate speedo boys because of its high-tech stuff, there's so much to toy around with it such as smartphone connectivity that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the available Bang & Olufsen

Advanced Sound System, wi-fi hotspot, and much more. Of course, being a luxury car, the rear seats really matters and despite the roofline, the "out of a limo" feeling remains and you can really tell when you hit their sweet spot. Also, the boot space isn't bad for fastback standards which is good for trips to the country club on weekends.

2018 Audi A7 Sportback

Like I said before, the previous A7 has a driving feeling of two fat ladies squeezing you like a sandwich in a subway but in the new model, it's starting to feel more dramatic and somewhat enjoyable to drive courtesy of its new chassis and new body which is more rigid and lighter than the previous model and by the feel of it, it feels like you're not getting sandwiched by two fat ladies. Instead, you'd be sandwiched by two good-looking men and while the dynamics are improved by a pinch, it still has a hint of mildness when you handle it. Being all-wheel drive, you can't escape its grip of this thing but for an all-rounder, it's not half bad.

By launch, the new A7 is powered by a choice of two 3.0L engines, in petrol and diesel guise but because Germany is starting to dispel diesel-powered cars due to recent developments of you-know-what, let's only focus on the 3.0L TFSi engine for the time being. Armed with the 7-speed S tronic and the new mild-hybrid system with a 48-volt primary electrical system and a belt alternator starter generating up to 12 kilowatts of recuperation power, it produces 340PS of power output, 500Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 5.3 seconds, electronically limited top speed of 250kph, and an NEFZ-verified combined fuel consumption of 6.9l/100km, which is irrelevant right now as the world's slowly adapting to the new and more WTLC standards to make it more relevant but in the meantime, the fuel consumption figures will be nothing more to you for the time being.

Like the new Audi A8 we saw last year, the new A7 comes with a wide array of high-tech driver assistance features that can be either surprising or annoyed at the same time such as adaptive cruise assist, the new crossing assist, and Audi pre sense safety systems, with 39 driver assistance systems either standard or optional and with all of the driver assistance systems standard, the new A7 is armed with 24 sensors. This car is all eyes on the road and while it promises to be a more relaxing drive for everyone, its autonomy can be downright scary, even for speedo boys.

The new A7 is priced at 66,300 Euros (around $82,000/Php 4,300,000) plus additional costs which sounds like a lot but it's less pricey than the Mercedes CLS, making this luxury hatchback a bargain of the year. So, what's good about the new A7? Well, the exterior looks nicer than before, the interior looks more high-tech, and it's surprisingly comfortable. What's not is the handling that is not as exciting as I thought it would be and the driver aids that can scare the speedo boys out. While there is no excitement in store for this one, the new A7 still works well as a luxury saloon with that "out on a limo" feeling for the occupants and Audi really knows what they're doing right now.

Available colors: Brillantschwarz, Ibisweiß Firmamentblau Metallic, Florettsilber Metallic, Gletscherweiss Metallic, Karatbeige Metallic, Mythosschwarz Metallic, Sohobraun Metallic, Taifungrau Metallic, Tangorot Metallic, Tritonblau Metallic, Vesubgrau Metallic, and Daytonagrau Perleffekt.

Photo: Audi AG

Forza Motorsport 7: Legendary rally rivalry

It's rally season so let's celebrate by taking a wheel behind two of the most legendary machines that carved their own path during the heydays of Group B rallying; the Audi quattro and the Lancia 037. I was simply adored by the stories about how these two changed the rallying landscape forever from how Audi forever changed the WRC rules for allowing 4WD cars to enter rallying and how Lancia gunning down the might of the quattro by whatever means necessary to make the rear-wheel drive 037 a force to be reckoned with.



I love the way how Audi pioneered the quattro all-wheel-drive system and how it forever changed the rules not just in motorsports but also in the motoring industry. Ever since Audi demanded the organizers to allow four-wheel drive cars to compete in the World Rally Championship, it became a dominant force to be reckoned with as demonstrated by a double victory in 1982, a driver title win in 1983, and a double title again in 1984. It was clear proof that thanks to the Audi quattro, the all-wheel drive system became a common cause for most car companies, especially those competing at the WRC.



I also love the way how Lancia made a riposte against the Audi quattro with the 037 and how a ragtag rally team spearheaded by a playboy named Cesare Fiorio changed the rally landscape in favor of the 037, despite one of the drivers saying he doesn't want to be a world champion in the first place. Although being run by a power-boating playboy on a short budget and a part-time driver who didn't want to be world champion, they really know how to use their trump cards very well to confuse the organizers, especially the idea when they present 400 cars made for homologation purposes in a rather confusing kind of way. Did you know in the Monte Carlo rally, before the 037 goes rallying, the team bought kilos of salt so they can use it to clear the road as well as demand the French authorities to clear the road? Well, that excuse doesn't stop there because, after the icy stages of the Monte Carlo rally, they swapped tires. In the Corsica rally, meanwhile, they brought on four 037s to race, which is unheard of for WRC regulations. Then, in the San Remo Rally, the folks devised a little distraction while waiting for the dust to be settled and after all that lollygagging, the dust was gone and the 037 raced all the way to grab the manufacturer title win.





That's why this rivalry made it special in the history of the World Rally Championship because while Audi tries to prove that the quattro and its well-established team are the real rule-changer, Lancia tries to prove that their status as the undisputed king of WRCs is still going strong despite its eccentric management. With the rest of the WRC regulations changed thanks to the Audi quattro, the 037 is the ideal sendoff for rear-wheel drive rally cars and its victory against the quattro is the definitive proof that rear-wheel drive rally cars prevail through the very end. While I'm very amused over the legendary tale of quattro vs. 037 in the WRC, let's pit these rally legends around the Top Gear Track to see which one is king. However, it's raining outside, which gives the advantage to the quattro but you never know what sort of tricks the 037 might possess even in such drizzling conditions. Let's roll the tape...



And now, let's check out the time...

Quattro - 1:29.525
037 - 1:30.870

Whoa, that was too close to call for the 037. Seems that the wet weather favored the all-wheel drive Audi quattro but guess what, when it dries out, it might favor the 037, but still, it's been an honor to sample the biggest rivalry in rally history in a rather considerable way.





Looking back at those two rally legends made me realize how great this motorsport was back then and despite the change of times, rest assured that an epic rally rivalry like this would never be forgotten, especially when a team like Lancia's had some trump cards in store to favor the 037. It's rather sad that Lancia is now diminished into making a lone offering only sold in Italy while Audi continues to multiply like germs. It really is heartbreaking but with cars like these, it doesn't really matter which drivetrain you're up to. It's up to the strategy rally teams possess as long as they adhere to the rules they set foot in.

Happy rally season, ladies and gentlemen!