Audi claims two Auto Express New Car Awards in 2011
A very different kind of animal could be found prowling the grounds of Woburn Safari Park on the 2nd of August this year as the venue played host to the Auto Express New Car Awards for 2011. A prestigious event in the motor industry calendar, the annual ceremony had a distinctly wild flavour to it this year.
There was a double helping of good news for Audi as both the Audi A6 Saloon and the Audi A1 grabbed silverware.
First off, the event saw the panel of Auto Express judges name the new Audi A6 as their choice for "Best Executive Saloon". Panel judge Graham Hope, Acting Editor of Auto Express, went on record to heap praise on the new Audi Saloon: “The new A6 has wasted no time in demonstrating its abilities, having seen off a whole host of talented and desirable rivals to secure class honours in this competitive sector. The car’s stunning cabin, excellent engines and sharp dynamics set a benchmark for other to beat.”
News that the A6 had won the award despite only being launched a few months ago is seen by Amy Wand, Audi UK’s Product Manager for the A6 Saloon, as a strong testament to the vehicle's first class engineering, design and style: “We’re delighted that the A6 Saloon has picked up its first award so soon after its launch, reinforcing the fact that it really sets the benchmark in its class for luxury and refinement. With such a wealth of innovative technology – which was long-reserved for the premium D segment – combined with advancements in lightweight construction and engine efficiency, the A6 has remained true to our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ philosophy, proving exactly why it is the class best-seller in Europe.”
Elsewhere in the ceremony there was more good news for Audi, as the Audi A1 picked up the "Best Supermini" award to add to its ever increasing trophy collection. In fact, this latest award is the tenth the vehicle has claimed this year just in the UK.
Auto Express judge Graham Hope was quick to praise the prize winning sub-compact hatchback: “It’s top marks for the Audi A1, which scoops this year’s premium supermini prize. With its winning blend of style, refinement and top-notch quality, the A1 is a cut above the competition.”
A1 Product Manager at Audi UK, Neysan Vahdat, was thrilled to add another trophy to his cabinet and more than happy to explain why he thought the A1 had been recognised yet again as a class winner: “The A1 is having a stunning first year, and has proved its wide-ranging appeal with this Best Supermini award from Auto Express. We wanted to bring a subcompact hatchback to market that was as uncompromisingly ‘Audi’ as our customers would expect in every way – from its performance to its styling and build quality – and it seems that customers and journalists are still as excited about it as we are.”
Other awards the Audi A1 has so far claimed include a British Insurance vehicle Security Award (BIVSA), awards from Fleet News Magazine, Fleet World Magazine, CarBuyer.co.uk, parkers.co.uk, honestjohn.co.uk, Business Car Magazine and What Car? Car of the Year 2011 title.
The sheer volume of recommendations from across the motor industry media must push the A1 to the front of the queue when it comes to buying a new sub-compact hatchback.