Audi Glossary > Audi UK
1. Adaptive air suspension
Adaptive air suspension unites comfort and dynamic handling by combining air suspension and a continuously variable, electronically damper system.
The electronically controlled air spring system adjusts the suspension to suit the current situation. It achieves this with fully load-bearing air springs on the front and rear axles combined with a continuously variable, electronic damping system.
The permanent self-levelling function ensures the vehicle body remains at the right attitude even with an asymmetrical load distribution.
You can also select the suspension mode to give your Audi the precise handling qualities you want, including 'automatic', 'comfort', 'dynamic' and 'lift' from the MMI.
2. AdBlue
AdBlue is a non-toxic, non-flammable, odourless and biodegradable reducing agent that helps to make cars cleaner and more efficient, meaning lower levels of harmful car and van exhaust emissions such as Nitrogen Oxide (NOx).
AdBlue works with a treatment system called ‘Selective Catalyst Reduction’ (SCR), which converts nitric oxide into less harmful nitrogen and water. It is made by mixing a compound made from ammonia and CO2 into deionised water.
The AdBlue fluid is not mixed with the fuel in your vehicle but carried in a separate tank and then pumped into the engine where it is injected into the exhaust gases. Working together with the catalyst, Adblue converts 80% of the NOx coming from the vehicles combustions chambers into harmless nitrogen and water.
Many HGVs, buses and other large diesel vehicles have been using AdBlue for several years. From September 2015 all new vehicles sold in the EU must meet the Euro 6 (EU 6) emissions standard; therefore new diesel cars feature an AdBlue injection system.
Consumption will depend on driving style, journey type, road conditions and the load placed on your engine, so topping up your AdBlue tank may be required between services.
You can refill the tank yourself when alerted by your Driver Information System, or take your car to an Audi Authorised Repairer. Your driver information system will display a warning when the fluid is running low at three intervals. The warning will start at 1500 miles and count down.
Audi supplies AdBlue for £1.50 per litre, including VAT and labour. Contact your local Audi Centre or watch the video to find out more about AdBlue.
AdBlue is not exclusive to Audi and can be purchased from a number of outlets. We recommend customers only use reputable AdBlue products in their cars, i.e. those that meet ISO standard 22241-1.
3. Anti-theft alarm
The anti-theft alarm system offers extensive protection against break-in, vehicle theft and wheel theft.
The anti-theft alarm system offers protection for the vehicle and its valuable features. It uses several systems to thoroughly monitor the doors, luggage compartment, engine compartment, engine and interior. The core monitoring element is the ultrasonic sensor system, which detects people inside the interior.
The system responds to movements and is also triggered by unauthorised attempts to gain access to the vehicle interior – through a smashed window, for example. The interior monitoring can be switched off to allow people and animals to remain for a short time in the parked car.
In the event of a break-in or if a door is opened by unauthorised means, a piercing alarm horns sounds for 30 seconds. It reacts independently of the on-board electrical system – i.e. even if the battery is disconnected or short-circuited. The alarm sound is accompanied by continuous flashing of the hazard warning lights.
The horn and hazard lights are also activated when the integrated tilt sensor detects a slight change in the vehicle’s position. This prevents attempts to transport the car away on another vehicle or remove the wheels. When repairs are needed, faults can be found quickly via self-diagnosis.
The anti-theft alarm is generally activated whenever the vehicle is locked and deactivated when it's unlocked. The alarm system can also be switched on and off when needed using the vehicle key or via remote control. The system also remains active when the luggage compartment lock is operated.
The anti-theft alarm concept has even convinced insurance companies, some of whom offer lower comprehensive insurance rates for vehicles equipped with the system.
4. Audi drive select
Audi drive select integrates the technical components that determine the quality of the driving experience, the engine, transmission, steering (optional), shock absorbers (optional) and the sport differential (optional).
Audi drive select enables drivers to adjust the characteristics of the technical components.
Depending on their vehicle configuration these include the engine, transmission, steering, shock absorbers and the sport differential. Via a button on the centre console, the driver selects one of three modes for Audi drive select – 'comfort', 'auto' or 'dynamic' – for characteristics ranging from outstandingly comfortable to intensely sporty.
In combination with the optional MMI, the driver can put together their own personal profile. Audi drive select is only available in conjunction with dynamic steering, damper control and/or sport differential.
5. Audi Hold Assist
Audi hold assist keeps the car stationary once it's stopped and automatically prevents it from rolling on uphill and downhill gradients.
During stops on uphill and downhill gradients, Audi hold assist holds the car stationary for as long as needed.
It's activated by pressing a button and allows the driver to set the car in motion smoothly without having to use the handbrake at all. If the vehicle remains stationary for a long period with Audi hold assist active, the system automatically switches over to the electromechanical parking brake. There's no need to operate the handbrake to pull away.
Audi hold assist is part of the ABS-ESP control system. After you release the brake pedal, the hydraulic pressure is maintained, meaning the hydraulic system keeps the brake pads pressed against the brake discs at the front and rear.
During this process, the electromechanical parking brake is not in operation. This means a quicker reaction time, less noise and less braking effect at all four wheels, and enhanced comfort. Audi hold assist is only available in conjunction with the electromechanical parking brake.
6. Audi lane assist
Audi lane assist helps the driver to stay in lane alerting them if they move off.
Audi lane assist detects lane markings by means of a camera on the front of the vehicle. The system is operational as soon as the camera detects road markings on both sides of the vehicle's lane.
If the vehicle starts to drift towards one of the detected lane markings, vibrations in the steering wheel warn the driver the vehicle is moving out of its lane. No warning is given if the driver is indicating with the turn signal.
The system is designed for driving on motorways and main roads, and works at speeds above approx. 60 km/h. Audi lane assist does not actively intervene in the driving situation.
7. Audi magnetic ride
Using magnetic fields, Audi magnetic ride adjusts the firmness of the dampers to the current driving situation within a fraction of a second.
Drivers can choose between a comfortable and a sporty driving mode to suit the driving situation and their personal tastes. In both modes the suspension's damping forces are continuously adjusted to the current driving situation. The sport mode delivers direct feedback from the road.
The car corners with agility and responds spontaneously to steering inputs. The normal mode is geared more towards comfort to help eliminate driving fatigue on long journeys.
With Audi magnetic ride, the liquid contained in the dampers has so-called magneto-rheological properties. Tiny magnetic particles are bound inside the basic oil which is used to fill the dampers.
When a magnetic field is applied, the magnetic particles are aligned against the direction of movement of the damper. As a result, the damping force of the damper is increased depending on the strength of the magnetic field.
This allows the firmness of the dampers to be increased or decreased within a fraction of a second. A control unit computes the optimum damping force for the individual driving situation. It does so using information from the wheel travel sensors and communication with other systems such as the steering and ESP.
A switch labelled with a shock absorber symbol on the centre console is used to control Audi magnetic ride. It activates and deactivates the sport mode. The instrument panel indicates activation/deactivation of sport mode and an LED in the function switch lights up when sport mode is active.
8. Audi music interface
The Audi music interface integrates portable media players into the Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI).
You can select artists, albums, tracks or genres with the MMI controls or the multifunction steering wheel. The system is capable of communicating with a wide range of portable media players and USB storage media.
Your media player remains stowed away in the glove box or centre console during the journey, and is connected to the Audi music interface by a cable from Audi Genuine Accessories®. This cable not only transmits the track information and music to the Audi music interface, but also recharges your media player at the same time.
With an optional Bluetooth® adapter the Audi music interface is also capable of wireless music playback from suitably equipped mobile telephones and media players. Data is transferred using Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP), which requires a terminal device with A2DP capability.
The range of control options available for the media player via the MMI and multifunction steering wheel depends on the player and adapter used. Exact information on functions and any restrictions that apply is available in the Audi database for mobile devices or from your Audi dealership.
9. Audi side assist
The lane change assistant Audi side assist aids the driver when changing lane.
With its radar sensors in the rear bumper, the system monitors traffic in the driver’s blind spot. When a vehicle approaches from behind, the LED warning signal lights up.
The area beside and behind the vehicle is monitored by radar sensors at speeds above 30 km/h. When there is a vehicle in the blind spot or a vehicle is approaching rapidly from behind, the LED signal in the respective exterior mirror is continuously illuminated as a warning to the driver.
If the turn signal is operated in this situation, the lights in the exterior mirror flash to alert the driver to the danger of a collision. Audi side assist does not actively intervene in the controlling of the vehicle and the driver may deactivate it at any time by pressing a button on the driver door.
Adaptive air suspension unites comfort and dynamic handling by combining air suspension and a continuously variable, electronically damper system.
The electronically controlled air spring system adjusts the suspension to suit the current situation. It achieves this with fully load-bearing air springs on the front and rear axles combined with a continuously variable, electronic damping system.
The permanent self-levelling function ensures the vehicle body remains at the right attitude even with an asymmetrical load distribution.
You can also select the suspension mode to give your Audi the precise handling qualities you want, including 'automatic', 'comfort', 'dynamic' and 'lift' from the MMI.
2. AdBlue
AdBlue is a non-toxic, non-flammable, odourless and biodegradable reducing agent that helps to make cars cleaner and more efficient, meaning lower levels of harmful car and van exhaust emissions such as Nitrogen Oxide (NOx).
AdBlue works with a treatment system called ‘Selective Catalyst Reduction’ (SCR), which converts nitric oxide into less harmful nitrogen and water. It is made by mixing a compound made from ammonia and CO2 into deionised water.
The AdBlue fluid is not mixed with the fuel in your vehicle but carried in a separate tank and then pumped into the engine where it is injected into the exhaust gases. Working together with the catalyst, Adblue converts 80% of the NOx coming from the vehicles combustions chambers into harmless nitrogen and water.
Many HGVs, buses and other large diesel vehicles have been using AdBlue for several years. From September 2015 all new vehicles sold in the EU must meet the Euro 6 (EU 6) emissions standard; therefore new diesel cars feature an AdBlue injection system.
Consumption will depend on driving style, journey type, road conditions and the load placed on your engine, so topping up your AdBlue tank may be required between services.
You can refill the tank yourself when alerted by your Driver Information System, or take your car to an Audi Authorised Repairer. Your driver information system will display a warning when the fluid is running low at three intervals. The warning will start at 1500 miles and count down.
Audi supplies AdBlue for £1.50 per litre, including VAT and labour. Contact your local Audi Centre or watch the video to find out more about AdBlue.
AdBlue is not exclusive to Audi and can be purchased from a number of outlets. We recommend customers only use reputable AdBlue products in their cars, i.e. those that meet ISO standard 22241-1.
3. Anti-theft alarm
The anti-theft alarm system offers extensive protection against break-in, vehicle theft and wheel theft.
The anti-theft alarm system offers protection for the vehicle and its valuable features. It uses several systems to thoroughly monitor the doors, luggage compartment, engine compartment, engine and interior. The core monitoring element is the ultrasonic sensor system, which detects people inside the interior.
The system responds to movements and is also triggered by unauthorised attempts to gain access to the vehicle interior – through a smashed window, for example. The interior monitoring can be switched off to allow people and animals to remain for a short time in the parked car.
In the event of a break-in or if a door is opened by unauthorised means, a piercing alarm horns sounds for 30 seconds. It reacts independently of the on-board electrical system – i.e. even if the battery is disconnected or short-circuited. The alarm sound is accompanied by continuous flashing of the hazard warning lights.
The horn and hazard lights are also activated when the integrated tilt sensor detects a slight change in the vehicle’s position. This prevents attempts to transport the car away on another vehicle or remove the wheels. When repairs are needed, faults can be found quickly via self-diagnosis.
The anti-theft alarm is generally activated whenever the vehicle is locked and deactivated when it's unlocked. The alarm system can also be switched on and off when needed using the vehicle key or via remote control. The system also remains active when the luggage compartment lock is operated.
The anti-theft alarm concept has even convinced insurance companies, some of whom offer lower comprehensive insurance rates for vehicles equipped with the system.
4. Audi drive select
Audi drive select integrates the technical components that determine the quality of the driving experience, the engine, transmission, steering (optional), shock absorbers (optional) and the sport differential (optional).
Audi drive select enables drivers to adjust the characteristics of the technical components.
Depending on their vehicle configuration these include the engine, transmission, steering, shock absorbers and the sport differential. Via a button on the centre console, the driver selects one of three modes for Audi drive select – 'comfort', 'auto' or 'dynamic' – for characteristics ranging from outstandingly comfortable to intensely sporty.
In combination with the optional MMI, the driver can put together their own personal profile. Audi drive select is only available in conjunction with dynamic steering, damper control and/or sport differential.
5. Audi Hold Assist
Audi hold assist keeps the car stationary once it's stopped and automatically prevents it from rolling on uphill and downhill gradients.
During stops on uphill and downhill gradients, Audi hold assist holds the car stationary for as long as needed.
It's activated by pressing a button and allows the driver to set the car in motion smoothly without having to use the handbrake at all. If the vehicle remains stationary for a long period with Audi hold assist active, the system automatically switches over to the electromechanical parking brake. There's no need to operate the handbrake to pull away.
Audi hold assist is part of the ABS-ESP control system. After you release the brake pedal, the hydraulic pressure is maintained, meaning the hydraulic system keeps the brake pads pressed against the brake discs at the front and rear.
During this process, the electromechanical parking brake is not in operation. This means a quicker reaction time, less noise and less braking effect at all four wheels, and enhanced comfort. Audi hold assist is only available in conjunction with the electromechanical parking brake.
6. Audi lane assist
Audi lane assist helps the driver to stay in lane alerting them if they move off.
Audi lane assist detects lane markings by means of a camera on the front of the vehicle. The system is operational as soon as the camera detects road markings on both sides of the vehicle's lane.
If the vehicle starts to drift towards one of the detected lane markings, vibrations in the steering wheel warn the driver the vehicle is moving out of its lane. No warning is given if the driver is indicating with the turn signal.
The system is designed for driving on motorways and main roads, and works at speeds above approx. 60 km/h. Audi lane assist does not actively intervene in the driving situation.
7. Audi magnetic ride
Using magnetic fields, Audi magnetic ride adjusts the firmness of the dampers to the current driving situation within a fraction of a second.
Drivers can choose between a comfortable and a sporty driving mode to suit the driving situation and their personal tastes. In both modes the suspension's damping forces are continuously adjusted to the current driving situation. The sport mode delivers direct feedback from the road.
The car corners with agility and responds spontaneously to steering inputs. The normal mode is geared more towards comfort to help eliminate driving fatigue on long journeys.
With Audi magnetic ride, the liquid contained in the dampers has so-called magneto-rheological properties. Tiny magnetic particles are bound inside the basic oil which is used to fill the dampers.
When a magnetic field is applied, the magnetic particles are aligned against the direction of movement of the damper. As a result, the damping force of the damper is increased depending on the strength of the magnetic field.
This allows the firmness of the dampers to be increased or decreased within a fraction of a second. A control unit computes the optimum damping force for the individual driving situation. It does so using information from the wheel travel sensors and communication with other systems such as the steering and ESP.
A switch labelled with a shock absorber symbol on the centre console is used to control Audi magnetic ride. It activates and deactivates the sport mode. The instrument panel indicates activation/deactivation of sport mode and an LED in the function switch lights up when sport mode is active.
8. Audi music interface
The Audi music interface integrates portable media players into the Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI).
You can select artists, albums, tracks or genres with the MMI controls or the multifunction steering wheel. The system is capable of communicating with a wide range of portable media players and USB storage media.
Your media player remains stowed away in the glove box or centre console during the journey, and is connected to the Audi music interface by a cable from Audi Genuine Accessories®. This cable not only transmits the track information and music to the Audi music interface, but also recharges your media player at the same time.
With an optional Bluetooth® adapter the Audi music interface is also capable of wireless music playback from suitably equipped mobile telephones and media players. Data is transferred using Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP), which requires a terminal device with A2DP capability.
The range of control options available for the media player via the MMI and multifunction steering wheel depends on the player and adapter used. Exact information on functions and any restrictions that apply is available in the Audi database for mobile devices or from your Audi dealership.
9. Audi side assist
The lane change assistant Audi side assist aids the driver when changing lane.
With its radar sensors in the rear bumper, the system monitors traffic in the driver’s blind spot. When a vehicle approaches from behind, the LED warning signal lights up.
The area beside and behind the vehicle is monitored by radar sensors at speeds above 30 km/h. When there is a vehicle in the blind spot or a vehicle is approaching rapidly from behind, the LED signal in the respective exterior mirror is continuously illuminated as a warning to the driver.
If the turn signal is operated in this situation, the lights in the exterior mirror flash to alert the driver to the danger of a collision. Audi side assist does not actively intervene in the controlling of the vehicle and the driver may deactivate it at any time by pressing a button on the driver door.
1. Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System
Together with the hi-fi specialists Bang & Olufsen, Audi developed a sound system that sets new standards, for an unforgettable listening experience.
The developers have placed special emphasis on the calculation of the surround sound. For most audio sources such as CD or digital radio (DAB), two output channels (stereo) can be programmed, but some versions with these stereo sources can enjoy the benefits of surround sound.
The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System has a total of 14 speakers, each with its own amplifier. The speakers are mounted in sealed boxes, then each speaker is always guaranteed the same conditions. Another advantage of the closed housing is the minimised noise emission in the environment of the vehicle, which in turn allows for maximum privacy in the car.
2. Cylinder on Demand
As the latest efficiency technology, Cylinder on Demand takes a further step in the direction of fuel-saving.
At low and medium loads, the high-tech system temporarily deactivates two of the four cylinders by closing their valves. If the driver accelerates powerfully, it switches back instantaneously into four-cylinder mode. Average fuel consumption: 4.7 l/100 km, 0-100 km/h: 8.1 seconds, Vmax 212 km/h (provisional data).
3. Driver information system with efficiency program
The driver information system (DIS) brings together different information items in the centre of the cockpit, indicating the vehicle’s current operating status.
The DIS controls comprise two menu selection buttons and a reset button on the windscreen wiper lever to the right of the steering wheel.
Depending on equipment specification, the DIS also provides information on the current status of installed components, such as the audio system, phone and navigation system.
It offers the following functionalities: Door and luggage compartment open warning; auto check control; radio station name or frequency; outside temperature display, including ice warning; speed warning function; on-board computer; automatic gearbox selector lever settings; telephone numbers and names from the telephone book; navigation directions.
Together with the hi-fi specialists Bang & Olufsen, Audi developed a sound system that sets new standards, for an unforgettable listening experience.
The developers have placed special emphasis on the calculation of the surround sound. For most audio sources such as CD or digital radio (DAB), two output channels (stereo) can be programmed, but some versions with these stereo sources can enjoy the benefits of surround sound.
The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System has a total of 14 speakers, each with its own amplifier. The speakers are mounted in sealed boxes, then each speaker is always guaranteed the same conditions. Another advantage of the closed housing is the minimised noise emission in the environment of the vehicle, which in turn allows for maximum privacy in the car.
2. Cylinder on Demand
As the latest efficiency technology, Cylinder on Demand takes a further step in the direction of fuel-saving.
At low and medium loads, the high-tech system temporarily deactivates two of the four cylinders by closing their valves. If the driver accelerates powerfully, it switches back instantaneously into four-cylinder mode. Average fuel consumption: 4.7 l/100 km, 0-100 km/h: 8.1 seconds, Vmax 212 km/h (provisional data).
3. Driver information system with efficiency program
The driver information system (DIS) brings together different information items in the centre of the cockpit, indicating the vehicle’s current operating status.
The DIS controls comprise two menu selection buttons and a reset button on the windscreen wiper lever to the right of the steering wheel.
Depending on equipment specification, the DIS also provides information on the current status of installed components, such as the audio system, phone and navigation system.
It offers the following functionalities: Door and luggage compartment open warning; auto check control; radio station name or frequency; outside temperature display, including ice warning; speed warning function; on-board computer; automatic gearbox selector lever settings; telephone numbers and names from the telephone book; navigation directions.
1. Electric tailgate
Many Audi models can be ordered with luggage compartment lids that open and close automatically – electric or mechanical versions are available depending on the model line.
A power-operated boot lid makes loading the vehicle easier and offers a real enhancement of comfort for people who are shorter or with disabilities.
The electric luggage compartment lid, available for selected models, opens and closes at the press of a button. This is found in the driver door trim, the boot lid recess handle or the central locking remote control. To close the boot again, you simply press the button on the inside of the lid.
In the mechanical system, which is available for selected Audi models, opening of the luggage compartment is automated by means of a spring mechanism. The luggage compartment lid is closed again by hand.
2. Electromechanical parking brake
The electromechanical parking brake comprises the parking brake, starting-off aid and emergency braking functions.
It's activated by pulling a lever on the centre console, which replaces the conventional handbrake lever. When you drive off – provided the driver's seat belt is fastened – the parking brake is released automatically.
The control unit for the electromechanical parking brake determines the selected gear, accelerator position, engine speed, torque, direction of travel and the vehicle’s angle of inclination. It uses this information to prevent the vehicle from rolling back when starting on an incline.
The brake can only be released manually if the foot brake is depressed at the same time. In the event of an emergency braking manoeuvre with the parking brake, the vehicle can be braked considerably more effectively than with a conventional handbrake because the system communicates with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) via the electronic stabilisation programme (ESP).
3. High-beam assistant
The high-beam assistant decides when it's sensible to use the main beam headlights.
It switches between main beam and dipped beam automatically – leaving the driver to concentrate on the traffic without needing to think about the appropriate lighting and illumination range. The headlights are always set to the right light.
Note: the high-beam assistant is only available in conjunction with Xenon plus headlights.
Hill-start assist
The hill-start assist function helps you drive off on a hill.
If you hold down the foot brake for a time when the vehicle is stationary, the brake pressure is retained for a brief moment after you release the brake pedal – helping a relaxed start on any hill or incline with no roll-back. As you change from the brake to the accelerator, the car remains stationary for long enough and – thanks to the system’s automatic braking intervention – you can easily pull away without rolling back. Hill-start assist is a particularly valuable feature in combination with a towing bracket.
Many Audi models can be ordered with luggage compartment lids that open and close automatically – electric or mechanical versions are available depending on the model line.
A power-operated boot lid makes loading the vehicle easier and offers a real enhancement of comfort for people who are shorter or with disabilities.
The electric luggage compartment lid, available for selected models, opens and closes at the press of a button. This is found in the driver door trim, the boot lid recess handle or the central locking remote control. To close the boot again, you simply press the button on the inside of the lid.
In the mechanical system, which is available for selected Audi models, opening of the luggage compartment is automated by means of a spring mechanism. The luggage compartment lid is closed again by hand.
2. Electromechanical parking brake
The electromechanical parking brake comprises the parking brake, starting-off aid and emergency braking functions.
It's activated by pulling a lever on the centre console, which replaces the conventional handbrake lever. When you drive off – provided the driver's seat belt is fastened – the parking brake is released automatically.
The control unit for the electromechanical parking brake determines the selected gear, accelerator position, engine speed, torque, direction of travel and the vehicle’s angle of inclination. It uses this information to prevent the vehicle from rolling back when starting on an incline.
The brake can only be released manually if the foot brake is depressed at the same time. In the event of an emergency braking manoeuvre with the parking brake, the vehicle can be braked considerably more effectively than with a conventional handbrake because the system communicates with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) via the electronic stabilisation programme (ESP).
3. High-beam assistant
The high-beam assistant decides when it's sensible to use the main beam headlights.
It switches between main beam and dipped beam automatically – leaving the driver to concentrate on the traffic without needing to think about the appropriate lighting and illumination range. The headlights are always set to the right light.
Note: the high-beam assistant is only available in conjunction with Xenon plus headlights.
Hill-start assist
The hill-start assist function helps you drive off on a hill.
If you hold down the foot brake for a time when the vehicle is stationary, the brake pressure is retained for a brief moment after you release the brake pedal – helping a relaxed start on any hill or incline with no roll-back. As you change from the brake to the accelerator, the car remains stationary for long enough and – thanks to the system’s automatic braking intervention – you can easily pull away without rolling back. Hill-start assist is a particularly valuable feature in combination with a towing bracket.
1. Light and rain sensor
The light and rain sensor automatically controls the windscreen wipers and the headlights.
It independently activates the appropriate lights in poor weather, deteriorating light, tunnels or darkness. The rain sensor adjusts the wipe interval to match the strength of the rain.
LEDs inside the sensor emit invisible infrared light which is reflected at the outer surface of the windscreen only where it's free of raindrops. The reflected light is continuously measured by photodiodes.
As the quantity of water hitting the windscreen increases, less infrared light is reflected back, thus allowing an exact regulation of the wipe interval – from wiping with long pauses to continuous wiping at high speed.
In addition, the automatic headlight activation controls the headlights depending on the ambient light conditions. The light sensor measures the light conditions and controls the coming home/leaving home function.
When the driver leaves the vehicle or unlocks it via remote control, the lights illuminate the way to or from the vehicle. A handy feature, as the driver does not need to switch on the lights when getting into the car or switch them off when leaving it.
2. Start-stop system
The start-stop system automatically switches off the engine when the car is moving at a low speed or is stopped, for example at traffic lights, and starts it automatically when the speed increases or the journey continues.
As the car is braking to a standstill, the system switches off the engine and signals this via a symbol on the dashboard. When you release the brake pedal to continue on your journey, the engine starts and the symbol on the dashboard is removed.
3. S tronic
The S tronic combines the sporty characteristics of a manual gearbox with the advantages of an automatic.
Gear-changes with the dual-clutch gearbox are performed easily and with no appreciable delay. Depending on the driver’s preference, the gears may be shifted in fully automatic mode or in manual mode using the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
The dual clutch forms the technical basis of the S tronic. One of the two clutches engages the odd-numbered gears and reverse, the other engages the even-numbered gears. The benefit: a gearbox that shifts from one gear to the next in less than 0.2 seconds and with no interruption in power flow.
When in operation, one gear is always engaged and another is pre-selected: while the first clutch is transmitting power in one gear, the second clutch has the next gear selected and ready to engage. When the gearshift point is reached, one clutch segment opens in a flash while the other closes.
The driver therefore hardly notices the gearshift process. The consistently efficient power transmission ideally supports a sporty driving style – both in automatic mode and with manual shifting: Other advantages of S tronic: the gearbox’s high efficiency leads to low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
4. TFSI
Turbo fuel stratified injection or TFSI combines petrol direct injection with turbocharging.
Compared with conventional naturally aspirated V6 engines, a turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine delivering the same performance uses 10 to 15 percent less fuel.
FSI technology and turbocharging make an excellent combination because the evaporation of fuel directly within the combustion chamber in FSI engines removes heat from the intake air. This allows a higher compression, significantly improving engine efficiency. It also solves an old problem in all turbocharged engines – a high tendency to knock at high boost levels.
The integrated turbocharger exhaust manifold module ensures optimum turbine efficiency, resulting in excellent utilisation of the exhaust energy. This achieves both a high power output and optimum engine responsiveness, ultimately helping to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
5. Tiptronic
The six-speed tiptronic transmission unites automatic shifting comfort and outstanding driveability.
With the six-speed tiptronic, all gearshifts are completed with a minimum of interruption in power flow.
The tiptronic transmission lets the driver override the automatic mode by moving the lever into a second (tiptronic) shift gate. This allows, for example, downshifting to increase the braking effect of the engine on winding mountain roads.
The six-speed tiptronic features an additional sport programme. It has later shift points, allowing the driver to adopt a more sporty driving style.
The dynamic shift program (DSP), which is integrated in all tiptronic transmissions, automatically selects the optimum gear. The transmission detects the car’s driving behaviour and adapts its gearshift strategy to the conditions and the driver’s driving style.
6. Tyre pressure monitoring system
Tyre pressure monitoring systems detect pressure loss on one or more wheels and warn the driver accordingly.
The tyre pressure monitoring system uses sensors installed in the wheels to measure the pressure and temperature inside the tyre. The system then transmits this information to a receiver in the vehicle.
The measured tyre pressures are continuously compared with specification values, which are entered by the driver. The driver can check the tyre pressures and temperatures at any time, and receive a warning if differences arise between the set pressure and the measured pressure.
Sensors on all four wheels are necessary for the system to work correctly. If the vehicle is supplied with winter wheels, these will already have the required sensors; otherwise they must be ordered separately from your Audi dealer.
The light and rain sensor automatically controls the windscreen wipers and the headlights.
It independently activates the appropriate lights in poor weather, deteriorating light, tunnels or darkness. The rain sensor adjusts the wipe interval to match the strength of the rain.
LEDs inside the sensor emit invisible infrared light which is reflected at the outer surface of the windscreen only where it's free of raindrops. The reflected light is continuously measured by photodiodes.
As the quantity of water hitting the windscreen increases, less infrared light is reflected back, thus allowing an exact regulation of the wipe interval – from wiping with long pauses to continuous wiping at high speed.
In addition, the automatic headlight activation controls the headlights depending on the ambient light conditions. The light sensor measures the light conditions and controls the coming home/leaving home function.
When the driver leaves the vehicle or unlocks it via remote control, the lights illuminate the way to or from the vehicle. A handy feature, as the driver does not need to switch on the lights when getting into the car or switch them off when leaving it.
2. Start-stop system
The start-stop system automatically switches off the engine when the car is moving at a low speed or is stopped, for example at traffic lights, and starts it automatically when the speed increases or the journey continues.
As the car is braking to a standstill, the system switches off the engine and signals this via a symbol on the dashboard. When you release the brake pedal to continue on your journey, the engine starts and the symbol on the dashboard is removed.
3. S tronic
The S tronic combines the sporty characteristics of a manual gearbox with the advantages of an automatic.
Gear-changes with the dual-clutch gearbox are performed easily and with no appreciable delay. Depending on the driver’s preference, the gears may be shifted in fully automatic mode or in manual mode using the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
The dual clutch forms the technical basis of the S tronic. One of the two clutches engages the odd-numbered gears and reverse, the other engages the even-numbered gears. The benefit: a gearbox that shifts from one gear to the next in less than 0.2 seconds and with no interruption in power flow.
When in operation, one gear is always engaged and another is pre-selected: while the first clutch is transmitting power in one gear, the second clutch has the next gear selected and ready to engage. When the gearshift point is reached, one clutch segment opens in a flash while the other closes.
The driver therefore hardly notices the gearshift process. The consistently efficient power transmission ideally supports a sporty driving style – both in automatic mode and with manual shifting: Other advantages of S tronic: the gearbox’s high efficiency leads to low fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
4. TFSI
Turbo fuel stratified injection or TFSI combines petrol direct injection with turbocharging.
Compared with conventional naturally aspirated V6 engines, a turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine delivering the same performance uses 10 to 15 percent less fuel.
FSI technology and turbocharging make an excellent combination because the evaporation of fuel directly within the combustion chamber in FSI engines removes heat from the intake air. This allows a higher compression, significantly improving engine efficiency. It also solves an old problem in all turbocharged engines – a high tendency to knock at high boost levels.
The integrated turbocharger exhaust manifold module ensures optimum turbine efficiency, resulting in excellent utilisation of the exhaust energy. This achieves both a high power output and optimum engine responsiveness, ultimately helping to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
5. Tiptronic
The six-speed tiptronic transmission unites automatic shifting comfort and outstanding driveability.
With the six-speed tiptronic, all gearshifts are completed with a minimum of interruption in power flow.
The tiptronic transmission lets the driver override the automatic mode by moving the lever into a second (tiptronic) shift gate. This allows, for example, downshifting to increase the braking effect of the engine on winding mountain roads.
The six-speed tiptronic features an additional sport programme. It has later shift points, allowing the driver to adopt a more sporty driving style.
The dynamic shift program (DSP), which is integrated in all tiptronic transmissions, automatically selects the optimum gear. The transmission detects the car’s driving behaviour and adapts its gearshift strategy to the conditions and the driver’s driving style.
6. Tyre pressure monitoring system
Tyre pressure monitoring systems detect pressure loss on one or more wheels and warn the driver accordingly.
The tyre pressure monitoring system uses sensors installed in the wheels to measure the pressure and temperature inside the tyre. The system then transmits this information to a receiver in the vehicle.
The measured tyre pressures are continuously compared with specification values, which are entered by the driver. The driver can check the tyre pressures and temperatures at any time, and receive a warning if differences arise between the set pressure and the measured pressure.
Sensors on all four wheels are necessary for the system to work correctly. If the vehicle is supplied with winter wheels, these will already have the required sensors; otherwise they must be ordered separately from your Audi dealer.