The most eagerly awaited model brought by Audi to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show is definitely the all-new A3, the new hatch that will have to lead the charge for the four rings house army in one of the most competitive segment of the market. The design language adopted by the new A3 is in line with what we have seen for the latest models of the German carmaker, but the real improvement is in the new, minimalistic interior, which focuses on the usability of its hi-tech equipment. The car will make its debut on the market with four powertrain options: a 122 hp 1.4-litre TFSI, a 1.8 TFSI S-Tronic Quattro producing 180 hp and a 160 hp 2.0-litre TDi, while a 1.6 Tdi will join the fold shortly afterwards. Having lost about 80 kg over the previous range, the new A3 is likely to become one of the most successful cars of the next few years.

The Audi A6 Allroad is also arrived to its third generation and, in the words of its maker, it is 20% more efficient than the outgoing line-up. Thanks to the large use of aluminum parts, the new A6 Allroad is also considerably lighter than its predecessor, by 70 kg. Its engine range is completely made of tubocharged 3.0-litre V6 units, with a 310 hp twin turbo diesel delivering 313 hp and 650 Nm sitting at the top of it.

The sexy A1 Quattro will be produced in 333 units only, all of which powered by an athletic 2.0-litre 4-cylinder unit that allows it to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds, with 245 km/h (152 mph) of top speed. The new RS4 Avant might not look as manacing as the A1 Quattro, but that’s just the appearance: under its bonnet in fact pulses a 4.2-litre FSI V8 credited with an output of 450 hp at 8,250 rpm and 430 Nm of peak torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. This unit can push the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, reaching a 250 km/h (155 mph) of top speed. Also in Geneva is the recent Audi TT RS Plus, which will soon enter the market in both coupe and convertible configurations powered by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder TFSI unit capable of pushing this car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (4.2 for the cabrio) with top speed at 280 km/h (174 mph). Check the whole lot out in our exclusive live photo gallery.

View the full Audi live at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show photo gallery

Continue reading: 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Audi A3 and the others

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Audi unveils the new A6 Allroad by releasing the first official pictures and info of the third generation of its successful crossover estate. Measuring 4.94 meters in length, 1.90 meters in width and 1.47 meters in height, and with a wheelbase of 2.91 meters, the new version is slightly bigger than the model it is about to replace, and is said to be also 20 % more efficient in terms of fuel consumption. Thanks to the fact that about 20% of its whole body is made of aluminum, the new A6 Allroad is also 70% lighter than the current version. The design language of the car stays loyal to the style adopted by the previous generations, launched in 2000 and 2006: the ride height 6 cm higher than the A6 Avant - the model it basically derives from - also retaining its typical plastic fenders.

The passenger compartment is roomier than ever, while the loading capacity is rated at 565 litres, a figure that can go up to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The new A6 Allroad shares the same infotainment systems in use by Audi A6 ed A6 Avant, including the MMI radionavigator with touchpad, 4-zone air conditioner, cruise control with radar and the advanced audio system by Bang&Olufsen.

The whole engine range is made of either petrol or diesel 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 units. The only gasoline option is the 3.0 TFSI with direct injection, producing 310 hp with 440 Nm of peak torque. This unit pushes the A6 Allroad from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and an average fuel consumption of 8.9 l/100km. As for the diesel line-up, we have the 3.0 TDI producing 204 hp and 450 Nm of maximum torque, with an average fuel consumption of 6.1 l/100 km and 159 g/km of CO2 emissions. Then we have a more performing version of this engine, with an output of 245 hp and no less than 580 Nm of torque, which will soon become available in a low-emission configuration. Last but not least, at the top of the range we have the new 3.0-litre twin-turbo unit delivering 313 hp and 650 Nm of peak torque, coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. With this powertrain, the A6 Allroad accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds only, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). All the other aforementioned versions come with a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission.

View the full Audi A6 Allroad photo gallery

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After the debut of the Audi A6 Avant, here is a tantalising rendering of a possible future Audi A6 Allroad model. The offroad station wagon could debut in about 12 months time, and while we don’t think this is one of the best renderings from Theophilus Chin, it does give us an idea of the sporty elegance might be prepared to get itself dirty.

The Audi A6 Allroad will likely have a higher wheel base, with some of the classic plastic and chrome protection of a soft offroader. Recently Audi’s Allroad models have achieved a small slice of the market all their own, and have provided an option for those who didn’t want a standard wagon, but weren’t interested in a SUV either.

While the crossover craze is currently storming that kind of customer, there are those who still affectionately hold on to the classic station wagon. If the A6 Allroad has dedicated suspension, it’s the kind of model that offers a dynamic but balanced ride. Here’s to receiving some official details soon, we hope.

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