If you thought Audi’s SUV and car model range was like wading through honey, just wait until you have to detangle all the jargon and model-specific terminology before you can pick the right car for you.
Luckily, we’re on hand to simplify your search. We’ve compiled all the common terms you might come across when shopping for an Audi, giving you all the confidence to make the right choice. Need more help? Why not speak to our friendly team to hone in on the exact Audi for you?
What is an Audi Avant?
In Audi speak, ‘Avant’ simply means ‘estate’. So all Audi Avant models come with a huge boot that’s perfect for Labradors or lots of luggage. Avant versions are available on A4, A6 and, now, A5 models. Search used Audi Avant estates for sale here.
What is the Audi Comfort & Sound pack?
The Comfort & Sound pack bundles in a lot of optional extras for less than it would cost to spec those extras individually. While exact equipment contained in the pack depends on the model of the car in question, the Comfort & Sound pack usually includes features such as a high-end B&O sound system, extended interior lighting, extra cameras and driver assistance tech, heated seats and park assist.
What is Audi quattro?
For those old enough to remember the ‘80s, the term quattro probably brings back memories of Audi’s famous Quattro rally car, one of the first cars to feature four wheel drive.
The quattro name is no longer reserved for the rally car heritage. Instead, it represents Audi's four-wheel-drive system and you can find quattro models across the range wherever, such as A3 and A4 models. You’ll also find it on most of the high performance range, like the SQ2 and RS4. Shop used Audi cars with quattro for sale.
What is Audi S Tronic?
S Tronic is Audi speak for an automatic gearbox, more commonly referred to in the industry as DSG, or dual clutch, direct shift gearbox. With a manual gearbox being increasingly rare in Audis, most contemporary cars come with an S Tronic ‘box. Shop used automatic Audi cars.
What is Audi Virtual Cockpit?
Audi’s Virtual Cockpit is a fancy name for the digital instrument cluster that’s behind the steering wheel. First seen on the Audi TT, it eventually became standard equipment on most Audi models – including the cheapest A1. It replaces a set of traditional dials with a digital display that’s able to show you a lot more information – not just speed and revs. It’s really configurable, so you can have a pin-sharp map display right there in front of your eyes if you wish.
Other Audi terminology explained
- Allroad – a four-wheel-drive estate model with jacked-up suspension and body cladding. Available on the A4 and A6, but most commonly found on the A4. Shop used Audi A4 Allroad cars
- Drive Select – a menu that lets you cycle through different driving modes: typically Dynamic, Auto, Eco and Individual. Changing between modes will adjust things like throttle response, steering weight and gearchange ferocity
- e-tron – Audi’s catch-all term for its electric cars, with a growing range of models to choose from. Originally, e-tron was used on a plug-in hybrid A3, which still used a petrol engine alongside a battery and motor
- MMI – a name for Audi’s infotainment system. Read our full guide to Audi’s MMI system here
- Pre Sense – a term that covers a lot of Audi’s safety systems. If the car detects that you’re about to be in a collision, the Pre Sense systems can pre-tension the seatbelts, close the windows, turn on the hazard lights and apply maximum braking power
- S, RS – S and RS models are high-performance, high-power versions of Audi’s standard cars. For example, the S3 and RS3 are the crowns in the A3 lineup. Some S models are petrol, like the S3, SQ2, SQ7, SQ8 – some are electric, and others are diesel. All RS models have ferociously fast petrol engines
- Sportback – a bodystyle term that’s confusingly applied to both five-door hatchbacks and to some of Audi’s sleeker models. For example, the A1 and A3 hatchbacks come with the Sportback moniker, while the A5 Sportback is a sleeker version of the A4 saloon and the Q3 Sportback is a sleeker take on the Q3 SUV. You’ll find a Sportback version on many of Audi’s popular cars
- TDI – stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection and means the car is diesel-powered. Shop used diesel Audi cars
- TFSI – stands for Turbocharged Fuel Stratified injection and means the car has a turbo petrol engine. Shop used petrol Audi cars
- TFSI e – that little ‘e’ makes a lot of difference. TFSI e cars are plug-in hybrids, with a battery and electric motor alongside the TFSI petrol engine. Audi’s plug-in-hybrid models offer enough electric driving range for short and medium-length journeys, plus an engine for longer trips. Shop used plug-in-hybrid Audi cars
Audi trim levels explained
Technik
Where available, Technik is the entry-level trim. It typically goes without some of the visual pizazz of higher trim levels but is still very well equipped. A1 Technik models, for example, feature alloy wheels, cruise control and Audi’s fantastic infotainment system. More expensive models like the A4 Technik come with extras like a reversing camera and sat nav as standard.
Sport
Depending on the model, Sport is either an entry-level or mid-range trim level. Sport is probably the pick of the range if you’re not fussed about the sporty styling of higher-spec S Line versions, as it comes with the must-have tech. Sport usually sits on smaller wheels than more expensive versions, so you might find Sport versions more comfortable than S Line ones.
S Line
S Line is a popular choice in the UK. That helps with residual values and keeps monthly payments in check. S Line adds sporty styling tweaks and bigger alloy wheels. Read our full guide to Audi S Line.
Black Edition
S Line not quite mean-looking enough? Step up to the Black Edition, which adds moody black trim to the grille, badges and windowline trim, plus even bigger wheels.
Vorsprung
Not many buyers see fit to ascend right to the top of the Audi trim level lineup, but find a Vorsprung model for sale and it’ll come with all the bells and whistles. Kit like adaptive suspension, a panoramic sunroof and even more driver assistance tech is fitted to this trim level.
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