Wheel Drive

Wheel Drive

Audi Leader on Four-wheel-drive in the Premium Segment

One in every three Audi models is fitted with a Quattro four-wheel drive. Last year, Audi a subsidiary of Europe’s largest automaker, Volkswagen maker of quality automobiles and popular parts like Volkswagen headlights, has recorded an all-time highest Quattro installation rate of 33.1% or a total of 306,318 Quattro vehicles higher than what the carmaker produce in the year 2005 totaling only to 219, 288. The Ingolstadt-based car manufacturer has risen to become the market leader for four-wheel drive in the premium segment.

According to Rupert Stadler, Audi’s boss, “Quattro means more than traction- the word represents emotion, driving safety and performance, it stands for engineering competence and a dynamic spirit. Over 2.3 million Quattro models have rolled off the production line at Audi so far- a figure that speaks for itself.”

The launch of the new Audi Q7 has helped in increasing the proportion of Quattro models by six percent compared to the previous year resulting to the creation of 72,188 sports utility vehicles which are 100% four-wheel drive. The production of the RS4 model family has also increase at 7,639 units compared to the 569 produced in 2005.

“Audi equips a greater proportion of its vehicles with four-wheel drive than any other manufacturer. That is especially true of our saloons and Avant models. We have the unique selling proposition that all of the models in our current range are available with four-wheel-drive”, said Ralph Weyler, member of the board of management for marketing and sales.

A Brief History of Quattro

- The idea of Quattro came up as a result of the automaker’s desire to distribute power over all four wheels and with each wheel providing a greater lateral force than the rear or front-wheel drive.

- It was in the spring of 1977 that the four-wheel drive project was started with the objective of developing a high-powered sports coupe with permanent four-wheel-drive.

- In the year 1980 the first Audi Quattro made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. It was in the same year that the first Audi with four-wheel drive went on sale and became an instant bestseller.

- Starting the 1982, Audi has gradually added five more vehicles with four-wheel drive to its model range namely Audi 80/90, the Audi Coupe and the Audi 100/200.

- Starting 1990, the dynamic image of Audi was further boost by its S models especially with their Quattro Drivetrains.

- The latest generation of Quattro four-wheel-drive is fitted in the RS4, the Q7 and the R8. The Quattro four-wheel-drive distributes the engine torque between the front and rear axles at a 40:60 ratio thus making the vehicle more agile and powerful.

- Between the year 1982 and 1984 the Quattro has won four world championship titles on the rally track.

- The permanent four-wheel drive technology has also achieved major successes on the racing circuit with the Audi touring car drivers winning the most prestigious trophies that USA and Europe has to offer.

- Overall Audi was able to build 2.3 million vehicles with Quattro four-wheel drive.

About the Author

Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.

Two wheel drive Yamaha R1 ridden

Hyundai's Affordable Four Wheel Drives

Hyundai has become an increasingly popular carmaker in the Australian market, thanks largely to the ubiquitous Hyundai Excel. But it's in the off-road market where Hyundai is now really making in-roads. Here we look at the off-road offerings from this emerging Korean carmaker.

Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson offers a good off-roader at a great price. A new Tucson will set you back around $30,000 for the standard 2.7 litre V6 five door wagon. For the top of the range Tucson Elite S, you'll pay around $33,000.

The Tucson has air conditioning, automatic transmission, driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes all as standard equipment. One thing to consider though with the Tucson is its lack of real ground clearance which inhibits its off-road abilities. But despite this, the Tucson represents good value for money.

A good one owner Tucson in good condition should be relatively easy to come by. If you are looking at buying a used car, check for off-road damage in the body and try to go for one that has done little or no off-roading. Also, get an inspection from a qualified Hyundai mechanic.

Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe has been a great success story for Hyundai in Australia. The Santa Fe should be considered more as a soft-roader rather than a serious four wheel drive. However, if you're just looking to have a little fun on the weekends, then this may be a viable option for you. The Santa Fe looks great and has the same standard features as the Tucson. The Santa Fe is reasonably priced at around $34,000 brand new.

If you're in the market for a used car, go for a one owner late model, as earlier vehicles weren't built as well as later models. And remember to check underneath and in the body for signs of off-road damage, and get a professional inspection.

Hyundai Terracan
The Hyundai Terracan is much boxier in appearance compared with the Santa Fe and Tucson, but this vehicle is built for more serious off-roading and the boxier shape actually makes it look like it means business in the bush. The Terracan, as opposed to the Santa Fe and Tucson, has good ground clearance offering good entry and exit angles. The Terracan is in permanent four wheel drive and has a two speed transfer box for torque low down when the going gets tough. The Terracan has some little luxuries too, with front fog lights, an MP3 CD player and ABS brakes standard from 2004 models onwards. New car prices start from around $35,500 for the standard model and $37,500 for the Highlander.

If you're looking for a used car, check for steering stability on the open road and check the body for damage from off-road use. Try and go for a one owner car made after 2004 as these will have the extra equipment as standard.

About the Author

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