VIDEO: Suzuki Pits Kizashi Against Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and Volvo S40 in New Ads

Even though Suzuki had high hopes for the new Kizashi, sales of the sedan model haven't exactly blown the socks out of anyone this year. In fact, in the U.S., Suzuki has only managed to deliver a mere 5,269 units of the four-door saloon through November. Do the math and that comes to under 500 cars a month.

But the Japanese automaker isn't about to throw in the towel, not just yet. Marking one of its largest advertising campaigns in years, Suzuki has launched an ambition set of edgy ads pitting the Kizashi against similar sized models in the luxury segment such as the Mercedes-Benz C350, Audi A4 and the Volvo S40.

In each case, the Kizashi is shown in a side-by-side test with one of the aforementioned models plus an outsider, and by that we mean a motorized sofa, a man covered in a bubble-wrap suit and a stretch limousine. Well, you can't blame Suzuki for not having a sense of humor. Scroll down to watch all three ads in the videos below.

Source: Suzuki & Autonews

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New Audi A4 2.0 TDI with 136HP and 4.4lt/100km [53.5mpg]

Audi is extending its A4 range in Europe with the addition of a new and more fuel efficient 2.0 TDI version that is available in both sedan and Avant (Audi talk for Station Wagon) body styles. This variant of the VW Group's 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine produces 136HP (100 kW) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque, the latter being available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.

In addition, both the A4 Saloon and Avant 2.0 TDI benefit from the use of a six-speed manual transmission with lengthened gear ratios and forged 16-inch alloy wheels shod in 205/60 low rolling resistance tires. The aerodynamic tweaks to the body and a lower ride height complete the package.

The end result of all these changes on the sedan is a combined fuel consumption of 4.4 liters of diesel per 100 km (53.5 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 115 grams per km (185.07 g/mile). In comparison, the A4 with the 143HP 2.0 TDI consumes 5.0 lt/100km or 47 mpg US. As for the A4 Avant, it returns 4.6 liters (51.1 mpg US) and 120 grams (193.12).

According to Audi, CO2 emissions have been reduced by four and nine grams, respectively, compared with the previous models.

In terms of performance, the sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph), while the Avant completes the standard sprint in 9.8 seconds and tops out at 208 km/h (129 mph).

Both the A4 2.0 TDI sedan and Avant models are offered in the Attraction trim line, with prices in Germany starting from €31,600 and €33,250, respectively.

Audi Sells One Millionth Vehicle in China after 22yrs, Plans to Reach the Next Million within 3yrs

Audi reached a new milestone on Wednesday with the sale of its one millionth vehicle in China. The car was a metallic blue Q5 crossover, which was handed over to a customer from Changchun. The German company said of the 1 million cars delivered to Chinese customers, 950,000 were produced in Changchun and the other 50,000 imported.

"This record is yet another milestone in the history of Audi in China," remarked Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG. "We were the first premium brand in China 22 years ago and have been the unrivaled market leader in this segment ever since – a success story we're extremely proud of."

As demand in China for luxury cars continues to boom, Audi believes it can reach the next million there by 2014.

"Over the entire year, we will deliver well over 200,000 cars to customers in China," stated Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, President of Audi China. "And we have already set our sights firmly on the next sales target: We intend to reach the second million within the next three years."

The history of the brand from Ingolstadt in China began in 1988 with a license agreement between Audi and FAW covering the assembly of the Audi 100 with imported parts kits. In 1995, the VW Group and FAW formed a new joint venture resulting in the local production of the Audi 200 a year later. In Changchun today, the company with the four-rings produces the long-wheelbase A6L and A4L and, since 2009, the Q5 for the Chinese market.

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Paris Preshow: 2011 Seat Exeo with Interior Refinements, LED Tail Lights and New 7-Speed CVT

Seat is debuting the 2011 model year versions of its Exeo sedan and ST estate at this week's Paris Auto Show. The VW Group owned company says that both models, which are based on the previous generation Audi A4, are roomier, as there is more space available to backseat passengers after redesigning the front seats and rear bench, while other updates include the introduction of a 7-speed Multitronic transmission on the 2.0 TDI CR Diesel version.

Thanks to some minor revisions to the front seat back and rear bench designs, room in the back is said to have increased by 44 millimeters (+1.7-inches) without affecting seating comfort [according to Seat] or luggage space.

Under the hood, Seat has equipped the 143-hp 2.0 TDI CR Diesel version with the continuously variable Multitronic gearbox. The transmission on this model offers a sport program that delivers gear shifting at higher rev speeds, and a 7-speed manual mode controlled via steering wheel mounted shift paddles.

According to Seat, this combination returns an average fuel consumption of 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers, which is equal to 40.6 mpg US and 48.7 mpg UK.

Other changes include the revised tail lamps featuring LED technology and the addition of a new 230 V socket on the central console.

More details including availability will be released at the Paris motor show.

Stealthy Audi A4 Avant Black Arrow by AVUS Performance

Continuing its love affair with blacked-out Audis, German tuning boutique Avus Performance swiped the covers off its latest pumped up model, the A4 Avant Black Arrow. The car displayed here is equipped with a 2.7-liter turbo diesel engine that has been enhanced with a Stage 1 ECU upgrade boosting output from 190bhp and 295 lb/ft of torque to 230bhp and 358 lb/ft.

And if you don't own the 2.7 TDI model, no need to worry as the tuning firm said that it offers performance upgrades for the 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI diesel engines as well.

Besides the blacked out exterior and the engine massage, the Black Arrow package for the A4 Avant also includes massive 21-inch alloy wheels in a glossy black finish and a lowering suspension kit.

New Audi A3 with 1.2-liter TSI and A4 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel to Premiere in Frankfurt

Along with the supercharged S5 Sportback, Audi's Frankfurt motorshow stand will also host the world premiere of two more new models, the A3 with a new 1.2 TFSI and the Euro-6 compliant A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro. Starting off with the A3, the 1.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct-injection produces an output of 105 HP and 175Nm (129lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm.

Initially paired with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, the small displacement engine propels the three-door A3 from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 11.1 seconds and the five-door Sportback, in 11.3 seconds. Both versions reach a top speed of 190 km/h or 118 mph) and, on average, consume 5.5 lt of fuel per 100 km which is the U.S. equivalent of 42.77 mpg.

European sales of the A3 and A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI will begin in the first quarter of 2010.

Moving on the A4, Audi is introducing to the range a 3.l0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine with a new common-rail injection system that generates up to 2,000 bars of pressure. It also comes with a new eNOX catalytic converter, integrated within the end of the exhaust system that reduces residual nitrogen oxides.

The new diesel that complies with the emission limits of the EU's Euro 6 standard, expected to become law in 2014, allows the A4 sedan to return a combined fuel economy of 6.7 lt /100km and the Avant, 6.8 lt/00km (35.1 and 34.6 mpg U.S).

Power is transferred to all wheels through a six-speed tiptronic with the A4 sedan needing only 6.2 seconds for the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint and the A4 Avant, 6.3 seconds. In both models top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h or 155mph.

*The cars shown in the article are not the A3 1.2 TSI and A4 3.0 TDI quattro as Audi has yet to release photos of the specific models

Audi Confirms U.S. Pricing on S4 Sedan, A5 and S5 Cabriolet Models

Audi has announced official pricing for the U.S. market 2010 S4 sedan and A5 and S5 Cabriolet models. The two S models that are powered by a 333HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6 will arrive at Audi showrooms in late August while the A5 Convertible will enhance the firm's range in the Fall. Set to compete against the BMW 335i, the 2010 S4 sedan is priced at $45,900 for the six-speed manual gearbox model and at $47,300 for those that prefer the S-Tronic twin-clutch transmission.

When equipped with a manual transmission, the S4 delivers a 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of 4.9 seconds, compared to a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds for the previous S4 V8 manual while the its also more fuel efficient than its predecessor returning 18 mpg city/27 highway, compared to the previous-generation 2008 S4 V8 manual ratings of 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway.

The A5 Cabriolet that features a fully automated soft top will be offered with a base 2.0-liter TSI engine and a range topping 333HP 3.0 TSI for the S5 model. The front-wheel drive A5 Cabriolet 2.0T Mutlitronic is priced at $42,000 while the Tiptronic Quattro model at $44,100. As for the S5 Cabriolet, it starts from $58,250.

Buyers should be aware that Audi will add a $825 destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges to all MSRPs.

MTM Tunes Audi S4 3.0 TFSI to 430HP, A6 3.0 TFSI to 360HP

Bavarian tuner Motoren Technic Mayer, best known for its high-performance Audi models, has turned its attention on the German firm's new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine. On the Audi S4 sedan and Avant models, MTM's treatment lifts output from 333HP and 440Nm (324.53 lb-ft) to 430HP and 515Nm (379.8 lb-ft) of torque which is even more than the previous generation RS4 that churned out 420 horsepower and 430Nm of torque.

Among the other hardware being offered on the Audi S4 are 19- and 21-inch Bimoto alloy wheels and a quad-pipe sport exhaust system plus a height adjustable suspension and a high-performance brake system.

As for the Audi A6 3.0 TFSI, MTM's engine kit boosts the supercharged V6's output from 290 horsepower to 360 horsepower.

Audi Q5 and A4 Allroad Quattro Get New Entry-Level Engines

A new entry-level diesel is available for both the Audi Q5 SUV and the A4 allroad quattro crossover while the Q5 also gets a new base gasoline unit in the form of the 2.0 TSI. The diesel engine is a 2.0-liter TDI with common rail high-pressure injection that produces 143HP and a maximum torque of 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. The base 2.0-liter TSI makes 180HP and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque from 1,500 to 3,900 rpm. Both engines are linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Audi claims that the 2.0 TFSI accelerates the Q5 from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.5 seconds while returning an average fuel consumption of 8.4 liters per 100km or 28.0mpg US. With the 2.0 TDI, the Q5 goes to 100 km/h from rest in 11.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 190km/h or 118mph while averaging 6.5 liters of diesel fuel per 100km (36.19mpg US).

The A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI with the six-speed manual transmission consumes an average of 6.2 liters per 100km (37.94mpg US). The German automaker said it reaches the 100km/h mark (62mph) in 10.3 seconds and can accelerate up to 200 km/h or 124 mph.

In Germany, prices for the Audi Q5 start at €36,800 for the 2.0 TFSI petrol and €36,500 for the 2.0 TDI diesel, while the base price for the A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI is €37,100.

Uber-Fuel Efficient Audi A4 TDIe with 61mpg Available for Order

Audi's UK division has opened the order books on the most fuel-efficient version of its A4 saloon, the 2.0 TDIe which returns a combined economy figure of 61.4mpg Imp. (4.6lt/100km or 51/1mpg US) and a low CO2 output of 120g/km. Available exclusively is sedan form and priced from £23,340 OTR, the Audi A4 2.0 TDIe will reach its first customers in October.

The latest 'e' model in Audi's range is powered by a 136HP version of the 2.0-liter TDI engine first seen in the A6 2.0 TDIe. Producing 320Nm of torque from 1,750rpm, the directly injected diesel that is linked to exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox allows the A4 2.0 TDIe to reach 62mph (100km/h) from standstill in 9.5 seconds and go on to a top speed of 134mph or 215km/h.

The A4 2.0 TDIe employs various efficiency measures such as a start-stop system, recuperation technology that recycles a proportion of the wasted kinetic energy under braking, a five per cent increase in the transmission's final drive ratio and low rolling resistance tires plus grille and under-body modifications combined with a lowered sports suspension to enhance aerodynamics.

Teen Allegedly Crashes Audi S4 at 155mph, Police Supposedly Find Video Evidence on Youtube

According to a report from 'Channel 3000', a Middleton High School teenager driving an Audi S4 was involved in an accident that occurred earlier this month on a highway south of Verona. While there's nothing surprising about that, here's where the story gets interesting. It is reported that before the crash, the youngster was going 155mph or 250km/h and that one of the passengers recorded his 'accomplishments' on video which he then uploaded on Youtube.

The report goes on to say that the video was discovered by the police and that the authorities are "consulting with the district attorney about additional charges - possibly reckless endangerment because passengers were in the vehicle."

Truth is, we're kind of cautious about the details. For one, it is said that no one was injured during the crash - something that we find extremely hard to believe if the accident happened at a speed even remotely close to 155mph.

Furthermore, the video on Youtube shown here is not the original, it was uploaded by another user claiming that the original had been removed. We also checked the press releases from Dane County Sheriff's department and the Dane County Government, but didn't find anything on the specific crash/incident. We're not saying it didn't happen this way, but we'd like to see something more official before we make any conclusions.

Source: Channel3000 , Via: Jalopnik