Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Audi completes second investment wave into South Africa’s EV charging network

Audi South Africa, in partnership with Rubicon, has brought 43 additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations online across the country

Audi has installed 76 fast and ultra-fast EV chargers across South Africa. With the latest addition of chargers, the total number of DC and AC charging connectors contributed by Audi now stands at 127.

These chargers can accommodate a total of 57 EV cars simultaneously, at varying capacities, regardless of model or brand ownership. This is in addition to the brand’s contribution of 70 EV charging connection points nationwide a year ago, when Audi was the first to bring ultra-fast chargers to South Africa.

The latest rollout includes the very first DC 200kW ultra-fast charger in South Africa, which is installed at the largest shopping mall ever built in a single phase – Mall of Africa – enabling compatible cars to ultra-fast charge.

The EV battery of an e-tron GT can be recharged within 15 minutes*. The solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed at Mall of Africa is one of the largest of its kind in the Southern hemisphere, making this installation a progressive statement towards sustainable charging.

EVs are the future of mobility and we’re investing not just in hardware infrastructure, but in making electric mobility simpler and more widely available for South Africans

Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa

The rest of this second phase of infrastructure investment comprises four 100kW (DC), eight 60kW (DC), five 25kW (DC) and twenty-five 22kW (AC) fast EV charger installations at convenient locations across the country to serve all EV customers. The commissioning of the first and second phase of charging infrastructure means that Audi and partners GridCars and Rubicon, have installed 76 fast and ultra-fast EV chargers across South Africa, representing about 28% of public charging stations in the country.

“The rollout of our second phase of EV charging stations is the next step in realising our vision of sustainable mobility and living our mantra that the ‘Future is an Attitude’,” says Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa. “EVs are the future of mobility and we’re investing not just in hardware infrastructure, but in making electric mobility simpler and more widely available for South Africans, thus enabling the local EV market to grow. By fulfilling our promise from early 2022, we’re demonstrating our commitment to helping take SA into the future of mobility”.

The partnership between Audi, GridCars and Rubicon includes a roaming agreement, which allows billing cards to be interoperable across the two networks, making charging even easier, seamless and accessible for Audi e-tron customers and users of other EV brands.

Local availability of more and more EVs, coupled with the increase in fossil fuel costs, will be a major catalyst for EV adoption in South Africa

Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa

Greg Blandford, Director of Rubicon Energy & E-mobility, says that as public interest in EVs grows, so will the drive to integrate charging infrastructure, renewable energy and energy storage systems. “Rubicon is fully immersed and committed to the advancement of renewable energy and deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in South Africa.

With a range between 350 and 480km the Audi e-tron models typically do not require a charge every day

Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa

The global adoption of artificial intelligence, smart devices, greener technologies and carbon reduction initiatives has highlighted and accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles. Local availability of more and more EVs, coupled with the increase in fossil fuel costs, will be a major catalyst for EV adoption in South Africa,” he says.

“While load shedding is a reality to which South Africans have become accustomed, it is worth pointing out that our charging network also capitalises on solar installations, where possible, to keep the charging stations optimally operational,” says Sauer. “With a range between 350 and 480km the Audi e-tron models typically do not require a charge every day, so depending on driving style and daily commuting distances, owners will be able to find their nearest charging station and charge their vehicles regularly, with ease”.

The newly added 43 chargers are spread across the provinces as follows:

Gauteng15
W Cape11
E Cape10
KZN4
Mpumalanga2
Free State1
Total43

All 76 Audi-branded charging stations are part of the charging network that can be accessed here: https://www.chargestations.co.za/oemportal/audi/

What you should know about the batteries in the Audi e-tron range

What is the Audi e-tron battery?

The Audi e-tron features the latest in lithium-ion multicell battery technology. The advanced battery is built within a protective honeycomb structure and has integrated thermal management, designed to help optimise performance in varying conditions.

What maintenance does the Audi e-tron battery require?

The battery has an in-built battery management system and is maintenance free.

How long is the battery warranty?

8 years / 160,000km

What you should know about servicing the Audi e-tron

For over 100 years, Audi’s history has been marked by prestige, automotive ambition and technological excellence.

Here are a few things you need to know about charging the Audi e-tron range which is due to hit our shores soon.

How often do I need to service my Audi e-tron?

Service intervals for the Audi e-tron is 30,000km or 2 years.

Does the Audi e-tron come with Roadside Assist?

Your Audi e-tron has as standard, 24/7 Roadside assistance backed up with our nationwide Dealer network.

When does Roadside Assistance help?

Audi Roadside Assistance helps whenever you have a problem with your Audi and call Audi Assist. Of course this also applies for the Audi e-tron including problems with charging. Services under the conditions of the Audi Assist programme are free of charge for you subject to an active AFP Maintenance Plan.

What happens if a charging station is out of service and I do not have enough range to reach another one?

If the vehicle breaks down or is about to break down due to an empty battery, depending on the situation, Audi Assist provides on-the-spot assistance (e.g. mobile charging) or tows the vehicle to the nearest charging station. Services under the conditions of the Audi Assist programme are free of charge for you subject to an active AFP Maintenance Plan.

Do electric vehicles require special insurance?

This will be at the discretion of your insurance company, however our belief is that there is no difference regarding the insurance of an Audi e-tron versus any other equivalent priced vehicle.

All the basic stuff you ought to know about the Audi e-tron

For over 100 years, Audi’s history has been marked by prestige, automotive ambition and technological excellence.

Here are a few basic things you need to know about the Audi e-tron range which is due to hit our shores soon.

Can you tow with the Audi e-tron? What towing capacity does it offer?

Yes, the Audi e-tron can tow. The tow rating on the Audi e-tron is 1.8 tonne. A tow bar is available as an optional accessory.

What is the range of the Audi e-tron?

WLTP (real world driving test) sets the Audi e-tron 55 quattro range at up to 417km, Audi e-tron 55 Sportback range at up to 446km, and the Audi e-tron 50 quattro Advanced has an estimated range of up to 336km. This is variable based on driving conditions, style, situation and terrain.

The e-tron offers an innovative recuperation system, meaning the vehicle can recover energy in two ways allowing the potential of further range: by means of coasting recuperation when the driver releases the accelerator, or by means of braking recuperation when the brake pedal is depressed. In both cases, the electric motors function as a generator and convert the kinetic energy of the Audi e-tron into electric energy so you can raise your charge level when driving.

What performance does the Audi e-tron deliver?

Two electric motors power the Audi e-tron. The Audi e-tron 55 quattro and e-tron 55 quattro Advaned has a system output of up to 300 kW (in boost mode) and 664 Nm of torque. The Audi SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with top speed electronically governed at 200 km/h.

The Audi e-tron 50 quattro Advanced outputs up to 320 kW and 540 Nm of torque, while accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h.

Is there anything special regarding the Audi e-tron’s handling?

The electric e-tron SUV is optimised for on-road and off-road capability. Placement of the battery gives the Audi e-tron a low centre of gravity, enhancing the dynamics of the vehicle.

Air suspension come standard on the vehicle, allowing customisation at the push of a button.

Does the Audi e-tron feature quattro technology?

quattro has gone electric with the Audi e-tron. Our iconic 4WD system allows all terrain capability within the e-tron model.

What safety systems does the Audi e-tron have?

  • ISOfix child safety system
  • Audi level of active and passive safety features
  • Class leading driver assistance systems
  • Battery – Crash tested safety system

Is there a range of accessories available for the vehicle?

We have a wide range of Audi e-tron accessories available from your local authorised Audi Dealer to suit your needs and lifestyle including roof rails and attachments to mount roof boxes.

What you should know about charging the Audi e-tron

For over 100 years, Audi’s history has been marked by prestige, automotive ambition and technological excellence.

Here are a few things you need to know about charging the Audi e-tron range which is due to hit our shores soon.

Does the Audi e-tron come with a charger?

Each Audi e-tron comes standard with an AC charging unit and two charging cords – a standard domestic 3 pin 16 amp plug and a 32 amp industrial plug and cable (recommended) capable of up-to 7.2kW charging.

What can I do to prepare my home for electric vehicle charging?

Audi South Africa will partner with a certified installation service provider to provide you with home energy solutions to ensure you can charge your Audi e-tron in the best possible way. For further information please contact your preferred Audi e-tron Dealer.

What is the anticipated charging time for the Audi e-tron?

Most of us will charge our electric vehicle just like our cell phone – overnight on trickle charge, and at the lowest rate provided by the energy supplier. Charging time will vary based on your electrical current supply i.e. 16 amp/32 amp and the charge state of your e-tron’s battery.

Estimated charge time against 32 amp power supply is approx. 13 hours from flat to fully charged. An overnight 8 hour charge will give you approx. 240km of range. Charging stations outside of your home will have a varying kW charge, however are generally at a 50 kW level, allowing a full charge from flat in a little under 2 hours.

What effect will loadshedding have?

Loadshedding is generally managed and scheduled per area, so you should be able to plan around this. Most home-charging takes place overnight, when loadshedding does not usually occur.

If at any time, loadshedding takes place when you need to charge your e-tron, you may find a suitable public charging facility close to your place of residence.

The range is the Audi e-tron is sufficient, so that often, with usual daily commuting, daily charging is not always necessary.

Are there many charging stations outside of the main cities? How do I find them?

Yes, there are many public charging stations around the country for fast (DC) charging. We are partnering with a leading and reputable service provider to ensure customers have access to the available public charging stations across the country.

  • NB: The above answers about charging the e-tron are based on the Audi e-tron 55. Some of these questions will also apply to other plug-in hybrid and fully electric models.

Meet the future: Audi e-tron range heading to South Africa

For over 100 years, Audi’s history has been marked by prestige, automotive ambition and technological excellence.

Audi South Africa is fully embracing the global drive towards premium sustainable mobility and looks forward to progressing this topic locally in an effort to reshape the way South Africans view electric vehicles. 

“Across the world, the automotive industry is announcing plans to phase out combustion engines to advance the transformation of the industry for the future. As Audi South Africa we see ourselves as being in a position to contribute to this global vision, and having the responsibility to do that. Not only are we aligned with the importance of sustainability, but we have the technology, performance and design credentials within our e-tron range, to offer our premium customers an all-electric drive that will inspire and excite,” said Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa.

Announcing our electric vehicle range is a key part our objective to have the youngest and freshest product offering in the market.

– Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa

As part of this local commitment, Audi South Africa will introduce a fully-fledged e-tron range in the local market and this will include:

Under the SUV category:        The Audi e-tron 50 and e-tron 55

Under the CUV category:        The Audi e-tron Sportback 55 and e-tron Sportback S

Under the high-performancecategory:     The Audi e-tron GT and Audi RS e-tron GT

This year has already been successful for the Audi brand in South Africa with many new product introductions, and the launch of these electric vehicles early in 2022 will be an exciting crescendo to this new model offensive.

“Announcing our electric vehicle range is a key part of our objective to have the youngest and freshest product offering in the market and we’re excited to share more details with our customers on our electric journey over the next few months, leading up to the e-tron range’s official model introduction in quarter one next year,” Sauer concluded.

Product specification and pricing associated with the e-tron range will be announced closer to retail launch. 

New on the Tarmac: Get ready for Audi’s blistering new RS 6 Avant & RS 7 Sportback

Audi has refined the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback to make it even more suitable for everyday use.

The Audi RS 6 Avant, in its fourth generation, continues to mark its iconic status while the Audi RS7 Sportback, its second generation, undergoes a striking design. 

Innovative exterior design

The entire front-end of both models are differentiated to the maximum. In addition to the new hood together with power dome, the performance models adopt a flatter, sportier headlight structure which offer HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and darkened trims as a standard feature. 

 

The dynamic rear-end consists of the roof edge spoiler and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black. In hallmark RS style, the RS exhaust system flows on both sides into oval chrome-coloured tailpipes – an RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipes is standard.

The performance models are fitted as standard with RS-specific wheels with a 22-inch 5-V-spoke design with 285/30 tyres in silver, matt titanium look, gloss turned finish, and gloss turned anthracite black finish. The calipers of the RS brake system are painted red as standard and blue on the optional RS ceramic brakes. 

The range of colours for the new models encompasses eight exterior paint finishes, including the two RS-specific shades of Nardo grey and Sebring black. 

 
V8 power

The 4.0 TFSI in the new Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback produces 441 kW and delivers 800 Nm of torque. The high-performance models sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h; this can be increased to 280 km/h with the RS Dynamic package.

The power produced by the 4.0 TFSI flows via the standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission 

 
Local pricing and availability

The new Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback go on sale in South Africa from 1 April 2021. The RS models are priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:

Audi RS 6 Avant TFSI quattro                R 2,070,000

Audi RS 7 Sportback TFSI quattro        R 2,173,500

WATCH: Ignition GT promo – Vuyi Mpofu chats about the Audi RS model range & Toyota Starlet

Thank you so much for joining us for the Toyota Starlet studio discussion Vuyi!

– ZIMKHITA KWEZA, JUNIOR PRODUCER, IGNITION GT

The next episode of Ignition GT featuring our Editor Vuyi Mpofu debuts on Saturday 20th February at 10:30am on DSTV channel 189.

In the full episode she shares her thoughts on the Toyota Starlet and Audi RS 4 & RS 5 model ranges being released in April 2021.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHskJq9ChGk

This episode also airs on the following dates:


SAT 20 Feb
10:30 IGNITION GT
SUN 21 Feb 16:30 IGNITION GT
MON 22 Feb 00:30 IGNITION GT
MON 22 Feb 10:30 IGNITION GT
TUE 23 Feb 04:30 IGNITION GT
WED 24 Feb 05:30 IGNITION GT
WED 24 Feb 20:30 IGNITION GT
THUR  25Feb 08:30 IGNITION GT
THUR 25 Feb 17:30 IGNITION GT
FRI 26 Feb 14:30 IGNITION GT

Meet the refreshed Audi RS4 and RS 5 models

Audi’s performance range has been extended with two fresh and distinct updates in the form of the new RS4 Avant and RS 5

Audi has fine-tuned many details of the RS 4 Avant and RS 5 model ranges (Sportback and Coupé). The front section of the new RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Sportback and Coupé has been completely redesigned and features the three-dimensional honeycomb structure in gloss black that is typical for the RS model series. To give it a clean look, the Singleframe is designed without a frame. 

The shape of the LED headlights have also been redesigned and matrix LED headlights now come standard on the RS 5 range but are optional on the RS 4 Avant. 

Both models have wider wheel arches aiding to a more sportier and powerful stance. The matte aluminium styling package is the standard exterior appearance Upon request or part of the extended black styling package, the Audi rings and the RS nameplates can be painted black.

On the RS 5 models, the side sills and the diffuser insert at the rear end, which encloses the two large tailpipes of the exhaust system, have also been redesigned. The Coupé is fitted with a carbon roof. Both models come standard with the RS sport exhaust system which creates a particularly sporty sound experience and 20” Audi Sport alloy wheels.

  • Engine
  • Engine compartment
Cool and connected: the interior

Horizontal lines and dark colours dominate the interior of the revised RS models. LED light guides trace the contours of the doors and the centre console—doing so in up to 30 different colours in combination with the standard contour ambient lighting package. 

The RS sport seats are covered with fine Nappa leather in black or moon silver and honeycomb stitching as part of the standard offering. 

The new operating concept of the two RS model ranges is concentrated on a 10.1-inch MMI touch display which is slightly inclined toward the driver. The Audi virtual cockpit plus (12.3-inch display in full HD resolution) is another standard offering across both RS model ranges. The driver can select between multiple graphic views – classic; dynamic and sport, suited to a layout preference. 

The optional head-up display also offers exclusive RS graphics and the standard Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound completes both model ranges with acoustic excellence.

Traction, dynamism, and stability: the drive

At the heart of the RS 4 and 5 models is a heart-thumping 2.9 TFSI twin-turbo V6 churning 331 kW and a whopping 600 Nm of torque. All models accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of up to 280 km/h upon request.

A quick-shifting eight-speed tiptronic directs the power of the engine to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The driver can control the gear change via the new larger aluminium shift paddles. All models come standard with the RS sports suspension which provides a comfortable on-road driving experience

Pricing and availability

The new Audi RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Sportback and Coupé will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 April 2021. The RS models are priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:

Audi RS 4 Avant TFSI quattro             R 1,296,000

Audi RS 5 Coupé TFSI quattro            R1,394,500

Audi RS 5 Sportback TFSI quattro      R1,409,500

New on the Tarmac: Meet the Ferocious new Audi R8

No other Audi is closer to motor racing: The Audi R8 is the dynamic spearhead and the fastest volume-production model of the Audi Sport brand. The revised version of the high-performance sports car as a Coupé and Spyder hosts an even sharper design. VIP customer deliveries of the dynamic Audi R8 V10 performance quattro have officially begun in South Africa.

This is part of a pre-launch strategy ahead of the performance sports car’s official retail launch from 1 April 2021.

POWER AND TORQUE

The V10 is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2 FSI engine paired to a 7-speed S tronic gearbox, offering 449 kW and 560 Nm of torque. The Audi R8 V10 Coupé sprints to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and the Spyder takes 3.3 seconds. Top speed is a blistering 329 km/h.  

Audi R8 customers can enjoy the standard high-gloss black styling package as a sporty exterior look to their sports car. The front splitter, the sill trims and diffuser are all finished off in black accents, with an option to upgrade the exterior look to the gloss carbon RS exterior parts which creates an aggressively sportier look. 

LED headlamps and rear lights with dynamic turn signals and high-beam control are standard with an option to upgrade to the Audi laser light at an extra cost.

INTERIOR

The new look extends to the interior of the Audi R8 with its driver focus orientation. New options here include the R8 sports seat with fine Nappa leather and diamond stitching as standard. Customers are able to select between the upholstery colours of red, white or black.

The operating concept, the Audi virtual cockpit and the MMI

The driver sits in the new Audi R8 like in a race car. The entire operating concept focuses on the driver alone, who can operate all key functions without having to take their hands off the steering wheel or look away from the road. 

The R8 performance multifunction steering wheel plus integrates three satellite buttons in addition to its push-buttons for the MMI. One is used to start and stop the engine, the second is used to select the basic modes of Audi drive select and the third for the performance programs.

Other key standard equipment includes: rear view camera, electric and folding exterior mirrors, comfort key, parking aid plus, R8 sport seats, seat heaters, tyre mobility kit with a tyre pressure monitoring system (to name a few).

 

Local pricing and availability

The updated Audi R8 range is priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:

Audi R8 Coupé V10 performance quattro        R3,336,000

Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro       R3,592,500

Meet the new, sportier, cutting edge Audi A4

The A4 represents the core of the Audi brand.

After four years in the making, the successful midsize sedan is now tauter, sportier and more intelligent than before. Its exterior has evolved into Audi’s new design language and the introduction of the large MMI touch display offers the kind of operating experience that customers will be familiar with from their smartphone.

Further to this, the new Audi A4 is the brand’s first model to usher in fully integrated connectivity functions with Audi connect, thereby enabling safety and service; security and convenience as well real-time infotainment functions to the driving experience.

The engine options now come with a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) which allows for efficiency and comfort from broad-based electrification. This combination of advanced design, new technology, an efficient and connected driving experience, makes the product improvement on the Audi A4 quite a substantial package in the premium B-Sedan segment.

SPORTY LOOKS: The midsize model looks even more dynamic and sophisticated thanks to the sportier design highlights.  The Singleframe grille is now broader and flatter; horizontal lines emphasize the width at the front and rear.  The side view is defined by the distinctive muscles above the fenders and the lower set shoulder line in between. They form strong contours above the wheels and make the quattro genes outwardly visible.

LED headlights now come standard in the Audi A4 and are available in different variations.

LED headlights now come standard in the Audi A4 and are available in different variations. The 35 TFSI features low beam, high beam and daytime running lights in LED technology. The 40 TFSI and S4 will feature a higher version of LED including a different daytime running light design and dynamic indicators for the rear; also available optionally is the top-of-the-line Matrix LED headlights with fully automatic high beam.

The equipment line concept is equally new: standard, Advanced and S line are now available for the exterior, not to mention the independent look of the S model with the standard high gloss styling package to accentuate it’s exterior look. 

Customers can choose from 12 paint colours, including a new Terra Grey colour option.

When it comes to the wheel options, 17” size is configured as standard on the entry trimline and a 18” standard wheel size on the Advanced and S line trims. There is an option to upgrade to 19” for a further sportier look. The Audi S4 offers 19” wheels as standard with a choice of three designs.

MODEL RANGE: Audi will be offering the A4 model line with three turbocharged engines in South Africa. Their power outputs range from 110 kW to 260 kW – from the Audi A4 35 TFSI up to the Audi S4 TFSI. For the market launch in October 2020, two engine variants (A4 35 TFSI and 40 TFSI) will feature a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) based on 12 volts, which reduces fuel consumption while improving comfort. This broad-based electrification makes an important contribution to achieving positive fuel consumption. In everyday use, the MHEV system reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres according to individual Audi measurements.  All A4 models come off the production line with an automatic transmission as standard.

The model range is detailed below:

ModelEngine (l)Power (kW)Torque (Nm)
Audi A4 35 TFSI Standard2.0 TFSI110270
Audi A4 35 TFSI Advanced2.0 TFSI110270
Audi A4 40 TFSI Standard2.0 TFSI140320
Audi A4 40 TFSI Advanced2.0 TFSI140320
Audi A4 40 TFSI S line2.0 TFSI140320
Audi S43.0 TFSI260500

The range is expected to include a diesel engine in quarter one of 2021.

THE AUDI S4 TFSI: The 3.0 TFSI offering follows from the previous generation Audi S4. It combines sports car performance with good levels of efficiency and also impresses with high power, ample torque, spontaneous response and a sonorous sound. The direct petrol injection engine with turbocharging has an output of 260 kW and produces a hefty torque of 500 Nm from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm.

The turbo V6 engine accelerates the Audi S4 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. In the new S4, a fast and smoothly shifting eight-speed tiptronic handles the power transfer. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive makes a large contribution to the sporty handling of the S4. In normal driving, it distributes engine forces with a slight emphasis of the rear wheels – if necessary the majority of forces can be directed to the axle with better traction.

LOCAL PACKAGES: The new Audi A4 range will offer the package concept as introduced on other new models launched in South Africa. The packages include:

  • Comfort
  • Technology
  • Sport
  • Lights (35 TFSI only)
  • Assistance / City Assistance / Lane Assistance

MARKET INTRODUCTION AND PRICING: The Audi A4 range is currently available for sale at all Audi Dealerships in South Africa.

The model range is priced as follows:

  • Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic:   R 644,000
  • Audi A4 35 TFSI Advanced S tronic:   R 663,000
  • Audi A4 40 TFSI S tronic:   R 681,500
  • Audi A4 40 TFSI Advanced S tronic:   R 700,500
  • Audi A4 40 TFSI S line S tronic:   R 726,500
  • Audi S4 TFSI 260kW quattro tiptronic:  R 944,500

All models come standard with the 5 year / 100 000km Audi Freeway plan, inclusive of all taxes.

Audi launches an affordable service plan for older vehicles

Audi has launched the AudiSmart Service plan, an affordable new service offering which is applicable to all Audi vehicles that are 6 to 13 years old (or within a maximum mileage threshold of 270 000 KM), and which fall out of the standard Audi Freeway Plan or Freeway Plan Extension. This progressive new plan includes cover for two years and/or 30 000 KM (whichever occurs first) and includes two minor oil change services at a significantly discounted price.

The AudiSmart Service offering allows older Audi models to continue being serviced

– Hassan Salie, Head of Aftersales and Dealer Development at Audi South Africa

AudiSmart Service ensures that only trained Audi technicians will maintain the vehicle, according to the highest standards of Vorsprung service excellence. Further to this, only genuine Audi parts, specialised Audi equipment and diagnostic tools will be used in servicing the car. The plan can also be topped up at any Audi Dealership in order to cover a major service need. As part of a value added service to this package, the AudiSmart Service plan also includes comprehensive roadside assistance (Audi Assist) as an added benefit.

“The AudiSmart Service offering allows older Audi models to continue being serviced or return their servicing history at a franchised Audi Dealership which prides itself in offering the best and most comprehensive care for an Audi, said Hassan Salie, Head of Aftersales and Dealer Development at Audi South Africa. “There are many, older Audi vehicles in the market which are not covered by the Audi Freeway Plan or Freeway Plan Extension. The AudiSmart Service plan thereby gives those drivers an affordable Audi servicing option based on experienced labour and brand assurance,” he added.

AudiSmart Service plans retail from R4,800 and are available at any Audi Dealership around South Africa. The newly launched plan is part of the Audi South Africa’s suite of service and maintenance options within the Audi Freeway Plan (5 years and/or 100 000 KM) and Freeway Plan Extension (10 years and/or 300 00 KM) portfolio. These products are all available to Audi drivers throughout their various ownership cycles.