Success in “Best cars of 2011” survey: Audi takes top honors in four categories

Again this year, the Audi success story continues in the “Best cars of 2011” reader survey, conducted by Germany’s specialist car magazine “auto motor und sport” (ams). Readers awarded top honors to four Audi models – the Audi A1, the A4/A5, the R8 Spyder and the Audi Q5. The second-ranked Audi A8 and the third-place A3, A6 and R8 Coupé round out the outstanding result.

The four first-place awards make Audi the most successful brand in this year’s survey. Straight away, the Audi A1 took first place in the “Small Car” category by a clear margin – adding yet another prestigious reader’s choice award in Germany to the sub-compact car’s accolades, after the “Golden Steering Wheel” and the “Auto Trophy.”

In the “Convertible” category, the Audi R8 Spyder repeated its success from the previous year. The Audi Q5 also successfully defended its title in the “SUV” category. And for the fourth consecutive year, the award in the “Midsize Class” went to the A4/A5 model series.

Second- and third-place awards rounded out the impressive showing. The readers of ams magazine awarded a second-place finish to the Audi A8 in the “Luxury Class” category. Receiving third place honors were the A3 in the “Compact Class,” the A6 in the “Upper Midsize Class” and the R8 Coupé among the “Sports Cars.”

This marked the thirty-fifth time that “auto motor und sport” magazine had conducted the survey – nearly 93,000 readers cast their votes in 10 categories and among 315 models.

Models

4.2 feature highlights:

	19" five-arm double-spoke wheels with summer performance tires This premium wheel is the perfect complement to the athlectic and powerful R8. The lightweight alloy helps to improve driving dynamics.
	Audi xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights The signature Audi xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and high-intensity headlights not only add a distinct look to the vehicle, they also improve visibility while using half of the energy of conventional bulbs.
	Audi concert system with single CD player with MP3 playback capability, AM/FM radio, auxiliary input jack and speed-dependent volume control This stereo system integrates 140 watts of power, MP3 capability, a CD player and auxiliary input for easy access to a variety of music devices. Aside from exceptional sound quality, the system also features the Radio Data System (RDS), which displays several types of AM, FM and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio information.
	HomeLink® and Bluetooth® HomeLink@ seamlessly integrates the driver and the vehicle using a simple, three-button system to control your garage door, gates and even lights in your home. This feature includes preparation for Bluetooth handsfree interface for mobile devices.
	Leather/Alcantara® sport seats Complementing the seat's pronounced side bolsters are Silver stitching and race-bred Alcantara® inserts. The suede-like Alcantara® material provides increased grip for both driver and passenger during spirited driving.