Audi revitalises A3 and TT

Unlike sister brand SEAT, Audi has decided against sweeping price cuts to boost sales in the wake of the credit crunch and resulting car sales slump.

Beginning with the A3 hatchback, which will be going into its sixth year in 2009, Audi has taken it to the dark side. The A3 Black Edition is based on the existing S line specification, but imbues Audi's baby with a darker, sportier edge. Available with the 1.8- and 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engines, and the 138bhp and 168bhp TDI diesel units, the Black Edition is de-chromed and available in five different colours. Spec includes titanium 18-inch alloys, Xenon headlamps, piano black dash trim, a top-of-the-range Bose stereo system and a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel.

And from January 1st the TT coupé will be available in S line trim for a premium of just over £1,000. It adds a sporty body kit, chrome tail pipes, 18-inch alloys and lowered suspension. The ubiquitous sports car also gets optional quattro four-wheel drive for 2.0-litre TFSI versions and a standard S tronic dual clutch gearbox.

Audi arguably doesn't need to make widespread price cutting to keep buyers interested in its cars, as its year-to-date sales last month were up by 0.2 percent - in stark contrast to the majority of its suffering peers.

Mark Nichol