Back in the limelight, Audi aims to steal the show
E-Tron. Q4. Quattro.Three names that if people voted for them as the cast for a new tech-thriller movie they would only be half wrong.Those who love cars can't help themselves when the big players get into the act.And after a slightly quiet year or two, German mammoth Audi has lifted the lid on how it plans to ride the new wave clean energy with its new Q4 SUV - an all-electric family wagon set to push the EV message along. And it's powerful stuff.The Audi Q4 Sportback 55-etron quattro (yes, quite a mouthful) feels as fresh and beautiful as anything to leave the German design studios in more than a year.
That, in turn, has been a time for Audi to consolidate its position before the launch of a new vehicle and models.The remainder of 2025 promises to be packed with new designs and better technologies with the launch of up to a handful of models.This Q4 Sportback seems set to make its mark.Kindly, Audi has completed the package by delivering performance numbers to match the good looks. Instant thrust from its two electric motors make it fast without being fierce.Acceleration to reach the speed limit in just over five seconds won't earn any headlines, perhaps, but the Q4 brings refinement and comfort that more than justify its $100,000-plus pricetag.Yes, 250kW and 545Nm feels a bit bland considering many of its rivals are thinking about power and performance to double or dwarf that Audi figure.But those sneering at the Audi's "pace and grace recipe" (sorry, Jaguar) will no doubt be judged by not just how quickly get you there, but the kind of relaxed style in which you arrive.
This is where Audi will look to grow its audience.At a quick glance the model will add two all-new models - the Q4 and Q6 plugging a gap in the range that previously separated the compact sales machine that is the Q3 and the mid-sized Q5 people-pleaser.
While not all has been revealed in its latest plans, there appears to be interesting additions to the range which might soon grow by another six or more. And this car, with its broad and reachable appeal, might be the one to make the biggest noise.After all, when the motors go quiet, you need some way to spice up the party.The slinky, distinguished Q4 will hit the showrooms in the next few weeks with an enticing price tag of $107,500.The test machine came with the additional investment of metallic paint ($1755 for a classy hue called Typhoon grey) and a $2925 panoramic package.Like all the big marques, Audi has chipped away at the idea that high-end cars should enjoy third-party entertainment platforms such as Lexus' collaboration with Mark Levinson, BMW's close company with Harmon-Kardon and, sparing no expense, Audi's new partner is SONOS.That's part of a technology stack in the Q4 that's almost as long as your arm.That includes e-quattro variable all-wheel-drive system, matrix headlights with front and rear indicators, exterior mirrors with electronic fold, auto dimming, auto and memory function and kerb-side function on the passenger side - a must so you don't scrape those beautiful 21-inch Audi Sport alloys.Luxury kit includes ambient interior lighting, multi-function twin-spoke sports steering wheel, three-zone climate control, Audi virtual cockpit with 10.25 high-resolution screen and 360-degree parking aide.A car for the movie stars, except this way you get a more sophisticated kind of fellow buyer.AUDI Q4 SPORTBACK 55-E-TRON QUATTROHOW BIG? Its location in the range between Q3 and Q5 confirms the new Sportback might steal the spotlight from one or both of its numerical rivals.HOW FAST? We've become a bit blase about the mind-numbing performanceof many cars joining the EV fray, but maybe these more sensible outputs could be an indication of car-makers pulling back on the throttle.HOW THIRSTY? Its 82 kWh battery capacity ensures you don't have to feel guilty about all of those kilowatts.HOW MUCH? With an entry-level price of $107,500, the Q4 is within reach of delivering an affordable European luxury EV.
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15 hours ago
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Former Royal Australian Navy submariners take the plunge with local craft beer brand Deep Elite Brewing
After working underwater for more than a decade in submarines as part of the Royal Australian Navy, Brydon Maslin and Ryan Wilson are now the crew behind local craft beer brand, Deep Elite Brewing. By coincidence, the Adelaide-born brewers both joined the navy on March 10, 2008 but didn't cross paths until they joined the submarine force in Perth. They worked as marine technicians with the Australian fleet around the world, before settling in WA. Both dabbled in home brewing, before deciding to make beer together and joining local ale enthusiasts club West Coast Brewers. The duo started with basic plastic fermenters before transitioning to a stainless steel brewkit. Not one to do things by half, Mr Maslin soon had 14 taps of beer in his back shed so he could host parties, such as birthdays and Oktoberfest celebrations. They even handed out feedback forms so their mates could share their thoughts on the amateur brews. Mr Maslin jokes that the forms equated to research and development, making those early beers tax deductable. Deep Elite's campaign took what Mr Wilson calls a significant turn when they bought a single canning machine and hand-labeller to make beers for friends and family. 'Their encouragement led us to explore the idea of starting our own brewery,' he said. 'Deep Elite Brewing was born, inspired by our submarine background.' The former submariners secured a wholesale license to brew commercially and began contract brewing at Heroes and Villains, Bright Tank, Limestone Coast and Spinifex Brewery, where Mr Maslin is head brewer and Mr Wilson works on the production line. Their first official release as Deep Elite was a cherry sour, brewed at 3 Rivers Brewery in Mandurah and inspired by Mr Maslin's wife's German heritage. The 38-year-old confessed that he didn't drink beer until he travelled to the Black Forest and one of her relatives told him he'd better learn to love the national beverage. Today, Deep Elite is owned by Maslin and Wilson alongside Lee Tough and non-executive director Alan Donovan. Most investors in the brewery are former submariners, who also turn up to help on canning days when it's all hands on deck. Mr Maslin said their navy background has also helped them launch the nascent brand, as they often supply beers to veterans events. Often featuring seafaring puns and references, Deep Elite beers can be found in around 40 shops and a handful of pubs. Their Xtra Sticky Boy Hazy IPA featuring Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired can art earned high praise at the recent Beer and BBQ Festival in Adelaide. A Deep Elite venue is on the distant horizon, explained Mr Maslin, who is more focused on making the next beer — The Hunt for Red Hoptober, a tribute to the 1990 spy thriller starring Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin.
Perth Now
15 hours ago
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Submariners take the plunge with new local craft beer brand
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The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
2025 Audi A1, Q2 and Q3 get limited edition S line treatment
Audi Australia has launched limited edition versions of the A1 hatchback and Q2 andQ3crossover SUVs, which the automaker says offer as much as $7000 of value for a lower cost. Named as 'Edition' models – although Audi hasn't disclosed how many of each will be available for customers – the three limited-run models are in Australian showrooms now. While not touted as end of financial year (EOFY) specials, a release from the automaker said, "With EOFY fast approaching, the timing is perfect for customers to take advantage of the significant added value these upgrades represent for only modest increases in price over the models on which they are based." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Audi A1 35 TFSI S line Edition is priced at $41,800 before on-road costs – a $2600 premium over the standard S line but, according to Audi, boasting $7000 worth of additional equipment. The additional gear includes a black-themed exterior with black 17-inch 'polygon' alloy wheels, black grille surround and front badging – while there's an S line exterior front and rear bumpers, side sills and a more aggressive roof-mounted rear spoiler. It features adaptive LED headlights and LED tail lights, while the rear hatch badges have been removed. All examples get a Mythos Black roof and mirror caps, but there are no changes inside, where 'Derby' fabric upholstery is standard. Leather upholstery is an additional $1500 option, while a $1000 Comfort package adds heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and colour-adjustable ambient lighting. MORE: Everything Audi Q1 The Audi Q2 35 TFSI S line Edition is priced at $50,990 before on-road costs, which Audi says includes $7000 of value for an additional $1500. The Edition also sees an S line exterior offered on a Q2 SUV for the first time and brings 19-inch 'Y-spoke' alloy wheels with a gloss black finish, along with S line front and rear bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler. Among the five colour choices, Daytona Grey has been made available – another first for the Q2 in Australia. The grille surround, Audi rings, mirror caps and window trim are finished in black, as is the Q2's C-pillar 'blade', while there's an S line badge now on the front guards. A $2150 Comfort package available on the S line edition brings heated front seats, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, semi-autonomous parking assist, and a 180W Audi Sound System. MORE: Everything Audi Q2 The Q3 35 TFSI S line Edition is $58,500 before on-road costs, with a Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line Edition $62,000 before on-road costs. Both prices are $1000 more than the standard versions but add a claimed $5000 worth of value for the SUV and $3500 for the Sportback. The S line package is already standard on the Sportback, but the Edition sees it fitted to a Q3 SUV for the first time – adding unique bumpers, side sills and a rear spoiler. The SUV rides on 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels – the Sportback gets 20-inch 'V-Design' alloys – with both getting black treatment for the grille surrounds, front Audi badge, mirror caps and window surrounds. The rear badging has been deleted. Inside, there are S line door sills with aluminium inlays and illuminated S line logos. All prices exclude on-road costs. MORE: Everything Audi Q3 Content originally sourced from: Audi Australia has launched limited edition versions of the A1 hatchback and Q2 andQ3crossover SUVs, which the automaker says offer as much as $7000 of value for a lower cost. Named as 'Edition' models – although Audi hasn't disclosed how many of each will be available for customers – the three limited-run models are in Australian showrooms now. While not touted as end of financial year (EOFY) specials, a release from the automaker said, "With EOFY fast approaching, the timing is perfect for customers to take advantage of the significant added value these upgrades represent for only modest increases in price over the models on which they are based." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Audi A1 35 TFSI S line Edition is priced at $41,800 before on-road costs – a $2600 premium over the standard S line but, according to Audi, boasting $7000 worth of additional equipment. The additional gear includes a black-themed exterior with black 17-inch 'polygon' alloy wheels, black grille surround and front badging – while there's an S line exterior front and rear bumpers, side sills and a more aggressive roof-mounted rear spoiler. It features adaptive LED headlights and LED tail lights, while the rear hatch badges have been removed. All examples get a Mythos Black roof and mirror caps, but there are no changes inside, where 'Derby' fabric upholstery is standard. Leather upholstery is an additional $1500 option, while a $1000 Comfort package adds heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and colour-adjustable ambient lighting. MORE: Everything Audi Q1 The Audi Q2 35 TFSI S line Edition is priced at $50,990 before on-road costs, which Audi says includes $7000 of value for an additional $1500. The Edition also sees an S line exterior offered on a Q2 SUV for the first time and brings 19-inch 'Y-spoke' alloy wheels with a gloss black finish, along with S line front and rear bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler. Among the five colour choices, Daytona Grey has been made available – another first for the Q2 in Australia. The grille surround, Audi rings, mirror caps and window trim are finished in black, as is the Q2's C-pillar 'blade', while there's an S line badge now on the front guards. A $2150 Comfort package available on the S line edition brings heated front seats, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, semi-autonomous parking assist, and a 180W Audi Sound System. MORE: Everything Audi Q2 The Q3 35 TFSI S line Edition is $58,500 before on-road costs, with a Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line Edition $62,000 before on-road costs. Both prices are $1000 more than the standard versions but add a claimed $5000 worth of value for the SUV and $3500 for the Sportback. The S line package is already standard on the Sportback, but the Edition sees it fitted to a Q3 SUV for the first time – adding unique bumpers, side sills and a rear spoiler. The SUV rides on 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels – the Sportback gets 20-inch 'V-Design' alloys – with both getting black treatment for the grille surrounds, front Audi badge, mirror caps and window surrounds. The rear badging has been deleted. Inside, there are S line door sills with aluminium inlays and illuminated S line logos. All prices exclude on-road costs. MORE: Everything Audi Q3 Content originally sourced from: Audi Australia has launched limited edition versions of the A1 hatchback and Q2 andQ3crossover SUVs, which the automaker says offer as much as $7000 of value for a lower cost. Named as 'Edition' models – although Audi hasn't disclosed how many of each will be available for customers – the three limited-run models are in Australian showrooms now. While not touted as end of financial year (EOFY) specials, a release from the automaker said, "With EOFY fast approaching, the timing is perfect for customers to take advantage of the significant added value these upgrades represent for only modest increases in price over the models on which they are based." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Audi A1 35 TFSI S line Edition is priced at $41,800 before on-road costs – a $2600 premium over the standard S line but, according to Audi, boasting $7000 worth of additional equipment. The additional gear includes a black-themed exterior with black 17-inch 'polygon' alloy wheels, black grille surround and front badging – while there's an S line exterior front and rear bumpers, side sills and a more aggressive roof-mounted rear spoiler. It features adaptive LED headlights and LED tail lights, while the rear hatch badges have been removed. All examples get a Mythos Black roof and mirror caps, but there are no changes inside, where 'Derby' fabric upholstery is standard. Leather upholstery is an additional $1500 option, while a $1000 Comfort package adds heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and colour-adjustable ambient lighting. MORE: Everything Audi Q1 The Audi Q2 35 TFSI S line Edition is priced at $50,990 before on-road costs, which Audi says includes $7000 of value for an additional $1500. The Edition also sees an S line exterior offered on a Q2 SUV for the first time and brings 19-inch 'Y-spoke' alloy wheels with a gloss black finish, along with S line front and rear bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler. Among the five colour choices, Daytona Grey has been made available – another first for the Q2 in Australia. The grille surround, Audi rings, mirror caps and window trim are finished in black, as is the Q2's C-pillar 'blade', while there's an S line badge now on the front guards. A $2150 Comfort package available on the S line edition brings heated front seats, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, semi-autonomous parking assist, and a 180W Audi Sound System. MORE: Everything Audi Q2 The Q3 35 TFSI S line Edition is $58,500 before on-road costs, with a Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line Edition $62,000 before on-road costs. Both prices are $1000 more than the standard versions but add a claimed $5000 worth of value for the SUV and $3500 for the Sportback. The S line package is already standard on the Sportback, but the Edition sees it fitted to a Q3 SUV for the first time – adding unique bumpers, side sills and a rear spoiler. The SUV rides on 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels – the Sportback gets 20-inch 'V-Design' alloys – with both getting black treatment for the grille surrounds, front Audi badge, mirror caps and window surrounds. The rear badging has been deleted. Inside, there are S line door sills with aluminium inlays and illuminated S line logos. All prices exclude on-road costs. MORE: Everything Audi Q3 Content originally sourced from: Audi Australia has launched limited edition versions of the A1 hatchback and Q2 andQ3crossover SUVs, which the automaker says offer as much as $7000 of value for a lower cost. Named as 'Edition' models – although Audi hasn't disclosed how many of each will be available for customers – the three limited-run models are in Australian showrooms now. While not touted as end of financial year (EOFY) specials, a release from the automaker said, "With EOFY fast approaching, the timing is perfect for customers to take advantage of the significant added value these upgrades represent for only modest increases in price over the models on which they are based." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Audi A1 35 TFSI S line Edition is priced at $41,800 before on-road costs – a $2600 premium over the standard S line but, according to Audi, boasting $7000 worth of additional equipment. The additional gear includes a black-themed exterior with black 17-inch 'polygon' alloy wheels, black grille surround and front badging – while there's an S line exterior front and rear bumpers, side sills and a more aggressive roof-mounted rear spoiler. It features adaptive LED headlights and LED tail lights, while the rear hatch badges have been removed. All examples get a Mythos Black roof and mirror caps, but there are no changes inside, where 'Derby' fabric upholstery is standard. Leather upholstery is an additional $1500 option, while a $1000 Comfort package adds heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and colour-adjustable ambient lighting. MORE: Everything Audi Q1 The Audi Q2 35 TFSI S line Edition is priced at $50,990 before on-road costs, which Audi says includes $7000 of value for an additional $1500. The Edition also sees an S line exterior offered on a Q2 SUV for the first time and brings 19-inch 'Y-spoke' alloy wheels with a gloss black finish, along with S line front and rear bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler. Among the five colour choices, Daytona Grey has been made available – another first for the Q2 in Australia. The grille surround, Audi rings, mirror caps and window trim are finished in black, as is the Q2's C-pillar 'blade', while there's an S line badge now on the front guards. A $2150 Comfort package available on the S line edition brings heated front seats, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, semi-autonomous parking assist, and a 180W Audi Sound System. MORE: Everything Audi Q2 The Q3 35 TFSI S line Edition is $58,500 before on-road costs, with a Q3 Sportback 35 TFSI S line Edition $62,000 before on-road costs. Both prices are $1000 more than the standard versions but add a claimed $5000 worth of value for the SUV and $3500 for the Sportback. The S line package is already standard on the Sportback, but the Edition sees it fitted to a Q3 SUV for the first time – adding unique bumpers, side sills and a rear spoiler. The SUV rides on 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels – the Sportback gets 20-inch 'V-Design' alloys – with both getting black treatment for the grille surrounds, front Audi badge, mirror caps and window surrounds. The rear badging has been deleted. Inside, there are S line door sills with aluminium inlays and illuminated S line logos. All prices exclude on-road costs. MORE: Everything Audi Q3 Content originally sourced from:
