Audi A8 3.2 FSI SE Golborne
The SE inherits the A8's superb air-suspension and comes equipped with DVD-based satellite-navigation in Golborne, keyless entry and a voice-controlled sound system as standard. The good news is that, with a price tag of £47,930, it seems to represent solid value next to rivals - and makes Mercedes' all-new S-Class look expensive in comparison.
Bolton Audi
0845 4044234
0845 4044234
Mill Street Industrial Estate Morris Street
Bolton
Bolton
Liverpool Audi
0151 227 5000
0151 227 5000
41 Sandhills Lane Off Derby Road
Liverpool
Liverpool
Cheshire Oaks Audi
0845 1244543
0845 1244543
Longlooms Road East Ellesmere Port Cheshire
Cheshire Oaks
Cheshire Oaks
Preston Audi
01772 730000
01772 730000
Riversway Motor Park Nelson Way
Preston
Preston
Worcester Audi
01905 421000
01905 421000
157 Bromyard Road
Worcester
Worcester
Manchester Audi
0844 6680169
0844 6680169
Chester Road
Manchester
Manchester
Stockport Audi
0845 1282679
0845 1282679
101 Brinksway
Stockport
Stockport
Blackburn Audi
01254 668777
01254 668777
Whitebirk Drive
Blackburn
Blackburn
Norwich Audi
01603 709 200
01603 709 200
17 Meridian Way
Norwich
Norwich
Audi Approved Colchester
01206 875688
01206 875688
Wimpole Road
Colchester
Colchester
Provided By: 
Audi A8 3.2 FSI SE
Luxury car buyers demand the best. They seek out the sharpest looks, most opulent cabin and warp factor 10 acceleration. Audi's flagship A8 ticks all the boxes - and now the German company has added a new entry-level model to the range to ensure its masterpiece is available to as many people as possible.
A 3.2-litre powerplant replaces the 3.0 V6 offered in the A8 since its launch in 2003. This unit produces 256bhp - an increase of 39bhp - while torque is boosted from 300Nm to 330Nm.
The benefit of the extra power is that the 0-62mph time drops from 7.9 to 7.7 seconds, all thanks to Audi's FSI - Fuel Stratified Injection - technology. With direct injection, the 3.2 breaks new ground in the class, and is smooth and competent out on the road.
Feeding power to the front wheels via the CVT gearbox used in the existing car, the V6 is whisper quiet and never feels stretched, even at high revs. However, peak power does not arrive until 6,500rpm, so swift progress requires a heavy right foot. Many drivers will be more comfortable with the 3.0-litre TDI diesel variant, which delivers its acceleration lower down the range.
To make the most of the 3.2's pace, you can slot the gearlever into manual mode to select artificial ratios. If refinement is paramount, the petrol model will hold greater appeal. What's more, it returns 28.8mpg on the combined cycle - similar to the slower 3.0 V6 petrol, and a big improvement over the 4.2-litre V8's 23mpg economy.
The SE inherits the A8's superb air-suspension and comes equipped with DVD-based satellite-navigation, keyless entry and a voice-controlled sound system as standard. The good news is that, with a price tag of £47,930, it seems to represent solid value next to rivals - and makes Mercedes' all-new S-Class look expensive in comparison.
So has Audi created an entry-level luxury car requiring no compromises? The higher-powered petrol and diesel models offer more memorable performance, but the new 3.2 FSI is an all-rounder that will satisfy all but the most demanding buyers in this market.
A 3.2-litre powerplant replaces the 3.0 V6 offered in the A8 since its launch in 2003. This unit produces 256bhp - an increase of 39bhp - while torque is boosted from 300Nm to 330Nm.
The benefit of the extra power is that the 0-62mph time drops from 7.9 to 7.7 seconds, all thanks to Audi's FSI - Fuel Stratified Injection - technology. With direct injection, the 3.2 breaks new ground in the class, and is smooth and competent out on the road.
Feeding power to the front wheels via the CVT gearbox used in the existing car, the V6 is whisper quiet and never feels stretched, even at high revs. However, peak power does not arrive until 6,500rpm, so swift progress requires a heavy right foot. Many drivers will be more comfortable with the 3.0-litre TDI diesel variant, which delivers its acceleration lower down the range.
To make the most of the 3.2's pace, you can slot the gearlever into manual mode to select artificial ratios. If refinement is paramount, the petrol model will hold greater appeal. What's more, it returns 28.8mpg on the combined cycle - similar to the slower 3.0 V6 petrol, and a big improvement over the 4.2-litre V8's 23mpg economy.
The SE inherits the A8's superb air-suspension and comes equipped with DVD-based satellite-navigation, keyless entry and a voice-controlled sound system as standard. The good news is that, with a price tag of £47,930, it seems to represent solid value next to rivals - and makes Mercedes' all-new S-Class look expensive in comparison.
So has Audi created an entry-level luxury car requiring no compromises? The higher-powered petrol and diesel models offer more memorable performance, but the new 3.2 FSI is an all-rounder that will satisfy all but the most demanding buyers in this market.
Author: Chris Thorp
