30 years of the Audi Quattro system

2010 marks the 30th anniversary of the Audi Quattro system, it has now been confirmed to be the most successful all wheel drive system if all time around the world. Over 3.3 million cars around the world feature this key safety and driveability feature. Since 2000, in the UK there are over 235,000 Quattro featuring cars on the road.

Audi has reported that 30% of all new car orders it takes in a year are for Quattro models within its impressive range. Audi doesn’t just offer the 4x4 drive system on its SUV vehicles such as the Q7, the Quattro system is available throughout its range, which includes the A3, A4 and Audi R8.

Director of Audi UK, Jeremy Hicks emphasised the accessibility and value of all-wheel-drive within the Audi range: "Audi offers Quattro right from the A3 upwards, so it isn't necessary to make the jump to an SUV to enjoy the feeling of reassurance in tricky conditions that only four-wheel-drive can truly bring. In the UK some form of precipitation falls on at least half of the days in each year on average, so although our trademark technology really comes into its own in the current extreme conditions, its benefits are considerably longer lasting."

By having two driving axles rather than the usual one, the Quattro system is able to constantly vary torque distribution between wheels in favour of the wheel offering the most grip, ensuring a more constant and smooth transfer to the road, which offers far greater control.

On my car buying travels I have noticed that a lot of Audi for sale in Scotland have the Quattro all wheel drive system, which makes sense considering the rough and tough terrain in that part of the UK.