THE phrase ‘Modern Classic’ is a somewhat confusing term and has been used so many times by marketing departments down the years that it has become virtually meaningless. After all, something is either ‘modern’ or a ‘classic’ but I’d argue, rarely both.

Semantics over, the subject of this week’s Motoring column is a ‘modern classic’ (I reserve the right to contradict myself) – the Audi Avant RS4.

“It is almost exactly 20 years since the once clearly defined boundary between versatile estate car and extreme sports car was blurred by the Audi Avant RS2,” – Audi’s words, not mine but nevertheless apt under the circumstances.

Therefore the German manufacturer – not one normally given to sentiment – has decided to mark the anniversary with a special edition of the high performance load lugger. The new RS 4 Avant Nogaro will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The customised Nogaro blue, pearl effect paint finish is the most immediately apparent tribute to the RS2. Other touches see the frame of the intake grille and the window surrounds painted high-gloss black, and the roof rails matt black. The RS sports exhaust system features two oval, high-gloss black tailpipe trims.

But it is under the bonnet where this wolf in sheep’s clothing displays its true pedigree. Nestling in the engine bay is a high-revving V8 naturally aspirated power unit with a displacement of 4,163 cc.

The 4.2 FSI delivers 450PS of power at 8,250 rpm – enough to propel the car from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 174mph. Its combined fuel economy is 26.4mpg, with a CO2 equivalent of 249 grams per kilometre. Well, there has to be some pain in return for all that pleasure.

To help put down all that power, the car is fitted with a standard seven-speed S tronic gearbox. The driver has the choice of a dual-clutch transmission automatic shift or the manual option incorporating selector lever (I think they mean gearstick) or the steering wheel paddles.

Helping to ensure the car remains firmly planted on the road is Audi’s renowned quattro permanent all-wheel drive system – proven down the years from the marque’s rallying heritage.

The drive system is flexible enough to distribute torque at a default ratio of 40:60 between the front and rear axles. However, this can be varied to suit the road conditions – or the driver’s ability – with up to 70% of the power going to the front and a maximum of 85% to the rear.

Inside there is a choice between two different upholstery options for the electrically adjustable S sport seats with their integrated head restraints. In both cases, the side sections are covered with black Valcona leather; the Alcantara trim for the centre sections and door trim inserts are coloured either black or Nogaro blue – in homage again to the Audi’s forebears.

A badge on the RS selector lever knob of the S tronic and the logos on the door sill trims hark back to the model’s heritage.

The Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro will be available in mainland Europe later in 2014 as a limited edition. The possibility of a UK specification production is still under discussion.

Let’s hope this is a ‘modern classic’ worth revisiting.

Two-wheel Triumph for motorcycle manufacturer

MOTORCYCLE manufacturer, Triumph has been confirmed as the UK’s best-selling brand of motorcycle (over 500cc), according to the latest industry figures.

Sales data from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) for 2013 shows that the Hinckley-based manufacturer continued to dominate the UK market with annual sales of 7,524 bikes.

While many other motorcycle brands have continued to see sales fall during the past 12 months, Triumph saw its leading market share increase from 19.4% to 19.6%.

Triumph said its ongoing investment in new product had been a key factor in the company’s consistent success in its home market.  2013 saw the successful introduction of a number of new models including the all-new luxury tourer, the Trophy 1200, plus significant updates to the class-leading Daytona 675, multi-tasking Tiger Sport and the ultimate roadster benchmark model, the Street Triple.
 
The new product continued with the launch of five new cruiser models towards the end of 2013 – the Thunderbird Commander, Commander Light Touring (LT), America, America LT and Speedmaster, as well as a new special edition Tiger 800XC (pictured).  

Unveiled at November’s Milan Show (EICMA) these models are set to arrive in UK dealers in succession throughout the winter and spring, with the Tiger 800 XC special edition due to hit dealers this month.

Rick Cawley, general manager of Triumph UK, said: “Undoubtedly, our single-minded dedication to new model development is reflected in our success in the UK, and our growing market share around the globe.  With a diverse line-up of 24 models, ranging from sports to cruiser, retro to adventure and streetfighters to luxury touring, we have something to suit virtually every rider.

“However, our dealer network is another great strength for us in the UK and we work very closely with them to ensure all aspects of our customer service continue to meet the expectations of today’s motorcyclist.  This, along with our near obsession to simply make the best motorcycles in the world, has helped us to retain this leading market position.”

First established in 1902, Triumph Motorcycles has been based in Hinckley for the past 20 years.

It builds around 50,000 bikes per year, many for export. Triumph is the largest British motorcycle manufacturer and has more than 750 dealer franchises across the world.

Triumph currently employs around 2,100 people worldwide and has subsidiary operations in the UK, America, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Benelux and most recently Brazil, as well as a network of independent distributors.

Triumph has manufacturing facilities in Hinckley and Thailand plus an assembly facility in Brazil.

The Valentine dilemma – new numberplate or a whiff of Bentley!

STUCK with what to get your loved one for Valentine’s Day – how about a personalised numberplate.

However,  vehicle information expert HPI has warned some plate changes have a sting in the tail for used car buyers.

It said more than one in five cars checked by its inspectors in the past year were found to have had at least one number plate change. It added that while many of these plate changes were made to personalise a vehicle, unscrupulous sellers could also use a plate change to hide a vehicle’s true identity.

Shane Teskey, www.hpicheck.com Senior Consumer Services Manager, said: “With over a  million personalised plates to choose from at the DVLA, it’s a fun gift for a potential Valentine and most plate changes are honest. However, some sellers have more sinister motives, putting used car buyers at risk of losing their cash and the car, if it turns out to be stolen.

“A plate change could be hiding a cloned vehicle. This is when a stolen car is given the identity of a legitimate vehicle to disguise its stolen status. The www.hpicheck.com cross-references the Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – otherwise known as the chassis number – matching them against the vehicle’s official history to see if it all correlates, as well as checking its previous plates. This should uncover any discrepancies and save buyers from making a costly mistake.”

Rather than risk heartbreak, how about a more traditional present – good old fashioned cologne.

Bentley is following up the success of its first men’s fragrance with the launch of Bentley for Men Azure. The new fragrance, so Bentley says, “takes its cue from the classic aromas of the fougère family, with its green citrus top notes and woody base notes”.

“This powerfully expressive and complex fragrance has a fresh twist that appeals to sporty and style-conscious men,” it adds.

Ahh, the great smell of Bentley.

Drive safely.