Top 5 Lesser-known and Underrated Audi Models
Audi have a vast variety of vehicles in their long history. It's time to shed some light on the ones that didn't get enough of the spotlight.
1. Audi Type A
The Audi Type A was introduced in 1910, making it the oldest vehicle released with the Audi name. Just 140 of them were made before Audi switched over to the Type B the following year. While the Type A was quickly passed over as the company developed, there's no doubting its importance as the first product of a company that's gone onto amazing things within the auto industry. Compared to the mass production methods innovated by Ford with their Model T, each Audi Type A was essentially handcrafted. It must have been a success too; the capital raised from the Type A enabled Audi to manufacture 360 of the subsequent Type B.
2. E-Tron Spyder
We got our first glimpse of the Audi e-tron Spyder at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, and a few publications have been able to drive this very producible concept car. Although the Spyder hasn't gotten a proper release or mass-production (it had been expected for 2014) the car was really promising. It is still surprising that this car didn't received more buzz and exposure than it received. It's a beautiful looking vehicle with supercar performance, and the plug-in hybrid diesel engine technology means it is green too.
3. Audi Rosemeyer
Though some will argue a concept car can't really be underrated if it hasn't been given real exposure in the first place. The design and idea of the Rosemeyer alone are enough that we're wondering why it doesn't at least have cult fan status already. The Rosemeyer was reported to have specifications we've come to expect from the automaker on a supercar like this. The striking retro sci-fi look is probably what made it a tough sell for audiences, but it's also why the Rosemeyer deserves so much love. If the 2000 Rosemeyer style had been a hit, how might it have informed designs over the last two decades. However, it did influence the R8, so it can at least be said some of its ideas found a home.
4. Audi Q7
The Q7 was the Audi brand's attempt at a sporting crossover SUV, and even on Audi forums, the response was mixed. A family-friendly take on Audi's signature luxury can seem like a contradiction, but for what it was and is, the Q7 was well done. This crossover strikes a nice balance between function and the sleek look expected from Audi. Even if SUVs are not what Audi are usually known for, that's part of the appeal. It proves that Audi can diversify their vision in the unlikeliest of ways.
5. Audi S4
The Audi S4 is a high performance variant of the compact A4 and while it is typically well received, it has not set the world on fire as you would think from its performance specs. Many Audi lovers swear that the vehicle has been generally underrated for its performance qualities, by people who go wight by it and purchase slower BMW or Mercedes sedans. Perhaps the issue is that the basic A4 is so capable, shopper don't think they need the additional capabilities of the S4 version. Even so, the fact alone that Audi were able to produce something even better is an enduring testament to how impressive they are as an automaker.
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