LONDON: Audi's Black Edition versions are becoming more popular among its UK customers, prompting the German carmaker to apply the "darker" specifications to models, which now includes the A3, S3, TT, TT Roadster, S6 and S7 Sportback models.
These new variants are available only in the UK and will now join the first ever Black Edition version of the Q3 compact SUV, which has also just come on stream.
In the A3 three-door, five-door Sportback and Saloon ranges, the Black Edition specification is offered as a step up from the top S-line trim.
It comes with unique 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a matt titanium finish and darkened privacy glass that extends from the B-pillar rearwards.
This includes a distinctive black finish for the Single Frame grille surround, air inlets, window cappings and door mirrors.
Within the cabin, the ambiance is enriched by a 10-speaker Audi Sound System with 180 watts of music power.
The S3 three-door and Sportback Black Edition models combine the new colour-coding with 18-inch five-arm Turbine design wheels, while the S3 Saloon Black Edition models are upgraded to a 19-inch five-arm Wing design corresponding in size with the 19-inch wheel used by the ‘standard’ S3 Saloon models.
Internally, all three variants benefit from a Bang & Olufsen audio system in place of the standard Audi Sound System as part of the S3's original specification.
The Black Edition formula is applied in a similar concentration for the TT and TTS Coupe as well as the Roadster models, but these versions receive 19-inch five-spoke Blade design alloy wheels and Bang & Olufsen audio system as well as an additional powered wind deflector for the Roadster.
The Q3 range adopts the Black Edition specification for the first time in its production lifespan as part of a package of upgrades which become applicable across the UK range from this month.
Replacing the S line plus model, it builds on that version’s already extensive specification - not only with its black styling package and 19-inch 10-Y-spoke design alloy wheels with their black diamond cut finish, but also with standard metallic paint, privacy glass and a BOSE sound system upgrade.
The visually arresting S6 Saloon / Avant and S7 Sportback Black Edition models also derive their more brooding stance from similar styling revisions.
Both the S6 and S6 Avant Black Edition models receive 20-inch five twin spoke alloy wheels, while the S7 Sportback Black Edition models' wheels are upsized to 21-inch five-arm Rotor design.
Inside, in addition to piano black inlays, both models gain a BOSE sound system and a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel.
