Germany
Audi has canned the historic 80 nameplate after 22 years for the launch of an entirely new compact executive saloon - the A4. Available as a four-door saloon (with "Avant" estate versions to follow), with engines ranging from a relatively underpowered 1.6 to a swift 2.8 V6. There is also an impressively refined and quick 1.9 turbo-diesel which produces more power than just about anything else with a similar capacity.
Volkswagen has finally launched an all-new Polo, 13 years after the second generation version went on sale (though it was facelifted four years ago in 1990). The new Polo is based on last year's SEAT Ibiza, using the same chassis. Power comes from the ageing 1.3 unit as well as a 1.6 from the larger Golf, though the older engine will soon make way for the Ibiza's 1.0 and 1.4 engines as well as a 1.9 diesel (turbo or non-turbo). To cater for markets where hatchbacks are less popular, Volkswagen will also be selling the Polo as a saloon and estate. The hatchback is at long last available with five doors, which finally puts it on a level with the likes of Opel/Vauxhall, Fiat and Peugeot.
Read more about this topic: 1994 In Motoring
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“If Germany is to become a colonising power, all I say is, “God speed her!” She becomes our ally and partner in the execution of the great purposes of Providence for the advantage of mankind.”
—W.E. (William Ewart)
“The tears I have cried over Germany have dried. I have washed my face.”
—Marlene Dietrich (1904–1992)
“By an application of the theory of relativity to the taste of readers, to-day in Germany I am called a German man of science, and in England I am represented as a Swiss Jew. If I come to be regarded as a bête noire the descriptions will be reversed, and I shall become a Swiss Jew for the Germans and a German man of science for the English!”
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955)