UK-US pricing differential for Audi's

[quinn@hns.com]

As I mentioned in my prev post,  I did a price comparo between the
list price of my US-purchased A4 2.8Q, and that with the same
options if bought in the UK.   The difference is ASTOUNDING!
Firstly, the Audi options list is HUGE in the UK.  Not unlike US
cars in the heyday of the 60s & 70s.  Most of what you get standard
on the A4 here is an option in the UK, incl (from memory & depend-
ing on trim-level model) wood trim, power seats, A/C, power (rear)
windows, arm rest, fold-down rear seats, head lamp washers,
passenger airbag etc etc).  Summing the options & standard
equipment on my car vs. the equiv in the UK, you get an amazing
67% cost difference:

          GPB	 USD
Car in UK	32335	    53350
Car in US	19375	    31965

Of course, the UK car has the 30V engine,  but initial estimates
imply the 98 A4 (with the 30V) will only rise by the usual
inflation amount (~1000 USD or so) which is probably par with
the UK model-year-end rise.

As my Dad would say: "I was gob-smacked"!

-Mark Quinn

P.S.  I apologise for any depression I may have caused our UK
readers!