AUDI is claiming the title of producing the world’s most powerful diesel production car with the launch of the A8 4.2 TDI quattro.

Priced at £58,605 on-the-road, the A8 offers 321bhp (up 50bhp on the 4.0 version it replaces). Top speed is limited to 155mph, 0-62mph takes just 5.9 seconds and the claimed combined economy figure is 30mpg – enough to cover 590 miles on a single tank of fuel.

SLIGHTLY less powerful is the latest addition to the A6 range – a 2.0-litre turbo FSI model with 168bhp. Available in either SE or S Line trim, prices start at £24,340 on-the-road for the saloon and £25,910 for the Avant.