Audi has sold 81,000 models in the UK this year, a rise of 5% (3,118 units) on 2004 sales.

The result comes just as Audi is preparing to expand its range with new models, and new variants within existing ranges.

The Q7 seven-seat SUV, R8 sports car, A3 hatchback, A4 saloon and avant A6 saloon and avant will all be launched next year.

Jeremy Hicks, director of Audi UK said: “I am delighted and greatly encouraged by what Audi UK and its sales network have achieved this year, especially as we are enjoying this success just before we embark on a period of intense new model launch activity and diversification.

“We have some incredible new cars waiting in the wings that will take us into new territories and also strengthen our core, and I am confident that with their help we will see quite a few more comprehensively shattered Audi UK sales records in years to come.”