2010 Audi R8 - Quality Review

See more photos

Shopping for a new Audi R8?

SEE LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

Few purebred supercars make their reputation by going out of their way to be practical, but Audi takes a road less traveled by emphasizing both driver comfort and overall quality.

Inside the two-place cockpit of the 2010 Audi R8, passengers will find a space that is significantly more accommodating than the cabins of most R8 competitors. Car and Driver reports that "driver and passenger travel in great comfort," while Automobile Magazine draws the inevitable comparison to the R8's Lamborghini cousin, stating that "the R8 offers more head- and legroom." In keeping with the Audi R8's impressive performance capabilities, ConsumerGuide says that the seats "have prominent side bolsters that hold occupants secure in fast direction changes," but also offer a "combination of support for your shoulders and lower back [that] is just right," according to Edmunds.

While the 2010 Audi R8's seats might be suitable for long-range touring, the limited cargo capacity could put a crimp in any weekend plans you have for the R8. Despite its imposing exterior, the 2010 Audi R8's trunk offers "a paltry 3.5-cubic-foot-box in the nose," while a "slim shelf behind the seats can stow a couple of jackets or small bags, but little else," warns ConsumerGuide. The total cargo capacity of the 2010 Audi R8 is, according to Automobile Magazine, just "6.7 cubic feet," and that's with both the trunk and cabin storage areas occupied.

The 2010 Audi R8 does manage to redeem some points lost in the cargo space category by stepping up build and materials quality. Audi has clearly considered its upscale image when crafting the Audi R8's interior, and ConsumerGuide proclaims that the "R8 doesn't disappoint" in terms of workmanship, with "high-quality plastics and fabrics applied with obvious care." Kelley Blue Book admires that the R8 is "every bit as luxurious as it is sporting," which is to say very. Some elements of the interior may look familiar to Audi TT drivers; that's because Car and Driver says "the center console and the dashboard make liberal use of TT parts, but the TT has one of the best interiors in its class, and the R8's still shines above the competition."

Although the 2010 Audi R8 is a very light vehicle, Audi engineers still manage to deliver impressive acoustic isolation. Car and Driver observes that the sleek R8 is "noticeably quieter than the super-loud Lambo," while ConsumerGuide calls the Audi R8 "quiet and comfortable enough for daily commuting."