Audi blasted for 'revolting' car advert featuring a little girl eating banana

The car advert has sparked outrage

German car manufacturer Audi has come under fire online after sharing an advert for their RS 4.

The ad shows a little girl, leaning back against the front of the high-performance car, eating a banana.

Alongside the picture were the words: "Lets your heart beat faster – in every aspect."

Social media users were quick to criticise the image branding it "horrible" and "wrong on so many levels".

For many the advert hit a little too close to home as they pointed out that the child was stood in a very dangerous place - in real life the driver of the car might not have been unable to see her.

Others were concerned the girl's pose looked "provocative".

One person commented: "With a top speed of 174mph this car should be illegal based on how many kids it will likely kill through both speed and contributory pollution. Instead you want to sell this car USING A CHILD? Probably Audi's lowest moment."

Another replied: "This is appalling, it's wrong on so many levels, and should be taken down immediately."

"This is a frightening image giving testimony to the fact that such enormous speed machines are a danger to our children and societies and do not belong on city streets with kids around. Makes my stomach turn just looking at it," tweeted a third.

Jeremy Vine also shared his thoughts on the topic, saying it was the "most revolting car advert" he had ever seen.

Audi have since apologised for the advert - but their original post has not been taken down.

Writing on Twitter, a spokesperson for the company said: "We hear you and let’s get this straight: We care for children. The Audi RS 4 is a family car with more than thirty driver assistance systems including an emergency break system. That’s why we showcased it with various family members for the campaign.

"We hoped we could convey these messages, showing that even for the weakest traffic participants it is possible to relaxingly lean on the RS technology. That was a mistake! Audi never intended to hurt anyone’s feelings.

"We sincerely apologize for this insensitive image and ensure that it will not be used in future. We will also immediately examine internally, how this campaign has been created and if control mechanisms failed in this case."

Not everyone took issue with the advert though, some couldn't see a problem.