Audi has announced a new 'E' version of the A4 TDI powered by the 2.0-litre TDI engine first seen in the A6 TDIe. Unsurprisingly, known as the A4 TDIe, it will be built in saloon form only and betters 60mpg economy with low CO
2 emissions. Priced at £23,340, it is available to order now and will be in showrooms from October.
The turbodiesel engine develops 134bhp and 236lb.ft and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. Audi claims 0-62mph takes 9.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 143mph. The performance is blended with 61.4mpg combined cycle fuel economy and CO
2 emissions of just 120g/km - making this the most economical version of the A4 yet.
Audi has employed a variety of methods to save fuel. A five percent increase in the final drive ratio raises overall gearing, reducing the engine revs needed to maintain a given road speed. Aerodynamic modifications, including under-body streamlining and lowered suspension, help the A4 move through the air. Low rolling resistance tyres and a power steering pump that operates only when needed also contribute to fuel saving. A start-stop system has also been fitted, which is claimed to be worth 5g/km on its own.
The A4 TDIe is offered in two trim levels - Standard and SE - with both variants including climate control and alloy wheels (16-inch for the Standard, 17-inch on the SE). Also included is an economy-focussed Driver's Information System, as seen on other TDI models. This provides tips for more economical driving, including the optimal gear to use. Audi claims that economy can be improved by up to 30 percent by following the suggestions.
Prices for the A4 TDIe start at £23,340, which puts it between the 118bhp and 141bhp models in Audi's A4 turbodiesel range. The SE costs an extra £980 over the standard car. The price of the A4 is very close to that of BMW's recently announced
316d ES with the Audi offering slightly more performance and the BMW marginally better economy.
Audi has come up with an A4 that, on paper at least, looks like a winner. The claimed fuel economy makes some city cars look profligate and yet there is no penalty to pay in terms of performance or price.
John Lambert - 10 Jul 2009