|
In line with its pledge to cut CO2
output from its fleet by 20 per cent by 2012, Audi has just introduced
its cleanest A4 TDI model ever, and at the same time launched an all-new
2.0 TFSI engine to complete its efficiency-focused overhaul of the A4
petrol range.
Notable as the compact executive car
that will attract the lowest company car tax liability in the premium
sector, the new 120PS A4 2.0 TDI is available to order now in Saloon and
Avant body styles with standard, SE or S line specification priced from
£22,150 OTR. The powerful 211PS A4 2.0 TFSI with new
performance-enhancing Audi Valvelift technology is offered in SE or S
line forms priced from £24,625 OTR. Both will be delivered to their
first UK customers in mid-July.
The new TDI is based on the latest
generation 2.0-litre 143PS unit first seen in the A4 at its launch
earlier this year, and shares its advanced common rail piezo fuel
injection system. With an output of 120PS, and 290Nm of torque delivered
via a six-speed manual transmission from just 1,750rpm, it combines
strong performance with the potential to cover in excess of 55mpg, a
bi-product of this impressively low fuel usage being a low CO2
figure of 134g/km.
This impressive efficiency ensures that
drivers of the new A4 2.0 TDI 120PS will enjoy the lowest tax burden in
the premium sector, with benefit-in-kind tax liability of £1,582.20 per
annum or £131.85 per month for a company car user in the 40 per cent tax
bracket.
Audi valvelift boosts FSI
efficiency
Slotting in midway through the petrol range, the new 2.0-litre TFSI
engine is an all-new unit based on the 1.8 TFSI that has been available
in A4 Saloon models since launch. Like its smaller counterpart it
combines turbo charging and FSI direct injection to deliver strong
performance as efficiently as possible, but it also supplements this
with new Audi valvelift technology that further reduces fuel consumption
by at least 5 per cent by controlling valve opening far more precisely
than conventional systems.
Valve lift is variable between two
levels through the use of sliding cam units mounted on the intake
camshaft. When strong acceleration is required, an electronic control
mechanism selects a cam profile which opens the valve as fully as
possible for optimum ‘breathing’. When throttle usage is more relaxed,
the control mechanism selects a lower profile, reducing the amount of
fuel and air compressed.
The new 2.0-litre TFSI
unit delivers 211PS from 4,300rpm and a very impressive 350Nm torque
maximum from just 1,500rpm. At launch it is available in
front-wheel-drive and quattro permanent all-wheel-drive forms, both
initially transmitting power exclusively via six-speed manual
transmission.
Towards the end of 2008 the
unique-in-class multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission
- which in several applications actually brings improvements in fuel
economy compared with its manual equivalent - will be available for
front-wheel-drive versions.
The advantages of Audi valvelift
technology are evident in a 6.9-second 0-62mph time and 155mph top speed
for the latest A4 2.0 TFSI with six-speed manual transmission and
front-wheel-drive. They are even more noticeable in the 42.8mpg combined
economy figure and 154g/km CO2 output – a significant
improvement over the 36.7mpg and 184g/km recorded by the previous
generation A4 2.0 TFSI.
2009 Model
year Audi A3 and A3 Sportback |
