Audi launches “e” fuel-efficient A3 and A4

Audi today announced a new letter into its lineup with “e” which stands for efficiency. The new “e” tag will be on Audi’s A3, A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI e and A4 2.0 TFSI e in saloon and avant variants. Advanced engine technology employing direct fuel injection is the basis for a long range on a single tank of fuel, both with petrol engines, for example the A4 2.0 TFSI e, and with diesel engines, for example the A3 1.9 TDI e. Read on below for more from Audi.

Further special details of these models enable the customer to make even more efficient use of fuel. A common feature of the four new models is the gearshift indicator. Centrally located in the driver”s field of view in the instrument cluster, it indicates when the next gear would be a better choice, analysing the situation according to current engine load and speed. When it comes to fuel consumption, it is especially important that the driver makes full use of the vehicle”s potential. The new gearshift indicator supplies valuable additional information for a consumption-orientated driving style.

The A3 has been given higher transmission ratios for 3rd and 5th gears. The Audi A4 models are equipped as standard with a manual gearbox with an additional, high-ratio 6th gear. With various weight reduction measures, for example the aluminium bonnet on the A4, 16″ size 205/55 low-rolling-resistance tyres, and various aerodynamic measures such as the rear spoiler from the S line range on the A4 saloon, all the new models give the customer a high everyday usage factor and provide especially economical mobility. The engine electronics have also been tuned to give particularly good fuel consumption.

Thanks to the high torque of the TDI and TFSI engines, drivability, elasticity and comfort are all part of the repertoire of these special Audi A3 and A4 models.

The new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI with the multiple award-winning 2.0-litre TFSI engine generating 125 kW (170 bhp) shows its two faces most plainly. On the one hand it offers high performance, with a top speed of 230 km/h and acceleration from 0 ““ 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. On the other hand, it has the lowest everyday fuel consumption of the entire range of A4 petrol models: 7.1 litres per 100 km (7.2 for the A4 Avant), making a range of up to 1,000 kilometres possible on a single tank filling.

The combined fuel consumption for the A3 and the A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI with 77 kW (105 bhp) and diesel particulate filter as standard is an impressive 4.5 litres per 100 km with CO2 emissions below 120 g/km. This not only places it firmly among the best in its segment, but also means the driver doesn”t have to worry about finding a filling station for up to 1,200 km.

In Germany, the basic price, including 19 percent VAT, is 22,600 euros for the A3 1.9 TDI e, 23,500 euros for the Sportback, 29,650 euros for the A4 2.0 TFSI e saloon and 31,300 euros for the Avant. The new, particularly low-consumption models will be available to customers from spring 2007.

Besides the technology employed, the driver”s ability also plays a decisive role for economical driving. To give its customers detailed information about how to use fuel efficiently, Audi driving experience is, with immediate effect, relaunching its efficiency training courses. Starting at € 100 per participant, an individual proposal is compiled in direct consultation with groups of interested persons. Eight German cities are available as venues. The course is held using the customers” own vehicles. Vehicle can be provided upon request and at added charge.

Source: Audi

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