Audi has released more details about the new 167bhp version of its 2.0-litre TDI engine that goes on sale in the A4 this week, including the fact it will boast better fuel economy and CO2 emissions than the 140bhp version of the same motor.
The higher output engine will also offer more performance, trimming 0.9secs from the 140bhp’s 9.2sec 0-62mph time and topping out at 143mph, 9mph more than the lower-powered car.
It’s the headline economy figure of the new engine that will win it most attention, with 53.3mpg compared to 51.4mpg for the 140bhp model. Unfortunately for company drivers looking to cut costs, both cars fall into exactly the same 140-145g/km car tax banding.
Audi reckons that the 167bhp TDI will make up 15percent of A4 sales and it will be priced at £1000 more than the equivalent 140bhp version.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: More power, better mpg for A4
I understand the 170bhp engine is the only 2.0 TDi to use piezo fuel injectors which may explain the economy improvement.
Just heared a roumer that VAG are chasing BMW and developing a 2.0 twin turbo TDi with >200bhp! Anyone else heared that? got any web Links?
Re: More power, better mpg for A4
I agree with most of what you say. Especially the reasoning as to why Audi have taken so long to release this engine. Same reason why there is no A5 2.0 TDi as yet. The Altea however still uses the old Pump Duse engine as do all Seats and all Skodas bar the new Superb. Although the power outputs are exactly the same, the difference in refinement is reported to be incomparable. VAG is installing the common-rail engine into the 'upper segment brands' first, then it will work its way down.
As for the 'new' engine: More power = Better MPG - Surely this cannot be. Anyone else slightly cynical...?
Re: More power, better mpg for A4
"NEW ENGINE" ? Haha! in other words Audi have been holding back on this engine until all the "must have an new Audi" brigade have ordered theirs and payed through the nose for a silly 2.7 because the 2.0 is too slow. The orders are drying up so its time to 'release' the new engine, after its only a remap anyway. This engine is so 'new' the list of VAG groupers its in all ready is staggering, even the TT and Seat Altea!
Not an attack on just Audi's cynicism, because they all do it, even Ford. Take the new Mondeo, widely renowned as a great handling car and very uncompetitive with that sad old 2.0 diesel unit, they finally get to releasing the much more like it 2.2 diesel but only in top of the range models, milk the market of all those company car drivers under sole supplier restrictions then maybe move it down.
In reality what the market wanted is the 2.2 in all models from launch and the 2.0 added later in economy models. Somebody crunched the numbers and there was more money in it the other way - moral of the story never buy something at launch - wait until it matures a bit.