AIMS: Audi A4 and A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI-e

The very energetic dance troupe on the Audi stand at AIMS produced more CO2 emissions in their five-minute routine than any of the company's new range of environmentally friendly models. That could be because none of the cars were running during the dance routine.

Although it looks like a facelift of the B7 generation, the new A4 is claimed by Audi to be a ground-up redesign.

With such a long lead, the importer is yet to finalise specification and pricing for the new range, but head of Audi in Australia, Joerg Hofmann informed the media at the AIMS in Sydney that the new range would start from around $50,000 when it's released in April 2008.

Three engines will be available: a 1.8-litre petrol turbo, a 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel and a 3.2-litre V6 with quattro all-wheel drive. Outputs for the three engines range from 105kW of power up to 195kW and all three are cleaner running and more economical, through the device of direct injection fuel delivery.

According to Audi, the new engines are, on average, 13 per cent more economical.

Audi's engineers have developed a body that is both lighter and stronger (more rigid) than the current 'B7' generation car. At 4.7 metres, the new A4 is a bit larger and this translates to more interior space. 

Also on the stand, Audi introduced the A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI 'e' model, which can be ordered through dealers now for indicative pricing of approximately $37,000.

The new engine fitted develops 77kW of power and 250Nm of torque, but most significantly, produces just 119g/km of CO2 emissions.

To match the new engine's power and torque characteristics, the transmission ratios have been revised, with higher ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears. The revised gearing, combined with the engine, weight reduction measures, improved aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres all contribute to significantly reduced fuel consumption.

According to Audi, the engine only contributes to half the fuel use in normal running. Efficiency losses are more likely to be the result of poor aerodynamics, drivetrain friction and weight.

Figures provided by Audi indicate that the new A3 variant saves 0.3lt/100km through a weight reduction of 100kg. A further saving of 0.15lt/100km stems from a 10 per cent reduction in aerodynamic drag.

For all its efficiency, the A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI e will reach a top speed of 194km/h, but will return a fuel consumption figure of 4.5lt/100km -- not at the same time, however.

Other new Audi vehicles unveiled to the Sydney public at AIMS for the first time include the Q7 TDI V8, the S5 and the R8.

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