| Audi A4 And A5 Revisions | ||
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(Thu 31 Jul 08) Audi has made an important change to the entry-level model in its A5 range, and added a new engine option for the A4.
The cheapest A5 is now the 2.0 TFSI, which replaces the previous 1.8 TFSI. The new engine is a detuned version of the 2.0 TFSI already available further up the range, but it still produces a maximum of 178bhp, or about 10bhp more than the 1.8 did. Inevitably, straightline performance has improved - the car will go from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 148mph. But fuel economy is better too, at 42.8mpg combined (3mpg better than the 1.8), and CO2 emissions have dropped by 9% to 154g/km. This is part of Audi's plan to reduce the CO2 output across its range, and it also means that the new car is one VED band lower than the old one was, which results in a £25 drop in annual car tax. The new 2.0 TFSI comes with front-wheel drive and manual transmission, and costs £26,710 in standard form. The Sport model, with lowered suspension, more supportive seats and 18" ten-spoke alloy wheels, costs £27,660. Audi's new engine for the A4 is a two-litre turbo diesel. Nothing particularly surprising there - the A4 already had a choice of 118bhp and 141bhp 2.0 TDIs - but this one is the most powerful of the lot, producing a maximum of 168bhp.
When fitted to an A4 saloon with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, the new 2.0 TDI has a top speed of 143mph, a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds, combined fuel economy of "53mpg plus" and a CO2 rating of 140g/km. The engine is also available in cars with four-wheel drive, and in the Avant body style, and there's a choice of SE and S line trim levels. Prices range from £24,600 to £27,175. |
