(Thu 14 May 09)

Audi will introduce a start-stop system to its model ranges from the third quarter of this year, starting with selected versions of the A3, A4 and A5.

The system is similar to that used by other manufacturers. In appropriate circumstances the engine switches off automatically when the car is at a halt and the driver puts the car out of gear and releases the clutch. It starts again when the driver re-applies the clutch.

There is a slight improvement in fuel economy as a result of all this, and CO2 emissions drop by around 5g/km. Start-stop will be introduced first in the A3 1.4 TFSI manual (pictured) and in A4s and A5s with two-litre engines and manual transmission, and will be added to "numerous other models" before 2009 is out.

At the same time, Audi is introducing an "efficiency program" to the trip computer, which doesn't itself have any effect on fuel consumption but does advise the driver on how to drive more economically.

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