#DAS09 The Audi A3, remember it? It's that nice looking, entry-level hatchback that undercuts the A4 Avant
on price, but delivers a similar reduction in cabin space. It does quite well in Europe, but hasn't really caught on in the U.S. Audi sold just 4,749 of them in 2008 while BMW unloaded over 12,000 1 Series coupes.
Audi gave the A3 some help last fall with a mild refresh and the addition of quattro all-wheel drive as an option on 2.0T models. Today it announced another new feature: TDI clean diesel power.
Yes, clean diesel, as in all-50 states. They've finally figured it out and although the technology that makes it happen is not cheap, the promise of big torque and 40+ miles per gallon is a reality.
Well, as least it will be later this year when the 2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI is scheduled to go on sale. You'll only be able to couple the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine with front-wheel drive and Audi's S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox, but with 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque there should be plenty of power to keep it entertaining.
Audi wasn't quite as specific when it came to mileage numbers, only committing to "over 40mpg" on the highway. Not bad for an A3 that should deliver performance on par with the 2.0T gasoline model.
The only real question left is price. Diesel engines are expensive, and the equipment needed to make the 50-state legal in the U.S. certainly doesn't help. Oh and then there's that little problem with the price of diesel fuel too. Probably a good thing it's not coming until later this year, as the climate for a fuel-efficient, yet powerful luxury hatchback could be a bit better. Maybe.
petrolhead85 says:
02:35 PM, 01/11/09
Ed, what's with all the whining and worrying about how expensive the engine is? Isn't this the same powertrain that's already in the 50-state legal Jetta TDI?
hondacura4 says:
04:06 PM, 01/11/09
I think the main reason the A3 hasnt caught on here is its rediculously expensive. Ive seen them sticker right at $40K. Thats insane!
mr42hh says:
07:56 AM, 01/12/09
In Germany, this diesel is 2,350€ cheaper than the 200hp gasser A3. Don't worry about the cost.