Audi A5 TDI averages 37 mpg (US) in UK road test!
The lucky dogs over at MSN Cars in the UK got a chance to sample Audi's curvy new coupe, the A5, which is powered by the 3.0L V-6 TDI. This is the engine that US drivers will get in the Q7 and VW Touareg in 2008 as well as the A4. Hopefully we'll get it in our A5 too. When the Brits drove it they averaged 37 mpg (US) and even more aggressive driving only brought that down to about 33! Pretty impressive with such looks and performance. Of course that car was equipped with a manual transmission so Americans who are so averse to shifting for themselves will be stuck with an automatic and slightly lower mileage. Hopefully they will soon have a DSG that handle the 368 lb-ft of torque so we can get the best of both worlds.
[Source: MSN Cars UK via German Car Blog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
David Whiskeyman 12:05AM (4/06/2008)
All things being equal, my research finds that on average, an automatice mated with a diesel reduces mileage about about 20% My experience bears that out. My 95 Dodge (Cummings Diesel with auto) ran about 15 mgp combined (about 18 hwy). My 03 dodge (essentially the same engine) gets 18 city, 24 hwy, 20-21 combined. When I talk to other owners of late model dodges (same engine but w/auto) they average 15mpg. Also note, that automatics require more maintainance, both short and long term.
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Rick 3:22PM (10/25/2007)
Wow. I admit ignarance in regards to diesel. Are the newer engines quiet and smooth? I just think of those old nosiy and side to side rattling Mercedes engines.
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UH2L 4:48PM (10/25/2007)
Sam, (the author),
Don't assume that the manual will get better fuel economy than the automatic. There are many factors that could lead to the auto getting better F.E. Number of speeds, gear ratios, torque converter design all come into play. City and highway ratings culd be impacted differently too.
Rick,
The new diesels are very quiet and smooth, especially once you're at cruising speed. Plus, they rev lower.
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Chris 11:16PM (10/25/2007)
I rented an Alfa 159 Sportwagon with the 1.9L 150hp diesel last summer in Italy and it was a great car. Fun to drive and the economy was incredible. However, I wish I could have tried the 2.4L diesel version, as it was over 200hp (that model is actually used by the national police). Very refined and smooth. I can' wait until we get these engines in North America.
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Jack S. 8:27AM (10/26/2007)
"I just think of those old nosiy and side to side rattling Mercedes engines."
Umm, that means there's something wrong with your car. The old mercedes may be a bit louder, but if they're shaking and smoking that is a sign of improper maintenance. Do you really think they could have sold such cars for $30-$40K back in the late 70's and '80s if they behaved as such? You must be thinking of the GM diesels.
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Chris Adams 9:10AM (10/26/2007)
Audi/VW's diesel engines - as well as all other modern European diesels are wonderful creations.
I averaged 29MPG on a trip last weekend up to St. Augustine (from Central FL). Traffic, headwind, and thunderstorms reduced my return average to 26.5MPG. Not bad for a 4900lb SUV. Overall 1st tank average 25.8MPG. And the vehicle is not even broken in yet....
These diesel engines compare neck and neck with Mercedes gasoline V6's in both sound, feel, and power. I don't understand what the European manufacturers are waiting for!
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Chris Adams 9:15AM (10/26/2007)
Sorry my last post was lauding diesels engines overall, but the MPG data was from my ML320 CDI.
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mannisto.ilkka 7:40PM (10/26/2007)
All the taxis in Finland run on diesel; a lot of them are new E-benzes, 5-series bimmers, S80 volvos, A6 audis*. I've rode in a lot of those taxis, and they are really smooth, and pull really hard when needed.
* there's a taxation reason why taxis in finland are more expensive cars than most people can afford, and why all run on diesel.
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Rick 7:00PM (10/26/2007)
UH2L- Thanks for clarifying that.
Jack S, Wasn't my car, it was a neighbor's(from my childhood in the 80s). Can't provide a maintenance record, but I know what a Mercedes looks like. Sorry, it wasn't a GM and I have no clue what people paid for them.
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