Audi puts 2.0L TDI in high efficiency version of the 44.4 mpg large A6
Audi is now offering a TDI e version of its large A6 sedan with the same 2.0L diesel engine that is being installed in the Jetta TDI here in the US market. In the A6, the engine is rated at 134 hp, slightly less than 140 hp available in the Jetta. The high efficiency e-badged variant of the A6 gets the usual array of changes that these eco-versions get: the four cylinder diesel is complimented by a six speed manual gear box with wider gear ratio spacing; lower rolling resistance tires; and a sport suspension with lowered springs that bring the body down for less aerodynamic drag. A brake energy regeneration system like that used by BMW charges a higher-capacity 12V battery to reduce parasitic losses. Britain's What What Car? magazine had a chance to drive the A6 TDI e, which is rated at 44.4 mpg (US) on the EU combined cycle, and found it handles well and is quiet, but the sport suspension is somewhat stiff and acceleration is leisurely due to the small engine and tall gearing.
[Source: What Car?]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
asus 5:31PM (12/08/2008)
US version?
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twonius 7:23AM (12/09/2008)
85% of US drivers can't drive stick... so no
Plus it doesn't have 200+hp so no one here would buy it.
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Dalton 3:47PM (12/11/2008)
I am sure the usual comments about the "Cost" of diesel fuel will come up. Ask any buyer of a new A6 if the price of fuel affected their purchase decision. Use less and change the balance.
Joel Green 10:27AM (12/09/2008)
I guess my only concern about diesel is that with the added mpg savings, it would be a break even cost wise with a gas car. Now I am not so sure. This also sounds seriously underpowered.
I think Audi should do more on the electric car front. Lease some engineers from Tesla, they would get some green cars that are blistering fast.
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asus 7:07PM (12/09/2008)
Yeah, but the 2.8L original "new" a6 in 1998 was underpowered and they sold a bunch. Perhaps they could put a turbo 4cyl deisel in the a4. It would get even better milage and be less underpowered...
To be honest, I could care less if the car is slow, I sit in traffic half the time anyways. It nice to have a nice car when your sitting in it all the time - as opposed to having to buy an econobox to get good mpg.