The latest Audi four-cylinder 2.0-litre, 201 bhp 40 TDI engine is now available to order in the A6 Saloon, Avant and A7 Sportback – the first time a four-cylinder has been fitted in the five-door coupe – offering favourable calculations for business users.
All versions are initially front-wheel-drive, with a four-wheel-drive version of each model following later in 2018 that will employ the latest quattro on demand technology capable of channelling drive to the rear wheels in a split-second.
The engine returns up to 62.8mpg with a CO2 output of as little as 117g/km (A6 Saloon on 18-inch wheels). Both the A6 Avant and A7 Sportback share a combined potential of 60.1mpg, corresponding to 124g/km (A6 Avant with 18-inch wheels) and 122g/km (A7 Sportback with 19-inch wheels).
For business users, the 25g/km reduction to 122g/km on the A7 Sportback versus a 45 TDI quattro version equates to a more competitive BIK rating of 29 per cent for a higher rate taxpayer.
The new A6 Saloon 40 TDI reaches 62mph from rest in 8.1 seconds (rising to 8.3 seconds for both the Avant and A7 Sportback) with the advanced direct injection TDI and seven-speed S tronic transmission, and can continue to a top speed of 152mph (A6 Avant 40 TDI: 149mph, A7 Sportback: 152mph).
The pursuit of optimal economy extends beyond the engine bay to the new mild hybrid drivetrain (MHEV) which is a standard feature of all A6 and A7 Sportback models. Its key component is a belt alternator starter (BAS) connected to the crankshaft which, in this application, can recover up to 5 kW of power during deceleration periods and store it in a separate lithium-ion battery housed in the rear of the car. If the driver takes his foot off the accelerator at speeds of between 34mph and 99mph, the 40 TDI can also coast with the engine running at idling speed. As soon as the driver accelerates again, the BAS restores power. Audi says the near-seamless activation and deactivation of the system and the low engine speeds that it permits make progress feel even more relaxed.
The A6 Saloon, Avant and A7 Sportback 40 TDI are equipped to the same level as their six-cylinder counterparts.
Electronic driver assistants including the Audi Parking System Plus with rear-view camera, the Audi Pre-sense Front collision warning and automatic braking system and the Lane Departure Warning system also form part of the standard specification.
Audi A6 Saloon, Avant and A7 Sportback 40 TDI UK pricing
| Model | Engine | Power | Transmission | Recommended OTR |
| A6 Saloon 40 TDI Sport | 2.0 TDI diesel | 201 bhp | 7-speed S tronic | £38,640 |
| A6 Saloon 40 TDI S line | 2.0 TDI diesel | 201 bhp | 7-speed S tronic | £42,000 |
| A6 Avant 40 TDI Sport | 2.0 TDI diesel | 201 bhp | 7-speed S tronic | £40,470 |
| A6 Avant 40 TDI S line | 2.0 TDI diesel | 201 bhp | 7-speed S tronic | £44,100 |
| A7 Sportback 40 TDI Sport | 2.0 TDI diesel | 201 bhp | 7-speed S tronic | £47,140 |
| A7 Sportback 40 TDI S line | 2.0 TDI diesel | 201 bhp | 7-speed S tronic | £50,040 |
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One Response
Great to see Audi keeping up their tradition of evolutionary improvement to their diesel engines with improved/increased power with low emissions.
Your reader poll is too narrowly loaded with its options/choices!
I will probable never again buy a new diesel or petrol or hybrid car because battery EVs have at last come of age!
I love our diesel but technology has now made true zero emissions a practical reality. (AT LAST).