For the time being, Audi is the only luxury brand in North America to offer a 4-cylinder diesel engine. Yes, some have hybrids, but for many people, it’s not the same.
A modern-day diesel has an adequate level of horsepower, gobs of low-end torque, low fuel consumption and no longer sacrifice noise, refinement and smell. It’s the case of Volkswagen’s latest TDI 4-banger, and this year, it’s been dropped into the diminutive engine bay of Audi’s A3 hatchback.
The TDI is low on firepower compared to the 2.0-litre turbo gas engine found in the A3, and doesn’t rev as voraciously. The zero to 100 km/h dash with the 6-speed double-clutch automated gearbox, the only one offered with the TDI, takes 9 seconds, which is more or less two seconds slower than the 2.0 TFSI.
However, the turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel has an output of 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough for everyday cruising. At 100 km/h on the highway, the engine spins at 1,950 rpm, which isn’t bad. And unless they’re paying attention, your passengers probably won’t notice that it’s a diesel, in case you’re shy admitting that’s what you have under the hood (you shouldn’t).
As for fuel consumption, our average is 6.9 L/100 km. Okay, that’s not as good as the published figures of 6.7/4.6 L/100 km city/highway suggest, but it’s still pretty low. So you’ll basically save about 25% in fuel with the TDI compared to the A3’s gas engine.
From here on, the rest of the car is pure A3.
That means a dynamic drive, with a nicely-balanced chassis, very precise speed-sensitive steering and a high fun-to-drive quotient. As for the S Line Sport Package, it adds terrific-looking 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40R18 performance tires in replacement of the standard 17-inchers, and a sport suspension that unfortunately gives a harsh ride to the A3.
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| The zero to 100 km/h dash with the 6-speed double-clutch automated gearbox. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
A modern-day diesel has an adequate level of horsepower, gobs of low-end torque, low fuel consumption and no longer sacrifice noise, refinement and smell. It’s the case of Volkswagen’s latest TDI 4-banger, and this year, it’s been dropped into the diminutive engine bay of Audi’s A3 hatchback.
The TDI is low on firepower compared to the 2.0-litre turbo gas engine found in the A3, and doesn’t rev as voraciously. The zero to 100 km/h dash with the 6-speed double-clutch automated gearbox, the only one offered with the TDI, takes 9 seconds, which is more or less two seconds slower than the 2.0 TFSI.
However, the turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel has an output of 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, which is more than enough for everyday cruising. At 100 km/h on the highway, the engine spins at 1,950 rpm, which isn’t bad. And unless they’re paying attention, your passengers probably won’t notice that it’s a diesel, in case you’re shy admitting that’s what you have under the hood (you shouldn’t).
As for fuel consumption, our average is 6.9 L/100 km. Okay, that’s not as good as the published figures of 6.7/4.6 L/100 km city/highway suggest, but it’s still pretty low. So you’ll basically save about 25% in fuel with the TDI compared to the A3’s gas engine.
From here on, the rest of the car is pure A3.
That means a dynamic drive, with a nicely-balanced chassis, very precise speed-sensitive steering and a high fun-to-drive quotient. As for the S Line Sport Package, it adds terrific-looking 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40R18 performance tires in replacement of the standard 17-inchers, and a sport suspension that unfortunately gives a harsh ride to the A3.
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| The turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel has an output of 140 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |