Audi A4 TDIe 2010 review

The A4 range is littered with drivetrain options and the latest in the ever-increasing Audi line-up isn't another go-fast model, but a go-further variant.  The A4 TDIe follows in the tyre marks of the smaller A3 with the same badge that launched here in mid-2008, boasting even better fuel economy than the already-frugal diesel models.

Engine and gearbox

The TDIe shares the same engine with its TDI sibling - a four-cylinder double overhead cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger and a particle filter.  The TDIe produces 100kW - down by 5kW - with the same 320Nm of torque.

The frugal version actually boasts a higher top speed by 5km/h (it's 215km/h, thanks to a higher final drive ratio) but is only 0.1 of a second behind.  Sitting 20mm lower, the A4 TDIe lays claims to an ADR laboratory-derived figure of 4.8 litres per 100km and 124g/km, which is one litre per 100km and 30g/km better than the mainstream diesel model with the CVT.

Priced from $49,990, it's also $3000 cheaper, thanks in part to its LCT exemption but the payoff there comes from the lack of any automatic transmission - six gears and a clutch pedal is the only choice here.

Fit-out and equipment

The leather-trimmed cabin is not much different than the bulk of the A4 range - quality materials and assembly, functional layout and a features list that isn't too bad.  The safety features list has dual front airbags for the front occupants, as well as side and curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, stability control and anti-lock brakes.

The TDIe gets fog lamps front and rear, remote central locking, climate control, cruise control, power windows, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, manually-adjustable front seats and a 10-speaker single CD (MP3 compatible) sound system.

Among the options are Bluetooth phone link, which should really be standard, for $1006, the multi-media MMI satnav system, which has a hard-drive and Audi Music Interface for $3390 or a pack that comprises electric seats (with memory function for driver), exterior mirrors (with folding, auto dimming and heated) and an auto-dimming centre rearview mirror for $4226.

Cabin space isn't overly abundant, but it's enough for average-sized adults and a couple of kids in the back and they will all be pretty comfortable.

Driving

The driver gets a vehicle that is light and easy to drive, although the clutch takes a little getting used to for feel and the gearbox can thump a little if you're over eager on the change.  Short-shifting is easily achieved with the engine's strong bottom-end, which also helps to keep the thirst down.

Audi isn't the only brand with diesels devoid of an automatic option and it will limit the car's appeal in the Australian market, given the high percentage take-up of autos.  But the boffins at several companies - not just the Audi engineers - are working on Start-Stop functionality within an automatic.  The Start-Stop function takes some getting used to but works well.

The engine turns off at a standstill when out of gear and the clutch pedal is released, and kicks over again as soon as any pressure is put on the pedal again.  The standard system is at its most effective during traffic-choked city driving, where Audi claims as much as 1.5 litres/100km can be saved.
Some similar systems require the clutch to meet the firewall.

It's better than having to floor the clutch before it re-fires, making it a little less worrisome at the traffic lights.  The fuel-saving list also includes a partially-enclosed front grille, underbody aero panels and regenerative braking, which stores energy in the car's battery and redeployed to the car's systems as needed.

A shift indicator also prompts the driver's gearshifts for maximum efficiency.  The diesel needs a few revs on board before it really gets into the swing of things, but once on boost there's plenty of drive on offer.

It's a smooth and quiet drive, although the lowered sports suspension may be on the firm side for some.  The Audi A4 TDIe is a good example of what can be done to reduce fuel use and emissions without going over the top and detracting from the real-world useability.

Audi A4 TDIe sedan

Price: from $49,990.
Engine: two-litre DOHC 16-valve common-rail direct-injection turbocharged 16-valve four-cylinder.
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive.
Power: 100kW @ 4200rpm.
Torque: 320Nm between 1750 & 2500rpm.
Performance: 0-100km/h 9.5 seconds, top speed 215km/h.
Fuel consumption: 4.8 litres/100km, on test 7.4; tank 65 litres.
Emissions: 124 g/km.
Suspension: Five-link front suspension, upper and lower wishbones, tubular anti-roll bar (front); independent-wheel, trapezoidal-link rear suspension with resiliently mounted subframe, anti-roll bar (rear).
Brakes: front ventilated discs, rear discs, with anti-lock and stability control systems.
Dimensions: length 4703mm, width 1826mm, height 1407mm, wheelbase 2811mm, track fr/rr 1568/1555mm, cargo volume 480/962 litres, weight 1475 kg.
Wheels: 16in alloys

Rivals:

Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTD, from $52,990.
BMW 320d, from $58,300.
Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI, from $$61,400.
Volvo S40 D5, from $42,950.