The latest Audi A4 diesel now earns the right to use the 'e' suffix. This new A4 2.0 TDIe joins the range alongside the three existing, and continuing, 2.0-litre TDI variants, and employs the very latest efficiency measures to make 4.6 litres/100km (61.4mpg) and 120g/km CO2 output a reality. This new A4 uses the punchy 136bhp version of the 2.0-litre TDI engine first seen in the A6 2.0 TDIe.

Audi will be offering the A4 with the e suffix to denote a new and more efficient diesel engine car. The version gives a fuel economy figure of 4.6 litres/100km (61.4mpg) and 120g/km CO2 output.

Delivering peak power at 4,200rpm and a healthy 320Nm of torque from 1,750rpm, the directly injected diesel with its piezo injectors will enable the six-speed manual A4 2.0 TDIe to reach 100km/hr from rest in 9.5 seconds and to continue to a top speed of 230km/hr.

This impressive performance data doesn't preclude an exceptional combined economy figure of 4.6 litres/100km (61.4mpg) and an impressively low CO2 output of 120g/km in the A4 2.0 TDIe. The new car attracts a low Band B motor tax rate, giving an annual cost of just €156. The A4 2.0 TDIe arguably achieves the compromise between power, performance, economy and emissions with the help of the latest automatic start-stop and energy recuperation systems.

The Audi start-stop system cuts engine power at idle when the clutch pedal is released and the gear lever is in its neutral position. It then restarts in just two-tenths of a second - more rapidly than any other comparable system, when the clutch is depressed. With the system's help, economy is boosted and CO2 is reduced by approximately 5g/km, but if required it can be deactivated at the touch of a button.

Recuperation technology provides further fuel and CO2 savings by recycling a proportion of the wasted kinetic energy, which is generated under normal braking and normally dissipated as heat, and storing this temporarily in the vehicle battery to reduce the engine load when the car subsequently accelerates again.

The achievement of 'e' status in the A4 has also been helped by a five per cent increase in the six-speed manual transmission's final drive ratio. It is also helped by use of a power steering pump, which operates only on demand and by the use of low rolling resistance tyres.

The 'e' model also conserves fuel by slipping more cleanly through the air thanks to an additional streamlining underbody trim panel. There is also an extra enclosure for the radiator grille and sports suspension settings, which help to reduce drag through a 20mm ride height reduction.

The A4 2.0 TDIe will be available in Standard and SE trim levels, both featuring the usual appointments, such as electronic climate control, alloy wheels (16-inch for Standard models, 17-inch for SE), a CD audio system and electric front and rear windows.

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