2010 Audi A3 2.0 TDI at 2009 Detroit Auto Show

• Competes with: Mini Cooper, Volvo C30
• Looks like: Your everyday A3 hatchback
• Drivetrain: 140-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with six-speed automatic; front-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: First quarter of 2010

German luxury automakers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have all been announcing diesel-powered models for the U.S., but many of the models getting diesel engines have been larger cars and SUVs. Now, Audi has added a diesel engine to its smallest model for 2010: the A3 2.0 TDI.

The A3 2.0 TDI hatchback is powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that uses common-rail direct injection. It makes 140 hp, but as is customary with diesels it produces a whopping amount of torque; the diesel is rated at 236 pounds-feet, which is nearly as much as Audi's 3.2-liter V-6 gas engine produces. The diesel pairs with Audi's S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Official fuel-economy figures haven't been released, but Audi says the A3 2.0 TDI should get more than 40 mpg on the highway. Pricing hasn't been announced either, but Audi says it will be released around the time the car goes on sale in the first quarter of next year.

As long as the cost of diesel fuel stays higher than gasoline — lessening the economic impact of a diesel engine's efficiency gains — it's going to be difficult to get buyers to consider diesel cars and their expensive engine technology when gasoline equivalents are available. As we saw in 2008, however, fuel prices can change rapidly over a short period of time, and the market could be quite different a year from now when the A3 2.0 TDI hits dealerships.More photos below.

Comments

yeah audi now wheres is the quattro version , to get all those people who want an alternative to there suvs, its a shame a nice fuel efficient car with all wheel drive with room to haul some stuff, i know i want one for sure

Now how about a 3.0 TDI in an A5 or S5? That's what I really want over here in the States. They could entice me with a 3.0TFSI for the non-Cabriolet version of the S5 with S-tronic as a late 2009/early 2010 model :)

I hope this diesel Rabbit runs better than the last diesel rabbit they built and then pulled off the market in the '80s.

Referring to the guy who was calling the A3 a rabbit...since when did you ever see a vw rabbit give out 236 pounds p/ feet of torque?Update your info sir,through error comes experience-I believe they've long since been over that hump or any as far as that goes and the 80's have passed many-many moons ago...disco is dead now a days sir...

Has Audi made redesign of A3, I can not see it. Or it is the same car but with diesel?

rr

Sir kindly post to me audi A3 fuel price list.
Thanks
MTN.