Audi A4 1.9 TDI: Now With 115 bhp

A new, more potent version of the 1.9 TDI engine is being added to the range of engines offered for the Audi A4: in future the Audi A4 1.9 TDI will deliver 85 kW (115 bhp) at a torque of 285 Nm instead of the previous 74 kW (100 bhp) and 250 Nm of torque. At the same time, this new performance-enhanced engine satisfies the stringent emission standard EU4, which is not due to become law until 2006. The customer consequently benefits in two respects: from more power and from tax exemption as a result of reduced emission levels.

Thanks to an increase in power – up 15 bhp – and torque – up 35 Nm – the Audi A4 1.9 TDI gains noticeably in dynamism and pulling power. The saloon accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds, almost one second faster than the 74 kW model. This front-wheel-drive model with 5-speed gearbox reaches a top speed of 201 km/h (up 6 km/h). The fuel consumption (overall) of the four-cylinder engine remains almost as low as before at 5.6 litres of diesel per 100 km. With a tank capacity of 70 litres, this model is consequently capable of covering over 1,200 kilometres without having to refuel.

The new, more powerful engine version is based largely on the 74 kW unit. Powerplant engineers succeeded in boosting the power delivered by the 1.9-litre TDI by further fine tuning of the high-pressure pump-injector fuel injection in conjunction with new Bosch EDC 16+ engine management. This improves mixture preparation and further increases efficiency.

Optimised pistons, now without recesses, as well as further detailed modifications to the electrically controlled exhaust-gas recirculation with a clearly improved cooling output and a more efficient close-coupled catalytic converter ensure that the TDI engine already satisfies what are currently the most stringent emission limits around.

The development engineers have adapted the entire pump-injector system in detail: a modified spray angle and a higher supply rate are the result. The latest generation of Bosch engine management with further increased computing power makes it possible to use the greater potential of high-pressure injection resulting from these changes to maximum effect. The recirculated exhaust gases are cooled to a significantly greater extent in the new engine. This lowers the combustion temperature in the cylinder and reduces nitrogen oxide emissions.

The Audi A4 1.9 TDI with 85 kW (115 bhp) engine is expected to be in dealers’ showrooms in June. The basic price in Germany will be €24,500 for the saloon and €26,100 for the Avant (prices including VAT).