Audi leads efficiency charge

If ever there was a sign that the charge towards more efficient vehicles has hit the big time, led by a plethora of diesel technology improvements and innovations, it would be the large-scale adoption thereof by the world’s most prolific car manufacturers – and that is exactly the case. Hot on the heels of their rival stablemates, the world’s most ambitious premium manufacturer, Audi, has announced some radical advances in the efficiencies of their range, either currently available or imminent in South Africa.

Without much fanfare, Audi recently launched the A4 TDIe in South Africa, a replacement model of their already popular 2.0-litre TDi family sedan (look out for our test in the coming weeks). As a testament towards how manufacturers like Audi are simply refining their fuel efficiency technology and applying recently proven technology to existing machines, the TDIe is simply fitted with slightly less flared arches, redesigned grilles, rides a little lower and has an improved underbelly pan to decrease its air drag coefficient. The 100kW/320Nm engine now employs a stop-start system, energy conserving power steering pump, regenerative braking and a taller gear ratio, returning an impressive (theoretical) 22km/litre of thirst and only 115g of carbon emissions – bringing it just within government’s zero-tax-on-emissions threshold.

Audi’s relatively new A3 1.6TDI model also falls into the green area of the emissions tax laws and their imminent A1 1.6TDI is speculated to produce around 103g and deliver over 20km/litre when it is launched in early 2011.

Stop Start technology already exists in Audi’s A4 and Q5 range (those with 2.0-litre TFSi and TDi engines), A5 models with 2.0-litre TFSi engines and the Q7 3.0 TDi tiptronic. This will be expanded during 2011 to include the A1, A3, A7 Sportback, A8 diesel and the new A6 ranges.

Sporty yet efficient new A1 due for local launch early in 2011. Watch out MINI...

An interesting (and proven effective) inclusion is what Audi call their “Efficiency Programme”, displayed on their Driver Information System (on board computer). This programme is simply a set of checks and measures against the car’s status and the driving style of the pilot, which accordingly offers efficiency improvement tips via the on board display. For example, if a passenger is absent but their seat heater is on, or if unnecessary windows or the sunroof is open, or even if they are generally driving in a gas guzzling manner, notice is provided. Most useful is a gear shift indicator which will inform the driver of the best time to change through the gears – something I find immensely amusing to expose “enthusiastic” drivers to for the first time…

Audi's upcoming A7

For those who are reading this with raised eyebrows and rolling eyes, the DIS Efficiency Programme can be turned off to allow you to drive in peace, at your own pace. Audi is adopting the holistic approach towards more efficient motoring by adapting and improving existing technologies, concepts and innovations. Audi’s E-Tron branded electric vehicle programme is also a topic of much interest, so seeing hybrid or full-electric Audi’s on our highways and byways may be a thing of our not-too-distant future…driving alongside many others, we reckon.

- Kevin Willemse

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