Following the launch this week of two new TDI models in Australia, German luxury carmaker, Audi, has announced that it will offer a diesel variant as part of its full 4-door model range - from the compact A-segment to the luxury D-segment, and including the all-important SUV segment – by October this year.

Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, says the company’s commitment to its Turbo Direct Injection (TDI) diesel technology is clearly demonstrated with the introduction of two important milestones this week – the first 6-cylinder diesel in the B-segment and the first 8-cylinder diesel in Australia. Another two TDI models will also be launched before the end of the year.

“Audi has been an innovator with its modern TDI technology for many years. The introduction of TDI in Australia is an important part of the brand’s long-term strategic growth as more and more customers become aware of the benefits of this fuel-efficient, yet sporty technology,” Mr Hofmann said.

“Long gone are the days of dirty, smelly, noisy diesel engines. Modern diesel technology like Audi’s TDI is proof that luxury, economy and performance can co-exist even in the most luxurious of passenger cars.

“Vehicles like our A6 3.0 TDI executive sedan and our just-launched A8 4.2 TDI luxury limousine are clear evidence of this. The A6 model now accounts for 42% of our total A6 sales – an incredible result for a diesel car in Australia,” Mr Hofmann added.

In July, Audi adds to its growing line-up of diesel-engined vehicles in Australia with the introduction of the new Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro and the world’s sportiest diesel-engined saloon - the bi-turbo A8 4.2 TDI quattro.

The new Q7 SUV arrives in September with a 3.0 TDI engine, already representing 67% of pre-sales of this important model. A second A3 TDI model in October rounds out the programme for Australia in 2006.

Already proof of the strength and performance of Audi’s TDI engines, November last year saw Audi’s larger A6 model with the modern 3.0 TDI engine awarded first prize as ‘Australia’s Best Luxury Car over $57,000’.

This was the first time a diesel-engined vehicle has won a ‘Best Luxury Car’ gong and heralds a new-found awareness and acceptance of diesel engines for Australian passenger-car consumers.

A long-time innovator with diesel technology, Audi first launched a TDI version of its allroad quattro in 2001 in Australia, followed by A3, A6 and late last year, its first A4 model boasting this efficient and powerful TDI technology.

Audi Australia TDI model range - 2006

Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI DSG
New A3 Sportback TDI model (Oct 06)
Audi A4 2.0 TDI multitronic
Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic
Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic
Audi allroad quattro 2.5 TDI tiptronic
Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro tiptronic
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro tiptronic (Sep 06)

Audi A8 4.2 TDI

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