The 2005 Australian International Motor Show will mark the Australian launch of Audi’s latest hi-tech turbo diesel engine for the best-selling A4.

The new Audi A4 2.0 TDI with 7-step multitronic, priced at $56,990, will be released for sale in Australia at the Sydney show.

The 2.0 TDI engine is characterised by outstanding fuel consumption. With a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.4 litres/100km and a 70-litre tank, the A4 2.0 TDI multitronic is capable of virtually 1,100 kilometres on a single tank of fuel.

Audi’s TDI engines are noted for their performance and vigour and this talented all-rounder is no different, boasting a peak torque figure of 320Nm. In other words, it is the most powerful and dynamic 4-cylinder model in the A4 range to-date.

The engine’s refinement is equally outstanding. The balancing shaft module with two shafts rotating in opposite directions helps to reduce engine vibration to an absolute minimum particularly at high engine speeds, all but eliminating a factor which characterised diesel engines of old.

The advanced multitronic transmission is standard for the new A4 2.0 TDI, and combines the benefits of a manual gearbox with those of a geared automatic transmission. Audi’s 7-step continuously variable transmission boasts smooth but very dynamic acceleration, and is an extremely effective method of transmitting power, yet maximising fuel efficiency.

The equipment specification of the A4 2.0 TDI multitronic is generous and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, active front head restraints, 8 airbags, servotronic power steering, exterior mirrors that are electrically-adjustable and heated, fog lights at the front and rear, and DataDot microdot identification.

A front centre armrest, multifunction leather steering wheel, Chorus sound system with CD changer,10 speakers and 150 watt output, standard cruise control, aluminium inlays in the vehicle’s interior, deluxe automatic air conditioning with separate dual climate control for driver and front passenger, and a driver information system (DIS) with trip computer, plus Volterra leather upholstery round out the excellent standard specification of this new A4 model.

This new A4 model is expected to account for around 15-20 percent of A4 sales, following in the successful footsteps of its larger sibling, the A6 3.0 TDI which currently accounts for more than 30 percent of A6 sales.

Audi now boasts a TDI engine in each of its A3, A4 and A6 ranges in Australia.