The A3 TDI uses the same clean-diesel engine as the popular Volkswagen Jetta sedan and SportWagen TDI models. It joins the midsize Q7 TDI sport utility vehicle to give consumers two diesel choices from Audi, the upscale brand of Germany's Volkswagen.
Prices for the A3 TDI model begin at $29,950 (plus $825 freight). This vehicle is built on the same architecture as the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit and the Audi TT coupe, and has been promoted by Audi as a TT with four doors (it actually has five, if you count the flip-up tailgate that allows access to the cargo area).
The Q7 TDI model was introduced earlier this year as a 2009 model. Both vehicles have new clean-diesel engines that offer 30 percent better fuel economy and a 20 percent reduction in the emissions of so-called greenhouse gases than gasoline engines of similar size, Audi says.
As for the A3 TDI, it has the same styling and offers the same amenities that come in the gasoline-powered versions of this car. Gas models begin at $27,270 (plus freight), so there essentially is a $2,680 premium to get the diesel engine.
But the fuel economy is the selling point. The TDI model is EPA rated at 30 mpg city/42 highway, which is better than that of several gasoline-electric hybrids — many of which cost even more to start with.
For instance, the new Lexus HS 250h, which is of similar size and has about the same amenities, starts at $34,200, and the EPA mileage is 35 city/34 highway.
New federal energy tax credits are available on clean-diesel vehicles, ranging from $900 to $1,800, depending on the model.
Standard on the A3 TDI are features such as power windows/mirrors/door locks with remote, lighted vanity mirrors, leather seats, cargo-net map pockets on the backs of the front seats, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and back-seat armrest with dual cup holders.
Options include the Audi navigation system, a Bluetooth phone connection, a music interface for iPods and other devices, a Bose premium audio system and the Titanium Package, which adds dark-gray wheels and a black grille, premium leather seats, wood interior trim, rain and light sensors, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors, and LED daytime running lights.
The diesel engine cranks out 140 horsepower and 236 foot-pounds of torque.
This vehicle is among a spate of new diesel cars and sport utility vehicles available in the United States, all of which come from Germany.
The argument in favor of diesel-powered vehicles is that they offer fuel economy approaching — and in some cases exceeding — that of many gasoline-electric hybrids. Yet they generally cost less than hybrids and don't need all of the expensive technology that goes into the gasoline-electric models, including battery packs that can cost thousands of dollars to replace.
Although about half of all new vehicles sold in Europe are powered by diesel engines, they haven't been popular with American consumers in the past. That's because consumers here have been turned off by the black exhaust smoke and engine noise they have associated with diesels.
But the new clean-diesel technology eliminates the smoke and most of the noise from these engines, making them more palatable to American drivers.
The A3 TDI and other new diesel models also meet federal Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle smog standards, which allow them to be sold even in California, which in the past has barred most diesel vehicles.
While the U.S. automakers offer diesel engines in their heavy-duty pickups, they are not yet available in any of their cars or SUVs. There are no diesels offered here from Japanese or South Korean automakers, either, although they do sell them in Europe and other world markets.
Other diesels available for 2010 in the U.S. market include two from BMW, the X5 sport activity vehicle and the 335d compact sedan; and three each from Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, including the Mercedes GL350, ML350 and R350 Bluetec SUV models; and the Volkswagen Jetta sedan and SportWagen TDI, as well as the Touareg TDI sport utility.
Mercedes also had a diesel sedan in the 2009 lineup, the E320 Bluetec. A redesigned model will arrive in March, the E350 Bluetec, as part of the complete makeover of the midsize E-class line for 2010.
Prices of the new diesels range from $22,970 (plus freight) for the VW Jetta sedan to $58,200 for the Mercedes GL350, with most of the SUVs in the low $50,000s.
Costs of most of the diesel models are not much different from those of the base gasoline versions. The premium charged for hybrids, however, can run from about $5,000 to more than $42,000 above gasoline versions.
The Camry Hybrid lists for $26,000, but other Camry models begin under $20,000.The most expensive hybrid is the Lexus LS 600h sedan at $106,000; the least expensive gasoline version of the LS is just less than $64,000.
The diesel Jetta sedan lists for about $2,200 more than a comparably equipped gasoline version. But the Mercedes GL320 Bluetec actually costs $1,000 less than the corresponding gasoline model.
Fuel economy, though, is why consumers are flocking to the diesels. Among the SUVs, the Audi Q7, which shares much of its architecture with the VW Touareg diesel, has EPA ratings of 17 city/25 highway, compared with 13/18 for the V-8 gasoline-powered version.
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