Audi A3 2.0 TDI headed to America?

Posted Wed Sep 3 2008 11:59 PM by Nelson Ireson

The horsepower wars are being supplemented by the efficiency wars now that global warming issues are being taken seriously by the world's major governments, and one of the primary weapons of the new war is the diesel engine. Volkswagen Group cars have long had a close relationship with diesel fuel, and since the R10 began its dominance at Le Mans, cut short only when hamstrung by rules changes, Audi has been at the forefront of the public image of performance-minded yet efficient diesels. Now the company is looking to bring its diesel success to the North American A3.

Rated at 140hp (104kW), 236lb-ft (320Nm) of torque and 29mpg city/40mpg highway (8.11L/100km city and 5.88L/100km highway), the 2.0L diesel powerplant hits most of the right buttons. Another variant of the 2.0L TDI engine is also available in Europe, rated at 170hp (126kW). CAFE requirements, fuel prices and the window-sticker battle for the best fuel economy figures are all potential justification for bringing the diesel version of the car to the U.S., but it makes good business sense, too.

Audi already makes a great deal of diesel cars for Europe, where the fuel is the leading choice for new car buyers, so finding a way to expand its market to the U.S. can only drive down costs and improve profits. A potential counterstroke to that line of reasoning is the rigorous process of gaining 50-state certification for the particulate-heavy diesel emissions, but with the same engine in the VW Jetta 2.0 TDI already having cleared that hurdle, the cost-benefit analysis swings back in favor of the decision.

Buyers will have incentive to choose the diesel models over their petrol variants, too - literally. The diesel engine in the all-new Jetta 2.0 TDI is already eligible for a $1,300 federal tax break, so it's reasonable to surmise that Audi A3s featuring the same 2.0L diesel drivetrain may be eligible as well. Available transmission options are likely to include both a six-speed manual and the 2009-update seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Unfortunately, the decision to bring the diesel A3 to the U.S. isn't yet final or official. It is, however, intriguing - but so was Audi's dormant R8 V12 TDI Concept. If the A3 TDI does eventually make it to the U.S., it could help justify production of the A3 2.0 TDI Clubsport Concept shown at a German tuner show earlier this year.

2009 Audi A3 facelift

Via: Fourtitude

Gallery: 2009 Audi A3 facelift

Reader Comments

Thu Sep 4 2008 8:31 AM
Laz says

BRING THIS HATCH TO THE US! I've never owned a German car but this one looks to be a good first...
Thu Sep 4 2008 9:14 AM
mlevere1992 says

Bring it in the 3-door version and it will be a hit!
Thu Sep 4 2008 12:14 PM
NoNameDenton says

I am just happy we are getting more diesels
Thu Sep 4 2008 12:44 PM
Fred says

I love my A3 and diesel would only make me like it more.

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