Audi slides two new engines into Q5 and A4 Allroad

Diesel engines have been a hot topic in the U.S. lately, but so far demand, while growing, hasn't shot up to the levels necessary to support a range of choices from carmakers. Europe is decidedly different on that measure, and accordingly they get a broad set of choices that gets even broader with today's announcement of a new pair of engines available in the Audi Q5 and A4 Allroad.

The two new engines are Audi's 143hp 2.0 TDI diesel four-cylinder and the 180hp 2.0 TFSI gasoline four. Both are already available in other vehicles in Audi's range, but moving the small powerplants to the entry-level position in the European lineup offers buyers a new choice for efficiency and savings. The diesel-burner offers 36.19mpg US in the Q5, while the gasoline four-pot is good for 28.0mpg US on average.

The A4 Allroad isn't sold here in the U.S., but the Q5 is, and its big brother the Q7 is available with the larger 3.0L V6 TDI engine. Diesel-heads will be disappointed to know that the 2.0 TDI engine isn't planned to cross the pond in the foreseeable future due to low demand, according to Audi's Brad Stertz.

In contrast, the new diesel is actually 300 euros cheaper than the TFSI model in Europe due to the broader acceptance of the fuel.

The 2.0 TFSI engine could make the trans-Atlantic trip, however, since its gasoline-burning ways aren't shrouded in mystery and decades-old tales of clattering, sulfur-smelling feats of Teutonic engineering. Still no official word on that matter, however, but we'll bring you the latest as soon as word comes through.

For more the the Audi Q5, check out our release story and review.