Europhiles in the U.S. have been clamoring for diesel four-cylinders for years, and just as ardently, the average American consumer has indicated their desire to have nothing to do with oil-burning four-pots. While we're still out of luck, Audi is prepping a car for Europe that will make us even more jealous: the A4 2.0 TDI e.

Billed by Audi as the most efficient standard-sized sedan on the market, the A4 2.0 TDI e rates a healthy 51.13mpg US (4.6L/100km) in the EU's combined cycle. That works out to 119g/km of CO2 emissions - just 10g/km more than a second-gen Toyota Prius - and puts it head and shoulders above its petrol-powered competition at Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus - or even other Audis.

BMW and Mercedes both offer competitive diesels in Europe, but Audi thinks its A4 package will prove the most efficient. Even if it doesn't, Audi has shown over the last year that it has something special for the market, taking the sales title in its home market of Germany. The company even has plans to take over all of Europe by next year.

Power ratings of the 2.0L TDI engine sit at 136hp (100kW) - enough to shove the sedan to 62mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 133.6mph (215km/h). A range of special efficiency-enhancing technologies have been employed on the TDI e model, including a start-stop function and neutral idle function, which together account for 2mpg (0.2L/100km) in fuel savings, or about 5g/km CO2.

Pricing starts at €30,800, and the first cars will be delivered in Europe in June. Audi hasn't yet announced any plans to bring the car to the U.S.

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