Audi A4, A5 and A6 Ultra Diesels announced

Audi is introducing a new ‘Ultra’ diesel engine with varying power outputs and better economy on the A4, A5 and A6 Audis.

Audi has been using the ‘Ultra’ tag for its most efficient diesel engines since last year, and now its extending the reach of the Ultra diesel with new engines for the A4, A5 and A6 models, all with a manual gearbox as standard (you can have an auto on the A6).

Other changes include longer gearing for low-rev cruising, lower internal friction and a centrifugal pendulum absorber to counteract vibration and allow comfortable low rev driving.

The A4 and A4 Avant get the biggest changes, with a 2.0 litre TDI engine with either 136bhp or 163bhp, aerodynamic changes and a reduced ride height to squeeze every extra mile possible out of every gallon of diesel.

That means the new A4 Saloon with the Ultra engine will get official economy of 72mpg and emissions of 104g/km and the A4 Avant 67mpg and 109g/km.

The A5 Coupe manages the same economy as the A4 Avanat (67mpg and 109g/km), the A5 Sportback 66mpg and 111g/km and the A6 2.0 TDI – with no equipment restrictions manages 63mpg and 117g/km with a manual ‘box and 64mpg and 114g/km.

Audi’s Poertrain boss, Dr. Stefan Knirsch, said:

An innovative, highly efficient SCR system removes nitrogen oxides from the exhaust. This measure means that the new ultra models will of course meet the future Euro 6 emission standards while achieving lower fuel consumption.

They’re impressive figures and will tempt both private buyers and those subject to BIK on their company cars.

The new A4, A5 and A6 with the 2.0 litre Ultra Diesel engines will arrive in the second quarter of 2014.