The 2010 Audi A3 TDI is only offered as a five-door model, in front-wheel-drive with a six-speed S tronic duel clutch automatic transmission. The A3 TDI’s 2.0-liter turbocharged clean diesel inline four-cylinder engine uses common rail direct injection, an intercooler, and four valves per cylinder to produce 140 horsepower (HP) and 236 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the clean diesel FWD Audi A3 TDI are 30 city / 42 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We traveled roughly eight hundred miles in our Brilliant Black A3 TDI review unit and had no problem slipping past the official mileage estimates as we scored an average of 44.9 MPG on the Interstate highway and 38.3 MPG combined in winter temperatures and mixed conditions.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the teens through the thirties. Interstate highway testing temperatures were in the mid thirties. The test vehicle was equipped with the Sport package, which includes 18-inch aluminum wheels (base wheel size is 17-inches) and was delivered with just over 4000 miles on the odometer. (The fuel efficiency of diesel engines typically rises after a proper break in period.)

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, heat on, driver seat heated, windows up: 43.8 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, heat on, driver seat heated, windows up: 46 MPG

The 2010 Audi A3 TDI requires ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD), and can tolerate a B5 (5%) biodiesel blend. Stops at the service station should be few and far between, with a 14.63 gallon fuel tank providing generous range. Unlike many larger displacement clean diesel engines, the A3 TDI does not require exhaust after-treatment (urea) fluid.

The turbocharged common rail 2.0-liter inline four and quick shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission deliver spirited performance. While not blindingly fast, the TDI’s torque makes its presence known, as it easily motivates the A3’s 3318 pounds (curb weight).

Don’t let anyone tell you that fuel-efficient cars can’t be fun to drive. Whether cruising the Interstate, tooling through town, or tackling the back roads, the A3 TDI is a pleasure to pilot. Carrying speed through the corners is a hallmark of fuel-efficient driving, and the A3 TDI handles the chore with ease.

The A3 TDI is extremely well-suited to light-footed driving. The Driver Information System includes two average fuel economy displays, along with a real-time MPG gauge. Although the real-time MPG numbers can lag a bit and will vary widely, we always recommend driving with the real-time gauge active, to develop a light-footed driving technique.

The S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission is snappy, whether in drive, sport, or manual mode. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is beefy, with paddle shifters that make for quick gear changes.

The A3 TDI’s s line interior is tastefully designed. Our test unit was fitted with the optional Titanium Sport Package, which includes 18-inch Titanium-optic wheels and high performance tires, along with sport suspension, and leather Alcantara sport front seats.

The Premium Plus package includes Xenon plus headlamps, LED running lights, steering-wheel controls, and a power driver seat with 4-way adjustable lumbar support. Hands-free Bluetooth support is provided with the package, as well … and it’s excellent, with easy pairing and automatic phonebook download.

A Bose premium sound system is included with the optional Convenience package. USB iPod support comes with the optional Navigation system and is quite good, with glovebox storage. Artists, Albums, Playlists and the like are accessible from the MMI interface.

The Cold Weather package provides heated front seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, and heated exterior mirrors. The seat heaters allow for six levels of adjustment.

The A3 TDI is fitted with a trio of power outlets, with two in the center console, and one in the cargo area. The standard dual-zone climate control system includes a dust and pollen filter.

The cabin is comfortable, but snug. Rear seat headroom is tight for taller passengers. The optional dual panel Open Sky sunroof provides a nice wide view for occupants in both rows.

The cargo area offers plenty of flexibility, with a rear seat center pass through that accommodates both skis and snowboards. There’s 19.5 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and 39.0 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear seats folded down.

All-in-all, the 2010 Audi A3 TDI offers a positively delightful combination of performance, fuel-efficiency, and style. While we may have qualms over the cost of the option packages, we’d love to have a clean diesel A3 TDI sitting in the garage. Bring on the Quattro!

This wonderful beast delivers a unique combination of fuel efficiency, range, driveability, luxury, and towing capacity, along with some of the best in-cabin technology on the market today.

If you’ve spent much time on MPGomatic.com, watched a bunch of my review videos on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter, you might already know that I dig clean diesel technology and the potential it holds for America.

So when I was invited to take the clean diesel Q7 TDI on a road trip to see how many miles I could squeak out of the 26.4 gallon fuel tank, I jumped at the chance.

While the 2009 Q7 TDI is officially rated at 17 city / 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG), I knew it was capable of significantly better mileage when driven conscientiously.

The first leg of the effort on the Interstate proved that out, as I scored 28.3 MPG with the cruise control on (set at our standard 68 MPH) and 30.1 MPG (at speeds between 60 and 72 MPH) with the cruise control off. With outside temperatures in the 80s, the air conditioning ran for the entire day. By the time the Q7 TDI rolled back into the driveway late that afternoon, I had travelled just under 200 miles on just over seven gallons of fuel.

These are impressive numbers for a seven-passenger vehicle, all the more so when you consider the amount of power and towing capacity. With the Q7 TDI, fuel economy is just the start.

When you talk about diesel engines, it’s not the horsepower (HP) that makes the difference … it’s the torque. While the common-rail injected 3.0 liter V6 is rated at 225 HP, it puts out a stunning 406 foot pounds of torque. All that torque allows for a very generous towing capacity of 6,600 pounds. Not to mention a very rewarding rush of acceleration when you step on the pedal …

The second leg of our test was largely spent on local roads, both in-town and out in the country. Once again, the Q7 TDI’s mileage results were exemplary for its size and weight, with 45 MPH back road cruising delivering mileage well into the thirties.

Our goal for the tank was 600 miles of combined driving. If we had planned out a route that consisted exclusively of backroads and Interstate driving, we could have exceeded that distance handily.

As it turned out, we fell a just a bit short of our goal. Blame it on the route and the rush that the Q7 TDI delivers when you mash the pedal. That blast of locomotive-like power is remarkably smooth and all too addictive.

Despite what the naysayers might think, the availability of diesel fuel was not a problem whatsoever around these parts, whatsoever.

When it came time to finally fill up, we rolled past a raft of stations, looking for the least expensive price per gallon. 6 of 7 stations had diesel fuel, although there was a wide variation in pricing. For the most part, the cost of diesel fuel hovered around the cost of unleaded regular gasoline.

After traveling 588.4 miles, we pulled into a Quik Check with five miles worth of fuel left in our tank.

If we had the chance for a do-over with a tightly planned route, 750 miles on one tank would be well within reason.

The 2009 AWD Audi A4 Quattro Sedan can be equipped with either a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, or a 3.2 liter direct-injected six. The 2.0 liter can be fitted to either a 6-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic transmission, while the 3.2 liter is only available with the Tiptronic. A Multitronic CVT automatic transmission is available in the front-wheel drive model, for those so inclined.

The turbo 2.0 liter delivers 211 horsepower (HP) and 258 foot pounds of torque, with a stated 0-60 MPH time of 6.7 seconds. The 3.2 liter, by comparison, puts out 265 HP and 243 foot pounds of torque, and is said to deliver 0-60 MPH in 6.3 seconds.

The official mileage estimates for the Tiptronic-equipped 2009 Audi A4 2.0 T Quattro are 21 city / 27 highway miles per gallon (MPG), while the 3.2 liter weighs in at 17 city / 26 highway.

We rolled up over 500 miles on our 2.0 liter Tiptronic-equipped review unit, breezing past the official estimates, scoring an average of 32.1 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 28.6 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged from the thirties through the forties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).

68 MPH with cruise – 30.5 MPG
60-72 MPH without cruise – 33.6 MPG

The A4’s 2.0-liter turbo and six-speed deliver both the thrills and the MPGs … when driven carefully, of course.

The snick-snick of manually shifting the Tiptronic is one of the joys of driving the A4 through the twisty bits. With the precise selection of gears and a careful application of throttle, you can make the most of every gallon of gas while having a blast behind the wheel.

The Audi Drive Select option allows the driver to tune the suspension to meet specific needs, choosing the comfort setting for highway cruising or the dynamic mode for the twisties.

We found our A4’s cabin to be positively superb when outfitted with the Prestige package (which includes, the tricky LED daytime running lamps, among many other cool features). The front seats include fully adjustable heating, with the driver’s bucket seat providing excellent power lumbar support.

While the center console’s intricate arrangement of buttons and knobs can be daunting at first, spend a bit of time behind the wheel and everything will fall into place.

The optional Bang and Olufsen audio system and multimedia interface leave little to be desired, with comprehensive USB iPod integration (in the glovebox) and wonderful Bluetooth support. (The Audi music interface replaces a simple auxiliary audio input.)

There are two 12-volt outlets – one in the center console’s storage compartment (under the armrest) and the other in the ash tray, where you’ll also find the trunk release.

The optional voice controlled Navigation package includes Audi’s well-implemented backup camera. The display made backing out of our notoriously tricky curved driveway a cinch.

The A4’s Driver’s Information System provides a pair of average fuel economy displays, along with a real-time MPG gauge and is controlled via steering wheel stalk. Careful monitoring of the real-time display is key to better then average fuel economy.

There’s little question that the 2.0-liter turbo is quite efficient when driven with a light foot (and a joy when you stomp on it). The trick is to strike a balance between the two.

Our standard philosophy always bears repeating. To get the best fuel economy from the A4, upshift early (if you’re in sport mode), drive conscientiously with a light foot, lift off the throttle as soon as practical, keep an eye on the real-time MPG gauge, and let inertia do its thing …

All-in-all, we’d be proud to have the 2009 Audi A4 Quattro in our garage. The A4 delivers a fine balance of luxury, style, performance, and fuel efficiency, with a world-class audio system that provides top-shelf Bluetooth and audio integration.

Fuel requirements:
Premium-grade gasoline.

Final Assembly Point:
Neckarsulm, Germany.

Parts Content:
75% – Germany

Country of Origin:
Engine – Hungary
Transmission – Germany

It’s as easy as turning on the ignition, punching up the iPhone’s settings and turning on Bluetooth. The iPhone will instantly see the Audi system. Enter a passcode of your choosing and you’re paired and off to the races.

The Audi system pulls phone book and call log data off the iPhone and displays it in the LCD screen that sits between the speedometer and tachometer. You access everything via the steering wheel mounted controls.

After working with a number of Bluetooth systems that force the user to jump through hoops, simply to pair, the Audi system is simply scrumptious. Having the system instantly put all that data at your fingertips, without having to take them off the steering wheel is icing on the cake.

This is the way it should be …

Under the hood, the Euro-spec 2007 Audi A6 TDI is fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 direct injection clean diesel engine, producing 233 horsepower (HP) and 332 foot pounds of torque.

When you get down to it, that’s about as much power as you’ll ever need. Due to the constraints of the American highway system, we only had the chance to flirt with but half of the A6’s TDI’s rated top speed of 153 miles per hour.

The A6 TDI is a substantial car, weighing in at just under 3900 lbs. The adjustable suspension, Quattro all-wheel-drive, torque-filled V6 diesel, and nearly two tons of heft deliver a locomotive-like feeling.

The S-Line trim provides an understated elegance, with perhaps the most comfortable and supportive adjustable heated seats I’ve ever had the pleasure to experience. After nearly two hundred miles in the saddle one evening, my aching back actually felt better after I got out of the car.

Our brief two-day road test reaffirmed the official fuel economy ratings of 23.5 city / 46.3 highway / 34 combined, as we averaged 33.1 miles per gallon (MPG) combined … and I’ll admit … I had my foot in it, more then a bit.

These figures represent a roughly 30% fuel-efficiency advantage over the equivalent gasoline-powered A6, along with a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.

The diesel V6 delivers smooth and effortless acceleration up to highway speeds, with a stated 0-62 time of 7.1 seconds. Once on the highway, it happily loafs along.

The A6 TDI absolutely devours the open road. With a generous fuel capacity of 21 gallons, the car was engineered to maximize the time between fill-ups.

This is a refined driver’s car. Adaptive air suspension let the driver dial in the ride, selecting comfort, automatic, or dynamic suspension settings. Paddle shifters allow for full control over the 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, for a heightened level of involvement.

Doing what I do, folks often ask, “so you drive a lot of cars … what’s your favorite?”

While it’s been impossible to pick just one, so far, the Audi A6 TDI sits among the few at the top of the heap. It’s rare that I get to drive a car that imparts such a substantial, yet sporting feel. Were I of the means to consider a luxury diesel sedan, the Audi A6 TDI would surely be on my short list.

The five-door sub-compact four seater is fitted with a 150 horsepower (HP) 1.4 liter TFSI engine along with an electric motor, which drive the front wheels through a S Tronic dual-clutch transmission. Needless to say, this isn’t your Aunt Emma’s pokey hybrid. The A1 Sportback’s 27 HP electric motor delivers an extra 110.6 foot pounds of torque during acceleration, and can provide a very respectable range of 62 miles when driven at low speeds in full-electric mode. Leave it to Audi to build a hybrid that can both crawl and fly. The simultaneous drive provides the A1 Sportback with the ability to reach 62 miles per hour (MPH) in 7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 124 MPH.

While the A1 Sportback’s automatic start/stop and Lithium Ion batteries help the hybrid hatch to achieve a claimed 60.31 US MPG, it’s unclear if that figure is for city, highway, or combined. The vehicle can be recharged from a standard outlet.

We took a quick ride in a Euro A6 Quattro in Sacramento this week and can attest to the stated 7.1 second 0-62 times (although we didn’t have the opportunity to bear witness to the 153 miles per hour top speed).

US-spec 2008 Audi A4 s are fitted with either a 2.0 liter intercooled turbocharged four cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 207 foot pounds of torque or a 3.2 literDOHC V-6 engine, producing 255 HP and 243 foot pounds of torque. Engines can be mated with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions (in Multitronic or Tiptronic form).

Audi has a made a substantial investment in diesel technology of late, and it should come as no surprise that the company is set to unleash a series of torque-laden diesels upon America in the very near future. The A4 is fitted with a range of TDI diesel engine variations abroad, in both four-cylinder and V-6 configurations. Gobs of torque, fuel efficiency, and a unique level of luxury are bound to spell success.

Audi A4 Gas Mileage – 1996-2009

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

Simply put, the aerodynamics and vehicle weight of the bulkiest SUVs cause gas mileage to suffer, leading to many a painful transaction at the pump. The trick is to get small(er), lighter, and more slippery. Credit Subaru for getting the ball rolling with popularizing economical 4WD drive passenger cars in the early days. Since 1997, every vehicle Subaru’s offered in America has been all wheel drive.

These days, it’s not just Subaru. There are plenty of four wheel drive choices that are neither truck nor SUV. And forget the notion of pint-sized economy cars. You’ll find a generous helping of 4WD luxury from manufacturers including Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, and Lexus … in fact, you’ll find many of their offerings in the 2008 list of best gas mileage four wheel drives.

Purists will gladly share that there’s a difference between four wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD). And surely there is … but for a great many folks, it comes down to two simple questions: will it go in the snow and will I go broke feeding it?

At the other end of the spectrum, the little Suzuki SX4 delivers plenty of bang for the buck, by combining the best four wheel drive gas mileage with a low sticker price (for those who don’t just think miles per gallon … but miles per dollar.)

Along with its corporate cousins, the Ford Escape Hybrid proves the exception to the rule as the highest all around mile per gallon (MPG) four wheel drive vehicle. If you can’t get a great deal on an Escape Hybrid at your local Ford dealer, take a look at the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. And if you happen to live in Southern California, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid HEV might be an option … as long as you’re able to snag one of the 350 Tribute HEVs built for this test market.)

2008 Best Gas Mileage Four Wheel Drives

• Audi A4
• Suzuki SX4
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru Outback
• Jeep Compass
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Jeep Patriot
• Subaru Forester
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• Honda CR-V
• Volvo S60
• Volvo V50
• Volvo S40
• Toyota RAV4
• Cadillac CTS
• Cadillac STS
• Lexus IS 250
• Nissan Rogue

1979-1981 High MPG Cars 1982 High MPG Cars 1983 High MPG Cars 1984 High MPG Cars There’s no denying that there were some real clunkers in those big lists. But there’s one thing for sure. While the list of today’s 30 MPG cars might be shorter, the improvement in overall quality cannot be denied. Passing a federal law to raise the automakers’ overall fuel efficiency to 35 MPG by 2020 is just goofy when you get right down to it. With the natural shift that is currently underway, that goal may well be met in half the time purely through market forces. As the public more fully understands the choices that are currently available – and are soon to come to market – the shift will accelerate. The 2009 model year may very well prove to be the tipping point, as 1985 was in the opposite direction. A 30 MPG car might be considered by some (many?) Europeans to be a gas guzzler. The cars sold abroad are not all that different. Yes, there are differences in environmental and safety systems, but the facts remain. A great many of the cars that our very own American automakers sell in Europe far exceed their domestic models when it comes to fuel-efficiency.

30 MPG Cars – 2008 Audi A4 Audi A4 Cabriolet Audi TT Coupe Chevrolet Aveo Chevrolet Aveo 5 Chevrolet Cobalt Chevrolet HHR Chevrolet HHR Panel Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Chrysler Sebring Dodge Avenger Ford Escape Hybrid FWD Ford Focus Honda Accord 2DR Coupe Honda Accord 4DR Sedan Honda Civic Honda Civic Hybrid Honda Fit Hyundai Accent Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Sonata Kia Optima Kia Rio Kia Spectra Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD Mini Cooper Convertible Nissan Altima Nissan Altima Coupe Nissan Altima Hybrid Nissan Sentra Nissan Versa Pontiac G5 Pontiac G6 Pontiac Vibe Saturn Aura Saturn Aura Hybrid Suzuki SX4 Suzuki SX4 Sedan Toyota Camry Toyota Camry Hybrid Toyota Solara Toyota Corolla Toyota Matrix Toyota Prius Toyota Scion XD Toyota Yaris Volkswagen EOS

2008 Cars – 30 MPG Highway

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.