A4 TDI (quattro?) in US

[ashrivastava]

Hello - Although I'm new to this forum, I've been a fan of the Audi TDI's ever since they started putting this clean technology in their cars. Although I've been patiently waiting for Audi USA to bring the TDI version of A4 Avant (preferably in quattro form) for over 2 years, its disappointing for this year's lineup to not include that offering. I would have considered the A3 TDI, but its too small for our family use and no Quattro! Have no interest in the Q7.

Can someone with better insight share as to what Audi USA is thinking about adding the A4 Avant TDI to the A4 lineup for 2011 (or 2012?)

Thanks
Atul Shrivastava

[chittychittybangbang]

Here are my thoughts, the long version: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/A...-avant-faq.htm

The short version: Not for 2011, possibly for model year 2012. The 3.0L engine is already certified and used in the Q7 and VW Touareg but the 170hp 2.0L engine is what they should have. It's got about 240 lb-ft torque which is plenty for moving the car. It won't be fast but it'll be the most efficient luxury car out there and solidly occupy the niche that the BMW 335d hasn't.

[ashrivastava]

Agree with you on the niche that a A4 TDI would have, especially in today's markets. I read some comments on Audi forums which makes me believe that if the 3.0L engine was being contemplated, the resulting pricing would make the A4 TDI project uncompetitive (the base model would be ~$50k), in league with BMW 335d. So the more likely option is for Audi to go with the 170hp 2.0L powerplant. Isn't this already offered in the European lineup? Is that unit certified for US purposes?

[Sipper]

3rd on the Audi A4 TDI for the US. I'm waiting for the confirmation

The Audi would have quattro though, the 335d is RWD only. The 170hp engine is not in the US. I don't agree on the price though. If people want a luxurious fuel efficient AWD car they would pay for the Audi. The real question is how much over the regular 2.0 engine would it be?

[ashrivastava]

Since I'm based in NYC, I went to talk with reps at the Audi Forum located midtown during lunch today. The feedback I got was currently there are no plans to bring A4 TDI to US, which they tried to explain as given where gas prices are today, the $$ savings for additional mileage on TDI being offset with additional cost for an A4 TDI model. Moreover, the additional costs (to Audi) as upfront costs for approvals to sell the A4 TDI here are not justified since they see potential A4 TDI buyers to be current Audi owners in addition the SUVcentric/agnostic to diesel technology bias of the US car buyer.

I think Audi is looking short term, rather than planning ahead 3 years gas prices are more likely to be much higher than today akin to what happened in 07-08 which would make cars yielding higher mileage much more compelling.

As I said earlier, its very disappointing to hear that there won't we an A4 Avant TDI quattro coming to US anytime soon.

Would like to hear from other readers as to their thoughts on this....

[blupearl]

What's the Audi Forum? Is that a dealership?

Edit: http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en/e..._new_york.html Looks interesting but what positions did the Audi Forum people have? Low level employees usually don't have much inside info.

[ashrivastava]

The place typically showcases 2-3 cars in a open layout. I've seen a couple of Audi DTM series cars and even a LeMans machine in the past couple of years (my office is located very closeby). BTW I also called Audi US HQ's and got the same answer - no current plans to bring A4 Avant TDI to the US.

[ashrivastava]

Has anyone explored importing a European spec A4 Avant TDI to the US? Is that even worth contemplating?

[chittychittybangbang]

Originally Posted by ashrivastava

Has anyone explored importing a European spec A4 Avant TDI to the US? Is that even worth contemplating?

Read this: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/A...-avant-faq.htm It's not even worth contemplating.

[BMWnugen]

Unfortunately, chitty is correct. There are exemptions for cars 15 year or older in Canada and the US exemption is 21 years or older. Read this: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/index.htm#1 for the reference.