Audi’s popular A4 which was until now limited to a petrol version will soon be launched with a diesel alternative. However, with the launch of a diesel A4 option, competition in this segment will definitely heat up with the already existing presence of key players like the Mercedes C-Class and the BMW 3 Series. Last year, Audi A4 as well the BMW 3 Series were launched with fresh features and cosmetic upgrades.
The yet to be launched Audi A4 35 TDI will carry the same features and visual detailing as offered in the petrol version, while the only difference in this regard will be in terms of a new diesel engine under the hood. As for the C-Class from Mercedes Benz gets pretty much its traditional humble design in comparison to the other two. Potential Mercedes customers have an option to choose between C 220 CDI, C 220 Avantgarde and C 250 d. Customers can however opt for some additional kits for visual upgrades in form of illuminated three pointed star and alloy wheel options. The BMW 3 Series is a bit fancier among the lot and offers quite some bit of interesting upgrades over the rest. For those who fancy the 3 Series, they can opt between 320d Prestige, 320d Sport Line, 320d Luxury Line and the 320d M Sport which is basically a customisation pack offered with the car for those who want to give their vehicle a unique identity and a sportier feel.
Under the hood, the upcoming Audi A4 diesel will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged DOHC engine that generates 188bhp of power and 400 Nm of torque. As for the popular selling C-Class it is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine in two tunes 220d and 250d, wherein the former generates 170bhp at 3000rpm and 400Nm of torque at 1400rpm, while the latter generates 204bhp of power at 3800rpm and 500Nm of torque at 1600rpm. The less powerful C-Class comes mated to a 7-speed automatic while the more powerful version comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 3 Series is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel which is mated to 8-speed automatic transmission to generate 188bhp of power at 4000rpm and 400Nm of torque at 1750rpm. On the performance aspect, the Mercedes-Benz C 250 d comes forth as a brilliant performer among the lot.
The Audi A4 diesel like its competitors will get large infotainment display, premium upholstery, dual zone climate control, rear AC vents, electric front seats and much more. That one element which will push the A4 diesel a level above the rest will be the Audi’s virtual cockpit instrument cluster that can be used for infotainment data as well as display navigation. It is to be seen if Audi will also be offering customisation options to emerge strongly against its competitors. On the pricing aspect we believe that the new Audi A4 35 TDi might be priced around Rs 43 lakh Rs 45 lakh (Ex-showroom, Delhi).
