• Audi A4 and A5 2.0 TFSI quattro now standard with start-stop, energy recuperation and driver efficiency program
  
• Audi's modular efficiency toolbox now benefiting more models across the range
  
• Additional models set to benefit Australian buyers with lower consumption in 2010

Audi has launched two new models in Australia with its fuel-saving Start-Stop technology as a standard feature.

The Audi A4 and Audi A5 2.0 TFSI quattro models now come standard with Start-Stop technology, energy recuperation and a Driver Efficiency Program, all of which are designed to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions and make economical driving more convenient.

These technologies form part of what Audi calls its modular efficiency platform, or toolbox, and are designed to save every drop of fuel possible. Once the exclusive domain of Audi's ultra-efficient 'e' models, Audi's modular efficiency technologies are now starting to filter through to the brand's entire model range, combining reduced consumption with driveability and outstanding sportiness.

Australian buyers will now benefit from lower consumption, at no extra cost, thanks to the standard fitment of Start-Stop, energy recuperation and the Driver Efficiency Program.

The sporty Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro is priced at $67,500 (MLP) and the Audi A5 2.0 TFSI quattro at $76,800 (MLP). Both engines offer a sporty power reserve of 155 kW and come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission.

More new models destined for Australia in 2010 will also benefit from this consumption-reducing technology, according to Audi's general manager Marketing, Immo Buschmann.

"We believe the concept of Progressive Performance, or reducing consumption through intelligent use of every drop of fuel, is extremely important for Australian customers," Mr Buschmann said.

"Audi has been introducing fuel-saving technology for more than 30 years as we believe it's extremely important to our customers to be able to drive efficiently, yet still enjoy a sporty driving experience. These two sporty 2.0 TFSI models will impress customers thanks to their engine performance combined with quattro all-wheel drive traction and a sporty manual transmission – yet they also now have the additional benefit of lower consumption and emissions.

"It's about 'motoring without regret' and these two models represent the first of many models to come to Australia which employ Audi's modular efficiency technologies," Mr Buschmann said.

Audi Start-Stop realises its efficiency potential especially in urban traffic, significantly reducing consumption while relieving the driver. The system shuts down the engine once the car has come to a stop, the gear lever stands at idle and the driver releases the clutch pedal. Operating the clutch then starts up the engine again. The start-stop system is extremely quiet, convenient to operate, and quick to respond. The engine returns to idle speed while the driver is shifting gears.

Audi combines the start-stop system with efficient battery technology and sophisticated energy management, to maintain functioning even at low temperatures. The system is inactive during the warm-up phase of the engine, so that the engine oil becomes warmer and the exhaust gas cleaning systems reach their operating temperature faster. The driver can also switch off the start-stop system at any time by pressing a button.

On average, for highway driving the start-stop system lowers fuel consumption by about 0.2 litres per 100 km, and therefore reduces CO2 emissions by around 5 g/km. Translated to city driving however, this translates to around 1.5 litres/100km.

The second newcomer in the modular efficiency platform is the Driver Efficiency Program. All consumption-related data appears in the centre display, with recommendations for efficient driving.

This feature is particularly important as up to 30 percent of fuel consumption depends on the individual driving style. The efficiency program continuously analyses the energy consumption in the vehicle and gives the driver up-to-date tips for saving fuel, depending on the driving situation and driving style.

The newly designed gearshift indicator signals to the driver when to shift, for optimal fuel economy. A digital display indicates whether the right gear is engaged, or whether shifting would be practical for the sake of efficiency.

Comfort features like air conditioning and seat heating also increase fuel consumption. A specially developed display in the efficiency program identifies the systems requiring extra energy and indicates their share in fuel consumption.

The energy recovery system already uses deceleration phases to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. When the car accelerates again, the battery directs the temporarily stored energy back into the vehicle, to relieve the alternator and thereby save fuel.

From innovative powertrain technologies like TDI, FSI and TFSI to highly efficient air conditioning, the goal of the modular efficiency platform is to improve the entire vehicle's energy management. Importantly, Audi's efficiency technologies are systematically geared to the driver's needs.

The modular efficiency platform focuses on the further development of powertrain and transmission technologies, like the Audi Valvelift System on the 2.0 TFSI engine or economical S tronic, and the recovery and storage of mechanical, thermal and electrical energy.

Audi also employs a host of measures to minimise driving resistance and optimise aerodynamics. These benefits are made tangible for the driver by a range of innovative assistance systems.

By 2012 Audi plans to lower the fuel consumption of its model range by 20 percent compared with the 2007 level. The brand will then have further enhanced its sporty and progressive profile, solving the puzzle of efficiency vs dynamism for today's drivers.