Audi A3 Sportback wins carsguide Best Green Car 2008

Audi A3 Sportback TDi e wins carsguide Best Green Car 2008

Hybrids take a back seat in this year’s carsguide Best Green Car

This year’s carsguide Best Green Car – the Audi A3 Sportback TDi e – is not a hybrid nor does it run on electricity.

It is, according to carsguide.com.au’s editor, Karla Pincott, proof that a normal car, with just a few tweaks, can compete with hybrids and electric cars in the green stakes. Ms Pincott said that with just a little thought and detail, Audi had played a major role in keeping the planet breathing.

“The ethos of the ``e'' car philosophy — an idea that is destined to flow across the Audi range — is largely common sense and involves using green thinking and design strategies on an existing model,” she said.

“The TDi e's hybrid-challenging fuel efficiency — 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the official government cycle — is the result of a series of small tweaks that result in a measurable eight per cent improvement in fuel economy and emissions.”

In the TDi e there is a specific tuning of the electronics of the 77kW 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine and, in the five-speed manual box, there is a lengthening in ratios for the third and fifth gear resulting in optimised fuel efficiency, particularly when the driver follows the recommended gear selection as displayed on the dash.

The TDi e has also been lowered, aiding aerodynamics, and is fitted with aerodynamic plastic covers for the 16-inch wheels shod with low-friction Michelin rubber to reduce rolling resistance between the tyre and the road. A mere 4.2 litres of petrol per 100km is well within reach. “That’s a bonnet full of guilt free driving pleasure,” carsguide.com.au editor, Karla Pincott, said. Also considered closely in the final voting for Best Green Car 2008 was last year's winner, the Hyundai i30 CRD and Honda's Civic Hybrid, the Fiat 500 JTD and the Mercedes A180 CDi. For more information visit - www.carsguide.com.au/coty.