Is Diesel Now Cool? Audi Says Over Half Of New A3s Sold In US Are Diesel Models

Now that more than half of the Audi A3s sold in the United States are clean-diesel Turbo Direct Injection models, and about one-third of sales of the Audi Q7, it’s difficult to imagine that becoming the leading advocate for clean-diesel propulsion in the U.S. market was a dicey decision for Audi of America.

But then you talk to Allen Schaeffer and are reminded that Audi’s backing of clean diesel comprised a major gamble when it first took shape several years ago.

Schaeffer is executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, a Washington, D.C.-based industry group, and he was there in the mid-2000s when any hopes for a renewal of diesel power trains in the American market were only tailpipe dreams. He recalls an incident at the famous Sebring raceway in Florida where Audi technology helped define the future of clean diesel.

thetruth01 - 10/17/2012 6:22:25 PM

+2 Boost

And all CT200h models are hybrid. Who's selling more in the US?

85bmw745i - 10/17/2012 6:50:51 PM

+3 Boost

Diesel is a much better way to go in my opinion for lots of reasons. One they actually drive like a real car, two it has no ignition system, so not plugs or wires to change. Three diesels run cooler meaning less heat stress on components, and four it is far less complex than a hybrid system which would be significant if you plan on keeping the car for a long time.

85bmw745i - 10/18/2012 11:50:13 AM

+2 Boost

Last test I saw the A3 diesel averaged a combined 38 mpg during a motorweek comparison.

quizz - 10/18/2012 12:25:10 PM

+5 Boost

Have you tried buying a VW diesel in the US? Very popular. It's been trending well over the last 2 years. I have 3 friends with Jetta or Golf diesels and they've convinced others to turn to diesel - word of mouth.

85bmw745i - 10/18/2012 3:59:41 PM

+3 Boost

2-3 year old Jetta TDI's with 20-25k miles on them are going for almost as much as a new TDI, they are selling for around $22-23k, which is only a couple thousand less than a brand new one. Last year I saw a previous generation Jetta with 22,000 miles on it selling for $22,995, which was only about $2,000 less than a brand new current generation TDI. These things hold value better than anything I have ever seen.

Patronus - 10/18/2012 12:32:20 PM

+5 Boost

Great first step, VW/Audi. Now we need models with TDI + manual + Quattro.