Audi A4 Ultra

AUDI may be forging ahead with its eco-friendly aims with a plug-in A3 hatchback, but diesel power is still well up in the German brand’s thinking.

Audi A4 Ultra

Engine: 1,968cc, four-cylinder turbodiesel

Power: 161bhp and 295lb.ft. of torque

Performance: 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and 134mph

Economy: 67.3mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 109g/km

Price: £28,675

And the A4 saloon tested here is proof that all the sci-fi technology of zero-emissions electric cars might still have some catching up to do in the real-world.

Stepping into the A4 Ultra and flicking through the trip computer to reveal a near-700 mile indicated range puts the shortcomings of the electric revolution into context.

Lowered sports suspension and a lean burning, two-litre turbodiesel engine boasting 67.3mpg and 109/km CO2 emissions are key to the ultra’s stats.

BMW’s 320d EfficientDynamics matches the Ultra’s CO2 stats and manages an extra 1.6mpg, though, and the Mercedes C220 DCI BlueTEC somehow claims 70.6 mpg and 106g/km.

Like its German rivals the A4 Ultra claims decent performance alongside its eco stats, an 8.6 second sprint to 62mph and 134mph top speed both on the cards.

On top of that, its 161bhp peak power arrives 1,200rpm earlier than Audi’s standard TDI (at 3,000rpm) and maximum torque increases from 280lb.ft. to 295lb.ft..

The A4 Ultra does not feel hair-trigger alert from the off. Its split personality can be detected via an initially reticent throttle pedal.

Only with a concerted prod do those performance stats feel on the money.

There’s a natural progression to the way this transition though, and that sports suspension helps an economical driver maintain momentum through corners, assuming a roll-free stance.

The A4 Ultra comes in both SE and SE Technik specifications and there’s that all-pervading sense of the premium integrity about the interior which comprises so much of Audi’s appeal.

The SE Technik specification tested here (£28,675) includes leather upholstery, sat nav, the Audi Music Interface iPod connection and front and rear parking sensors.

I may have managed less than 60mpg in my week with the A4 Ultra but while we still live in a world where fuel at the pumps is more practical than power from a plug, it still looks like a top option.

But with its key rivals still looking better on paper, the A4 Ultra is heading for a head-to-head battle with a host of new eco warriors.