These meet the Euro V standards with a DPF and oxidation catalytic converter. They have common-rail, high-pressure fuel injection and the BiTurbo 180PS has two turbochargers.

The BiTurbo 180PS/132kW engine is charged by two turbochargers of different sizes. At low engine speed, the larger turbocharger delivers steady charge but at higher engine speeds, the second, smaller turbocharger gives an additional boost. This guarantees optimal charging throughout the engine speed range, maximising efficiency. The result is a much smoother power delivery.

Torque is improved – The new four-cylinder engines are more powerful than the old five-cylinder engines.

Reduced whole–life cost – Improved service, maintenance and repair (SMR) intervals reduce whole-life cost:

·                         Longer service intervals: 84PS–140PS, two years or max. 40,000km; 180PS, two years or max. 30,000km

·                         Extended timing-belt change interval: 210,000km (up from 125,000km)

·                         Longer oil-change interval: four years or max. 60,000km

·                         Improved residual values across the range

New drivelines

Seven-speed DSG – We have also developed a new generation seven-speed DSG (direct-shift gearbox) that combines the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual gearbox. This is available on 140PS and 180PS engines and, for the first time, in combination with 4MOTION.

Benefits of DSG

The seventh gear has been designed as an overdrive, and therefore has a very long ratio. Along with ‘intelligent’ control electronics, this results in reduced engine speed, lower fuel consumption, emissions and noise levels, especially during urban driving.

The absence of a manual clutch makes driving much less tiring, particularly in urban areas*:

·                         while driving through a busy city, 19 minutes of every hour are spent with the clutch depressed

·                         the clutch pedal is pushed 222 times in the average hour

·                         150 gear changes are made in an average hour.

* Independent research carried out over a five-hour period, between the hours of 11:00 and 16:00 in central London.

How DSG works

The DSG transmission operates with two automatic clutches – while one clutch is engaged, the second is poised, ready to accept the drive for the next gear. This unique twin-clutch design means gearchanges are completed in under four hundredths of a second – in the blink of an eye. The driver can leave the transmission in ‘drive’ mode (similar to most automatic transmissions) or can elect to change gear manually, via the gearlever, pushing forwards to change up and pulling back to change down.

The clutches are wet clutches running in oil and use friction material similar to that found in a standard automatic transmission. Automated operation means they cannot be abused by the driver and are designed to last the life of the vehicle.