Audi has launched a new variant of its A4 sedan which sips much less of the precious fuel. Expected to reach dealer's end towards fall this year, the new 2017 Audi A4 Ultra has an EPA certified rating of 31 mpg combined, or more specifically, 27 and 37 mpg rating for city and highway driving respectively.

However, there is a catch, it being that the above increase in efficiency comes at the cost of performance. For instance, the power has now dropped to 190 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque even with the same 2.0-liter TFSI engine under the hood. The same earlier produced 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of peak torque.

The drop in power ratings has a direct bearing on the car's take-off speeds and 0 - 60 mph runtimes. As caranddriver reported, the new A4 Ultra manages to reach 60 mph from rest in 7.1 secs. This again is about one and a half seconds more than what its predecessor has been capable of.

According to motortrend, the higher fuel efficiency has been achieved by employing a combustion method that relies on shorter compression followed by longer expansion. As such, compression ratio has increased from 9.6:1 to 11.7:1.

Apart from the different state of tune for the engine, the new A4 is also longer and wider than its predecessor. It also sits a bit lower as well thereby aiding in vehicle dynamics. However, the new 2017 A4 is still 70 to 100 pounds lighter, which too has contributed to its frugal characteristics.

However, it is not just the power that has gone southwards as the price of the car too is seen following a similar trajectory. As such, price for the A4 Ultra Premium versions now start at $35,850 while the Premium Plus models now come for $39,650. The same earlier commanded $38,250 and $42,050 respectively.

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