AUDI has opened the order book for a more powerful version of the diesel A2 which will be Britain's most frugal Audi when first deliveries begin early in 2004.

The 89bhp version of the 1.4 TDI engine achieves 65.7mpg on the combined cycle and the A2 can cover 600 miles on its 42-litre fuel tank.

Priced from £15,090 on- the-road the new version, like the existing 74bhp 1.4 TDI, complies with Euro IV emissions rules and is therefore not subject to the 3% supplement in benefit-in-kind tax levied on diesel cars.

The new engine enables the A2 to cover the 0-62mph benchmark in 10.9 seconds with a top speed of 117mph, while carbon dioxide emissions are 117g/km.

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