Skip advert
Advertisement

Petrol Audi A4, S4, A5 and S5 sales halted

Revised fuel-consumption figures cause delays for Audi customers buying a petrol A4 or A5

It can also make a stylish alternative to the Audi A4 saloon, and rivals include the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

Audi has suspended sales of the Audi A4 executive saloon, Audi A5 Sportback and high-performance S4 and S5 Sportback models, potentially resulting in long delays for customers.

The disruption has been caused by changes to the 2.0-litre TFSI and 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engines, which have affected their fuel-efficiency and put them outside EU compliance regulations. In response, Audi has halted sales in Europe until the official CO2 emissions figures are updated, to avoid falling foul of the rules.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Reports in the Australian press suggest the certification process could take anything between one to two months, leaving prospective customers and anyone who has an affected Audi on order with an abnormally long wait before delivery.

The potential delays and CO2 figure changes were confirmed by an Audi UK spokesperson, who said: “The adjustments and necessary certifications may have the effect that some models or model-engine combinations cannot be ordered, temporarily, or only with restrictions.”

New mild-hybrid technology has been fitted to the 2.0-litre Audi A4 and A5 Sportback. This has decreased the official fuel-consumption figure, but Audi says it should boost real-world economy. There have also been software changes to improve the power delivery of the high-performance Audi S4 and S5 Sportback models, but these have also increased the fuel consumption of the 3.0-litre V6 engine.

The news could affect thousands of company-car buyers, because Benefit-in-Kind liability is directly linked to CO2 figures, with small increases likely to increase the tax band.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand
Jaguar Type 00
News
3 Dec 2024

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand

Skoda Elroq review – a great-value compact electric SUV
Skoda Elroq
In-depth reviews
9 Dec 2024

Skoda Elroq review – a great-value compact electric SUV

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024