Earlier this week we told you about Audi’s green car plans with steps to produce its most economical vehicle to date. Well now the manufacturer has taken another step down the green car route by introducing a new version of the Audi A5.

The vehicle, which will be released in the UK in March 2009, now combines coupe styling with a 53mpg economy four-cylinder diesel-powered engine.

In many respects the new Audi A5 can be seen as the best of both worlds. Not only is it enhanced by an advanced common rail fuel injection system, a state-of-the-art unit that makes an impressive 350Nm torque output available from just 1,750rpm, but it is also capable of 0-62mph in just 8.3 seconds. Despite these impressive performance achievements however, it produces fuel economy that is 20 per cent superior to the existing A5 2.7 TDI model, and with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions cut to just 140g/km.

The addition of the 2.0 TDI engine brings the total number of units powering the A5 to six with a range including 2.7litre and 3.0litre V6 diesels, two 2.0litre TFSI petrol units, and a 3.2litre V6 FSI petrol.

An S line version of the vehicle will also be made available across the A5 range with interior styling enhancements, 18inch S line alloy wheels, sports suspension and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights.