The redesigned 2016 Audi A4, scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in 2016 as a 2017 model, will cross the pond with a diesel engine alongside the familiar 2.0-liter TSFI unit. The oil burner will also be a 2.0-liter four-banger, rated at 190 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The new A4->ke1087 also has a 3.0-liter V-6 with up to 268 horses and 443 pound-feet, but it seems six-cylinder models won't be sold here.

The diesel mill joins the revised 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine producing 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of twist. It replaces the previous four-pot rated at 220 horses and 258 pound-feet. Both engines will be available with either front-wheel-drive or quattro, as well as Audi's->ke14 seven-speed S tronic transmission, according to Motor Authority. Fuel economy estimates aren't yet available, but the Germans said efficiency has been improved by up to 21 percent.

The redesigned sedan is scheduled to go on sale next March. Pricing will be revealed closer to launch, but it shouldn't be significantly more expensive than the current model, priced from $35,500. Don't expect the Avant to come to the U.S., though an updated version of the Allroad will be launched in a couple of years.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why it matters

With Audi already offering diesel versions of the 2015 Audi A3 Sedan, 2016 Audi A6, and 2015-2016 Audi A7, it was about time the A4 received such an option. It's actually a bit surprising it arrived so late, given BMW->ke178 already offers a diesel-powered 3 Series->ke290 in the U.S., but it's probably because Audi wanted to push a revised, more-efficient diesel that will likely deliver best-in-class fuel economy. We will find out whether this is true or not as soon as the EPA releases the official estimates. Meanwhile, all we know is U.S. costumers are about to get a second diesel-powered compact executive.

2016 Audi A4

Read more about the new-generation Audi A4 here.