Audi has just announced a new engine will replace its 1.8-litre Audi A5 offering, and the Audi A4 will get a more powerful diesel.

Audi A5

Since its launch the entry level Audi A5 has been fitted with a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine offering 168bhp.

This engine will now be phased out to make way for a 2-litre with 10bhp more, and with power which arrives earlier in the rev band.

It will make driving more effortless thanks to a boost in pulling power from 184lb/ft to 236lb/ft.

Acceleration is markedly improved, with 0-62mph now taking just 7.8 seconds (8.4 seconds in the Audi A5 1.8) and a top speed of 148mph, up from 143mph.

And, fuel economy is actually improved, despite the power hike – with average fuel consumption of the 2-litre measured at 42.8mpg, bettering the 39.8mpg of the 1.8-litre.

Its emissions of 154g/km are nine per cent down on the 1.8-litre model, and place it in tax band D with an annual charge of £145.

The Audi A5 2-litre TFSI will be priced from £26,710 when it goes on sale in the UK in October.

Audi A4

View more pictures of the Audi A4

Until now the Audi A4 has been available with 118bhp and 141bhp 2-litre turbocharged diesel engines.

And now a more powerful 168bhp version has arrived, giving the Audi A4 diesel its best performance yet.

With 258lb/ft of pulling power to complement its increased punch, the new model accelerates from 0-64mph in 8.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 143mph.

It’s frugal too, with an average fuel consumption of 53.3mpg and emissions of only 140g/km.

The Audi A4 168bhp 2-litre diesel is in tax band C with its annual charge of £120.

And, the new engine will be available in both front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive ‘quattro’ models with SE or S line specification levels.

Prices will range from £24,600 to £27,175, and interior features including three-zone climate control, Concert audio system, 6.5-inch colour dashboard display, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights are included.