Audi prevents mis-fuelling for A4, A5 and Q5 models (UK)

Taking a leaf out of Fords book, Audi has now utilised a new fuel filler cap to stop owners unintentionally filling their diesel cars with petrol. The Audi A4, A5 and Q5 TDI models for the 2011 model year will be the first to gain from the new system.

The fuel filler neck has been redesign reshape to include contact points that open an internal fuel flap only when the larger diesel pump nozzle applies pressure on them. The smaller diameter petrol nozzles do not make contact, ensuring that the filler flap stays shut to prevent access to the reservoir.

Occurrences of misfuelling have risen considerably in recent years creating problematic and expensive consequences. Audi thinks this is due to the increased refinement of diesel models which has seen them run nearly as effortlessly and quietly as their petrol equivalent. According to Audi, revised fuel filler cap should be of particular interest to companies running vehicle fleets, or private buyers making the switch from petrol to diesel-powered cars.

Audi says the system will gradually be rolled out to more of its models.