Audi of America CEO Scott Keogh with two of the new diesel models the maker will launch in the U.S. over the next year.

Audi’s midsize A6 TDI model will soon be delivering fuel economy numbers that subcompact drivers could appreciate, the German sedan getting a new 38 mpg highway mileage rating from the EPA.

Sensing a growing interest for diesels in a market normally averse to so-called “oil burners,” Audi plans to launch four new TDI models in the coming year, three of which will reach American showrooms by this summer, the fourth in 2014.

“Audi has been at the forefront of clean diesel since the introduction of Audi TDI technology in the U.S. in 2009,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America, who noted that, “As drivers increasingly look for high fuel efficiency and low-emissions output, demand for diesel is on the rise.”

A diesel version of the next Audi A3 will follow next year, likely as a 2015 model.

Indeed, there’s been a flood of new diesel offerings over the last year.  While primarily coming from German manufacturers Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, U.S. and Japanese makers are also getting into the game.  General Motors just launched its new Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, the maker’s first U.S. passenger car application in a quarter century. Chrysler is rolling out a Grand Cherokee diesel and Mazda has a new SkyActiv diesel coming for the Mazda6 sedan.

(TheDetroitBureau.com reviews the new Chevrolet Cruze Diesel. Click Here.)

First up for Audi will be the A6 TDI, A7 TDI and Q5 TDI. All will be badged as 2014 models. It’s likely the fourth model, the Audi A3 TDI, will be marketed as a 2015. Prices and details for the A3 diesel will be released closer to the vehicle’s introduction.

The A6 will yield 24 mpg in the EPA City column, 38 Highway, 29 Combined.  The sedan’s 6-cylinder diesel will be paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive to produce 240 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, launching from 0-60 MPH in 5.5 seconds.

The Audi A6 TDI will start at $58,395.  The coupe-like A7 TDI, meanwhile, will come in at $67,795.

The A7 diesel will use the same clean diesel and 8-speed gearbox combination as the A6 sedan and has the same power and launch numbers, while its fuel economy ratings are also 24/38/29, according to the EPA.

As for the Audi Q5 TDI, it starts at $47,395 – with all these figures including Audi’s $895 destination fee.  The crossover/utility vehicle’s power and torque numbers are also 240 hp and 428 lb-ft, though the Q5 diesel needs 6.5 seconds to hit 60 – a still-impressive figure considering the added bulk and aerodynamic drag.

(After nearly killing the diesel, GM is bringing it back. Click Here for more.)

That balance of performance and fuel efficiency has become a critical selling point for diesel proponents and an advantage over traditionally stodgy hybrids. The Audi figures also underscore the fact that diesels tend to be most appropriate for those who clock most of their miles on relatively open roads. Hybrids gain more of an edge in stop-and-go conditions.

Like it’s German rivals – especially parent Volkswagen AG — Audi has received a strong reception for its earlier diesel models. The outgoing generation of the A3 TDI wagon was, in fact, voted Green Car of the Year during the Los Angeles Auto Show, a few years back, defeating several high-profile hybrid offerings.

The 2014 Audi A3 TDI will be based on an all-new sedan version.

(Test drive the new Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 clean diesel. Click Here.)

Will the German maker come up with even more diesels?

“The introduction of the highly-efficient Audi A6, A7 and Q5 TDIs continue Audi’s commitment to clean diesel technology and further the brand’s focus on balanced performance solutions that improve efficiency and driving dynamics,” US brand boss Keogh hinted.