The new A3 is available as a three-door only equipped to standard specification and priced at £18,005 OTR. All other variations of the 1.6 TDI continue to offer 68.9mpg and 109g/km CO2 output.
The key elements responsible for the efficiency gains include a modified final drive ratio for the standard five-speed manual transmission, a reduced ride height, under-body revisions to reduce aerodynamic drag and the use of slightly smaller 15-inch alloy wheels shod with low rolling resistance tyres.
Despite its reduced 99g/km CO2 output, the A3 1.6 TDI has the same 105PS power output and 250Nm peak torque as all other versions, and consequently matches them on performance, clearing 62mph from rest in 11.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 121mph.
Posted on 24.12.2009
