THERE’S a new Audi A3 on the block – a four door Saloon.

Not only is this A3 Saloon unusual for offering the A3 without its traditional hatchback, but also because the petrol Audi A3 Saloon is the most efficient for company car tax at the model’s launch.

And that’s thanks to ingenious ‘Cylinder-on-Demand’ technology.

This Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD) tech, available on the 140PS 1.4 TFSI model, closes off two of the four cylinders under light loads to save on fuel. And the tax bill of SME company car drivers.

The new Audi A3 Saloon range costs from £24,275 when it goes on sale this month (June 2013) with first deliveries to company car drivers in October.

There are two trims available: Sport (17 inch standard alloys) and S line (18 inch standard alloys) – both on sports suspension.

A no-cost comfort setting can also be specified if you prefer a more compliant ride for your motorway miles; at the other end of the scale, S line can ordered with the suspension 10mm lower.

Standard Audi A3 Saloon features include:

• Sports seats;
• Audi Drive Select adaptive dynamics system;
• dual-zone climate control;
• MMI radio with folding screen and DAB digital radio;
• preparation for SD card navigation;
• Audi Music Interface iPod connection;
• Driver Information System; and
• Bluetooth mobile phone interface.

Meanwhile S line models get part-leather-upholstery, S line sports steering wheel and xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps.

This, however, is just the first phase of the roll out of Audi A3 Saloon models.

More engines, additional engine and transmission choices, as well as models equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive will follow, providing further choice for SME company car drivers.

The Audi A3 Saloon is longer by 14mm than the five-door hatch Sportback, as well as being wider (11mm) and lower (9mm). There’s also more luggage room – 425 litres compared to the A3 Sportback’s 380 litres with the rear seats upright.

Read more about the Audi A3 Saloon

Click here to read Audi A3 suits its boot

Find out more about Cylinder-on-Demand technology here: New fuel-sipping petrols from Audi

How the Audi A3 Saloon lines up on company car tax

There are two petrol engines and one diesel to choose from. The petrol models are standard with Audi’s stepless auto/manual S tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Audi A3 Saloon launch prices