HERE’S an Audi A3 that makes the original fuel-saving A3 TDIe model look positively fuel wasteful.
Where the Audi A3 TDIe had a 62.8mpg capability and emissions of 119g/km CO2, the new Audi A3 1.6 TDI can travel 74.3mpg on a gallon of diesel, and emissions drop to just 99g/km. To put that in perspective, here’s a premium hatchback with the fuel consumption almost identical to the fuel-sipping SEAT Ibiza supermini we featured in the last Business Car Manager e-newsletter (click here for issue 66).
There is a drawback. The latest ultra economical Audi A3 is only available in Standard trim and in three-door bodystyle. But that doesn’t mean it’s a stripped out ‘hairshirt’ version. Standard equipment includes 15-inch 7-arm design alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows and a radio/CD player.
The better fuel consumption of the 99g/km A3 has been achieved by a longer fifth gear, low rolling resistance tyres on 15 inch alloys, lowered ride height and modified under-body aid streamlining for optimum efficiency. The model also features start-stop and energy recuperation.
The new A3 extends the availability of low emission Audi three-door and Sportback 1.6 TDI models (which replaced the original 1.9 TDI and TDIe). Versions equipped to SE, Sport and S line specification, and all Sportback models, continue to offer 109g/km CO2 emissions output and 68.9mpg.
The Audi A3 1.6 TDI Standard three-door costs £18,005.
How the ultra economical Audi A3 compares
- Audi A3 1.6 TDI three-door 105PS, 74.3mpg, 99g/km
- Rest of Audi A3 1.6 TDI range 105PS, 68.9mpg, 109g/km