The redesigned Audi A3 will offer buyers greater choice than either of the previous two generations, including a four-door sedan for the first time.
Although primarily aimed at markets like Russia, where hatchbacks are less popular than sedans, the ‘saloon’ is also under consideration for the UK.
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There will also be a wider range of suspension options. While entry level SE models all have standard settimgs, mid-grade Sport versions will be available with two different ride heights and levels of firmness while the sportiest S line package introduces a third variation.
The new A3 goes on sale in the UK in September, initially as a three-door hatchback with a choice of 1.4- and 1.8-litre petrol engines and a two-litre turbodiesel. The three trim grades form a range which starts at GBP19,205 and stretches to GBP26,560.
A 1.6-litre turbodiesel will be added before the end of the year, along with a four wheel drive quattro option with some engines. With CO2 emissions of only 99g/km, the small diesel will be a hot favourite for tax conscious company car users.
Further expansion of the range will take place next spring when the five door Sportback [hatchback] becomes available along with a fifth engine option. This will be a more powerful 1.4-litre petrol unit which shuts down two cylinders when cruising to save fuel. With CO2 emissions of 106g/km it will be on a par with the two-litre turbodiesel but will not be subject to the 3% company car tax penalty on diesels.
Later on, a 1.2-litre petrol engine will be slotted in at the base of the range and Audi will introduce its first electrified A3, the plug-in hybrid ‘e-tron’.
