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New eco-engine added to A3 range

New 'greener' engine brings the A3 below 99g/km CO2 threshold.

By Luke Madden

21st September 2009

Audi has announced its next move in the race for lower CO2 emissions. The German manufacturer has taken the wraps off a new 1.6 TDi engine that will be added to the A3 range that produces just 99g/km of CO2.

The four-cylinder diesel powerplant puts out 105hp and 250 Nm of torque which means a sluggish 11.4 seconds to 62mph (11.7 for the Sportback) and a top speed of 118mph.

The impressive 62mpg consumption figure is achieved by using a regenerative braking system and stop/start engine technology. Audi has also announced that the A3 will be fitted with a gear change indicator because, as they claim, about 30% of fuel consumption depends on a a driver's decision and driving style.

No information on pricing was released but Audi did announce that the new engine will be available on A3 and A3 Sportback models in the first half of 2010.

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4 Comments

Dull,Dull, Dull

I can't think of a more boring or less exciting car.

By crofts2 on 24 September, 2009, 8:44am

Not Dull, Not, Not!

crofts2, what is it about our roads, those crappy maintained lumpy, bumpy potholed roads that would make you want to go any faster? I love the Audi RS6 Avant, but lets face it, unless you have wads of cash for weekend track days, then what is the point in having one in this country? Not only do we have the official speed nazi's, there are many out there who, through jealousy or pure hate of anything above a 1.0 engine, would call the police at the drop of a hat to report you speeding by them at a heady 50mph because they are travelling at 30mph on a 60mph road... Everything in it's place, like a high mileage driver buying a new diesel car and keeping it long enough to get their money's worth out of it. We are damn lucky, I reckon in the future we won't own a car. It will be pick one up when you need it, rent/lease it.

By bob809 on 24 September, 2009, 3:17pm

Tax, what tax?

As everyone knows car tax is a right pain as you have to pay out a lot per year.
So how about this, a car the size of a Ford Focus or VW Golf (Audi's Sister car) that produces such a low CO2 rating that you pay the Government NOTHING per year.
Thats how you do things.
Having an Audi A3 though. Thats luxury.
Going into the London Congestion Zone without paying a penny is great.
Why would you not buy a car like this. Its an Audi.
Ok, so its not going to break any records but think of the environment.
I would agree with Bob809, its going to be a great car to rent. Personally I wouldn't have this car, to slow. But I wouldn't mind a fast diesel if there is one out there.
Good luck to Audi.

By lucasworld on 25 September, 2009, 3:33am

Not uninformed

I might point out that I do have some experience of the A3 in that I did own a 55 reg 2.0Tdi Sportback from new. It was a bit of a disappointment to say the least.

For a start, it sounded like a Massey-Ferguson tractor, with no pulling power at low revs, making entering safely into traffic at a juction or roundabout very difficult. The same car with less power does not bear thinking.

Why did VW/Audi keep that engine only a couple of years? It surely does not make economic production sense. It must have been a bit of a 'dog' or otherwise it would have had at least another 10 years to go.

On the handling side, the Audi solution to the heavier engine up front was simply to slacken the steering. I had driven a 1.6 petrol previously and it was nicely balanced.

However, if it is important to have a quality, good looking car in your driveway, carry on!!

By crofts2 on 25 September, 2009, 10:16am

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