What's the news?
All new Audi A3 is available to order now with prices starting at £19,205. The first cars will arrive in September. Customers can choose from three engines and three trim levels: SE, Sport and S line. Later Audi will expand the range with additional engines including a version with cylinder deactivation. All-wheel drive quattro models are also in the pipeline.
Exterior
There isn't much change on the surface; Audi describes the new look as 'subtly redefining' the car's look. This is most noticeable in the treatment of the grille and headlamps. Less obvious is the 80kg weight reduction compared with its predecessor. Top of the range S line versions come with 18-inch wheels, a body kit and xenon headlamps.
Interior
Bold claims are made for the A3's interior, promising materials, quality and ergonomics that break new ground in the class. Standard equipment on the SE includes air conditioning, voice control and MMI radio with an 11mm thin electrically folding screen. Sport versions come with sports seats, sports steering wheel and aluminium detailing. The S line gets its own steering wheel design and part leather sports seats embossed with the S line logo.
Mechanicals
Two petrol engines are available: 1.4- and 1.8-litre along with a 2.0-litre diesel. Power outputs are 122-, 180- and 150hp respectively. The 1.8 petrol comes with a seven-speed S tronic, twin-clutch transmission. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard with the other power units. The Sport and S Line variants come with firmer suspension but customers can choose the standard set-up for a more comfortable ride - at no extra cost.
Anything else?
Prices range from £19,205 for the A3 SE 1.4 TFSI to £26,560 for the S line 1.8 TFSI. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions range from 68.9mpg and 106g/km for the diesel to 130g/km and 42mpg for the 1.8 petrol.
John Lambert - 7 Jun 2012