What's the news?

Audi has revealed that it will be adding a saloon variant to the UK's popular A3 range later this year. This is the first time the A3 has been offered in the UK as a saloon, despite claims that the compact saloon is the world's most popular class of car.

Exterior

Imagine an Audi A4 photocopied at 80 per cent, and you're pretty much there. The front end styling mimics both the three-door hatchback and Sportback versions of the A3, while the rear end follows Audi's latest saloon design language. Compared with the Sportback, the saloon is 14 centimetres longer as well as being a fraction wider and lower. Specification levels are limited to Sport and S line from launch, giving buyers of the S line version a bespoke body kit, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Interior

Increasing exterior dimensions naturally means more space inside. While cabin space remains unchanged, boot space is measured at 425 litres - 45 litres more than in the Sportback. Both versions of the saloon come with sports seats, dual-zone climate control and Audi's Adaptive Dynamics System. Exclusive to S line models are embossed half-leather seats, a leather trimmed sports steering wheel and leather-bound paddle shifters when equipped with the S tronic automatic gearbox. Infotainment comes in the form of an 11-inch folding screen, a DAB radio and many connectivity options. MMI Navigation Plus, Touch and Mobile Phone Preparation can all be had as options; as can a Bang & Olufsen stereo, adaptive cruise control and a panoramic sunroof.

Mechanicals

Two petrol engines and one diesel unit are available from launch. The base option is a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol unit featuring cylinder-on-demand technology. By shutting off two cylinders under light loads, combined fuel economy is up to a remarkable 60.1mpg; while at the same time this model can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 8.5 seconds. The other petrol option is the 1.8-litre TFSI engine, producing 180hp and 250Nm of torque. The diesel is the 2.0-litre TDI unit, delivering 150hp, 320Nm of torque and returning 68.9mpg. The A3 saloon also benefits from Audi's latest S tronic gearbox, which now offers a free-wheeling function to reduce fuel consumption even further.

Anything else?

Prices for the Audi A3 saloon start at £24,295 for the 2.0-litre TDI Sport model. Order books are open across the UK's dealer network now; with first deliveries expected in September.

James Giddings - 18 Jun 2013