With fuel economy of 57.37mpg (4.1L/100km) , the A3 1.6 TDI with an output of 105hp (77kW), emits a mere 109g of CO2/km. These figures are made possible by efficient technologies such as the car’s engine start-stop and energy recovery system. Performance is reasonable given the car’s economy but don’t expect things to sizzle here.
The energy recovery system draws kinetic energy from the car’s brakes when slowing down, converting this to electricity to take the load off the alternator, which draws power from the engine and thus consumes fuel. According to Audi, this improves fuel economy by as much as 3%.
The more powerful model allows the A3 to reach 62mph in 11.4 seconds and powers it up to a top speed of 121mph. The less powerful 90hp (66kW) unit transmits 170lb-ft (230Nm) of torque and takes 12.9 seconds to cover the 0-62mph dash. Even without an engine start-stop or energy recovery system, it rates in at 52.57mpg (4.5L/100km) and only emits 118g of CO2/km.
Both cars are now on sale and are priced at €22,550 for the 90hp (66kW) model and €23,550 for the 105hp (77kW) model.