Audi launches a new version of the A3 hatchback with a revised 1.2 liter TFSI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that is as economical as a 1.6 liter diesel unit with the same output. It offers 105 PS and 175 Nm, and returns 57.6 mpg.
This great fuel economy is partly due to the small size of the engine, partly due to the fact that it is turbocharged, and partly because of the Common Rail injection system. Common rail is a technology most associated with diesel engines. What it does is inject the fuel at up to 150 bar pressure into the combustion chamber.
It is a fairly high-tech engine, but with only 105 PS it is not what you call high-performance. 0 to 62 mph takes 10.3 seconds in this A3. But then you wouldn’t buy a 1.2 liter for performance.
The car is available in SE, Sport and S line specification, with common standard equipment on all models including alloy wheels, air conditioning or climate control, the Audi Music Interface (AMI) linked to an electrically retracting colour MMI display screen, Bluetooth connectivity, a Driver’s Information System and preparation for SD card-based satellite navigation.
Prices start from £17,905 for the SE version and go up to £22,760 for the S Line.
