From autumn 2013 Audi will launch its first compact sedan ever in the British market in form of the Audi A3 Saloon. Building on the success of the A3 hatchback, the saloon variant offers the same interior space as the Sportback version, but more luggage space with the rear seats up.

That’s right. The hatchback still beats the sedan in terms of luggage space if you fold the seats. But there are people who just like the sedan shape better than the hatchback. They can get the hatchback for as low as £24,275, to £28,105, depending on engine and trim level.

Boasting a 14cm longer length than the hatchback, the A3 saloon comes in Sport and S line trims, featuring 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels and standard suspension. Comfort suspension is available as a no-cost option.

Also standard on the Saloon are sports seats, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, dual-zone climate control, the MMI radio incorporating an 11 millimetre-thick powered folding screen and DAB digital radio, preparation for SD card navigation, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, a Driver Information System and the Bluetooth mobile phone interface.

You can have the Audi A3 Saloon with either a 1.4 TFSI with 140 PS and 250 mph which takes 8.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62mph, and can reach 135mph; a 1.8 liter TFSI with 180PS and 250 Nm that does 0 to 62mph in 7.3 seconds and tops 146mph; or a 2.0-litre TDI producing 150PS and 320 Nm with 0 to 62mph time of 8.7 seconds and top speed of 137mph.

Economy-wise, the 1.4 does 60.1mpg; the 1.8 does 50.4mpg; and the 2.0 diesel manages 68.9mpg.

The Audi A3 Saloon – UK OTR Pricing