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Audi adds a 1.6-litre TDI to its A3 range

Audi has added a 1.6-litre TDI common-rail diesel engine to its A3 range.

The new unit, which features stop-start technology, replaces the existing 1.9-litre TDIe engine in the A3, A3 Sportback and A3 Cabriolet models.

The 1.6-litre TDI engine produces the same 104bhp and 184lb ft or torque as the outgoing unit. In the three-door A3 hatch it boosts combined fuel economy by eight per cent to 68.9mpg compared with the old 1.9, while CO2 output is 109g/km.

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When mated to a five-speed manual ’box, the 1.6 TDI can get the A3 hatch from 0-62mph in 11.4sec before hitting a top speed of 121mph. The A3 Cabriolet with this engine reaches 0-62mph in 12.2sec and has a top speed of 118mph, while its CO2 emissions rise slightly to 114g/km.

As well as the stop-start tech, the engine also features 'recuperation technology'. This system stores kinetic energy that is usually wasted under braking and reuses it to reduce the engine load when the car accelerates again. This improves fuel economy by three per cent.

Prices for the 1.6 TDI models start at £17,485 for the A3 3dr, £18,025 for the A3 Sportback and £20,645 for the A3 Cabriolet. They are on sale now.

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