Currently reading: Audi A3 hits 74mpg and 99g/km
Most economical premium small hatchback is now an Audi

Audi has launched a new version of its A3 hatchback that averages 74.3mpg and emits 99g/km of CO2.

As a result it the cleanest and most economical premium small hatchback on sale.

A start-stop system, smaller 15-inch wheels, improved aerodynamics, reduced ride height and a revised final drive ratio all contribute to the low emissions.

It is powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine, and achieves the same performance figures as the equivalent standard A3: 0-60mph in 11.4sec and a top speed of 121mph.

To keep weight down, the car is only available as a three-door hatchback, with one trim option and a five-speed manual gearbox.

It costs £18,005 - £500 more than the equivalent standard 1.6 TDI model without the economy tweaks. The standard car averages 68.9mpg and emits 109g/km CO2.

Twitter - follow autocar.co.ukSee all the latest Audi reviews, news and video

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Third-gen Audi A3 gets a mild facelift, more equipment, some new engines and a new hot model - but is it the cream of the premium hatch crop?

Join the debate

Comments
20
Add a comment…
moe360 31 December 2009

Re: Audi A3 hits 74mpg and 99g/km

catnip wrote:

moe360 wrote:
VAG group have done such a good job with both the Golf and A3 its hard to tell the difference they both are the same cars, do the same job, share the same parts, drive the same etc.

I think some would argue that the Golf is now the better car, certainly that it has a better ride/handling combination.

cant argue with that comment catnip i did buy the mk6 over the A3.

I also think the MK6 in higher spec looks better then the A3 which needs a serious re-design now its been out since 2002 and is look very old. Even the mild facelift did not help that much.

I expect the new A3 to be a lot better then this current one, well i hope it is

230SL 29 December 2009

Re: Audi A3 hits 74mpg and 99g/km

This A3 is fine, but why did n't they do it years ago, also makes the smaler Polo and Ibiza look poor with their 112 CO2.

Challenger440 29 December 2009

Re: Audi A3 hits 74mpg and 99g/km

My old Skoda Fabia VRs (VAG 1.9Tdi, 130hp) consistently returns ~58 Mpg overall (calculated manually by recording distance and fuel use) - admittedly I don't do much in town driving.

I also don't trust the in-car fuel consumtion meter - it suggests I get 65 Mpg overall - I was told they were notorious for over-reading.

The Skoda also goes like muck off a shovel when you want it to - something I expect the 105hp A3 will be less inclined to do?

If only it was more 'fun' down a twisty road...