Newtechfresh | Consumer Electronics Guide: AUDI A3

A much peppier diesel-fuel engine has been added to the Audi A3 lineup in the UK. The new 2.0-liter TDI delivers 181hp (184PS) and peak torque of 380Nm (280 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 3,250rpm, and supplements the 148hp (150PS) version which has been available since launch.

Compliant with 2014 EU6 emissions standards, the new diesel unit will initially be offered in the A3 three-door and five-door Sportback models beginning in September, with on-the-road prices ranging from £24,375 to £30,055, and shortly after, in the four-door A3 Saloon as well.

It will be offered on front-wheel drive models with a six-speed manual gearbox, and on all-wheel drive quattro variants with a six-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Audi says the 181hp A3 2.0 TDI with a stick shift can complete the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 7.3 seconds and continue to a 145mph (233km/h) top speed, while returning up to 68.9mpg UK in the combined cycle test, and emitting 108g/km of CO2.

Along with the new powerplant option, Audi is adding available LED headlamps to the A3 range. In SE and Sport models, buyers can specify them as part of a new LED lights package costing £2,000, which also includes LED rear lights, light and rain sensors and LED ambient interior lighting. In S line and S3 models, they are offered as a stand-alone option priced at £795.

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The first ever sedan interpretation of the A3series is now available for order from Audi's UK network with first deliveries in September. The new A3 Saloon is offered with an initial range of three powerplants with on-the-road prices starting from £24,275 for the base 2.0 TDI Sport and topping out at £28,105 for the 1.8 TFSI S Line.

More specifically, engine options begin with the 1.4-liter TFSI petrol rated for 138bhp (140PS) that takes 8.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100km/h), and can reach 135mph (217km/h). It returns a combined economy of 60.1mpg UK with CO2 emissions of just 109g/km.

Next up is the second petrol unit, a 1.8-liter TFSI delivering 178bhp (180PS). Headline figures include a 7.3-second 0-62mph (100km/h) acceleration time, a 146mph (235km/h) top speed, combined fuel economy of 50.4mpg UK and CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

Diesel options are currently limited to the 148bhp (150PS) 2.0-liter TDI that manages the 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, tops out at 137mph (220km/h), is capable of returning up to 68.9mpg UK and has a CO2 output of 107g/km.

The sedan model is 140mm longer and 110mm wider than the five-door A3 Sportback, while also offering 45 liters more luggage space at 425 liters total.

There are two trim grades available, the S Line and Sport. Both come with a sports tuned suspension, but customers can specify them with a more comfort-oriented standard suspension at no extra cost. The S Line adds 18 inch wheels (instead of the Sport's 17-inch rims), an aero kit, part-leather-upholstery and LED daytime running lamps, among other features.

Audi said more engines and the option for its quattro permanent all-wheel drive system will be added later in the year.