All-new A3 now offers reworked 1.2 TFSI engine with 105 PS and 57.6 mpg capability

  • Significant gains in fuel efficiency and faster acceleration
  • Prices start from £17,905 OTR and rise to £22,760 OTR
  • Available to order now in SE, Sport or S line specification
  • Identical power output to A3 1.6 TDI, 10.3 seconds 0-62mph time and 175 Nm of torque

Already renowned for offering all the refinement of a much larger car, the all-new Audi A3 now has an even more compact engine that also deftly belies its size. With 57mpg potential the latest generation 1.2-litre TFSI petrol unit comes remarkably close to achieving the economy of a TDI without the attendant penalties at the fuel pumps or the diesel surcharge on the company car choice list. A3 1.2 TFSI models are also the most attainable in the range, with prices from £17,905 OTR.

The revised and updated 1.2-litre TFSI exemplifies the philosophy of downsizing and has been designed for low weight. Helped by Audi ultra lightweight construction technology, the all-new A3 equipped with this engine can cover up to six more miles per gallon than its predecessor, regardless of whether it is equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox or optional seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Both versions can return up to 57.6mpg according to the combined cycle test.

Thanks to ample 105 PS and 175 Nm outputs, economy isn’t the only string to their bow – the six-speed manual version reaches 62 mph from rest 0.7 seconds quicker than its predecessor at 10.3 seconds without compromising efficiency – CO2 output is now 13 g/km less than before at 114 g/km.

With this sprint time, which is almost half a second quicker than the 1.6 TDI which shares its 105PS power output, and potential economy that comes closer than ever to its outstanding 74.3mpg capability, the new unit offers A3 customers a genuine alternative to taking the TDI route with lower purchase and running costs.

The most diminutive unit in the Audi range achieves its excellent efficiency not only with the help of a start-stop system and energy recuperation, but also through numerous optimisation measures. Its piston rings and crank shaft bearings have been engineered for minimal friction, its aluminium crankcase has its own coolant circuit separate from the cylinder head and a regulated water pump ensures that the water in its block is not circulated immediately after the engine is started, enabling the engine to come up to temperature more quickly.

Common rail injection

The common rail unit injects the fuel at up to 150 bar pressure into the combustion chambers, and its turbocharger has an electric actuator that actuates the wastegate flap particularly quickly and precisely. This enables rapid generation of boost pressure and a decrease in fuel consumption under partial load.

Customers can choose the A3 1.2 TFSI in SE, Sport and S line specification. Standard equipment common to all includes 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. Sport models include larger alloy wheels, front sports seats, sports suspension, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, additional aluminium interior elements and chrome body detailing.

The highest specification S line models benefit from 18-inch partly polished alloy wheels, Xenon Plus headlights with LED-daytime running lights, Biathlon cloth and leather upholstery with S line embossing and contrasting silver stitching, matt brushed aluminium inlays and a flat-bottomed S line steering wheel.

Prices start from £17,905 OTR for the A3 1.2 TFSI with six-speed manual transmission in SE specification and rise to £22,760 OTR for the range-topping S line model with optional S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Ordering is possible now for three-door versions, and will become available for five-door Sportback versions in the summer. First deliveries of three-door versions will begin in May.

 
Article source: www.audi.co.uk

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Audi A8 L receives its own automotive “Bafta”

Official car of the 2013 EE British Academy Film Awards gets some recognition of its own in industry-acclaimed chauffeur awards.

  • Audi A8 L takes home trophy in £50,000 to £75,000 category
  • Second consecutive win and third overall victory since awards began
  • Priced from £57,650 OTR to £95,440 OTR
  • Engines range from 204 PS 3.0 TDI to 500 PS W12 quattro
  • Audi A8 L hybrid priced at £65,405 OTR

The Audi luxury car that whisked many of the stars of stage, screen and TV to the red carpet last night for the 2013 EE British Academy Film Awards (the BAFTAs) has just attracted some limelight of its own. The long wheelbase A8 L has been voted Chauffeur Car of the Year in the £50,000 to £75,000 category by leading online industry magazine thechauffeur.com.

This year’s Chauffeur Car of the Year category award is the third for the opulent long wheelbase luxury saloon, which also took the top spot in 2005 and 2011. It was bestowed not just on the strength of the car itself, but also by virtue of the successful Audi UK chauffeur programme through which professional drivers can run one on a contract hire basis and benefit from exceptional support.

Paul Gibson, Editor of thechauffeur.com, commented: " The A8 L offers the chauffeur an excellent all-round package. Excellent economy, comfort, all-wheel drive and workable boot space are key factors which helped it clinch the award.”

He added: “ When putting it against its competitors, it was also obvious that the manufacturer’s dedicated chauffeur programme is one of the best in the marketplace.”

James Douglas, Head of Fleet Sales at Audi UK, added: “I am delighted that thechauffeur.com not only believed the A8 was deserving of such a hard fought award, but also saw fit to commend the Audi chauffeur programme which provides access to it. We have gone to great lengths to structure a programme which we believe makes obtaining and running one of our luxury cars as stress-free as driving one, and it is immensely encouraging to know that this specialist title views it so positively.”

Luxury now with even greater efficiency

The excellent economy which was instrumental in the latest victory for the A8 L is commonly associated with the TDI versions, but it can now also be enjoyed in petrol models with even lower CO2 output and the potential for zero emissions driving – the A8 hybrid and A8 L hybrid.

Powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI four cylinder petrol unit working in conjunction with a 40 kW electric motor, the A8 L hybrid can drive using electric power alone at speeds of up to 62 mph. When outright performance takes precedence, outputs of 245 PS and 480 Nm enable acceleration from zero to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 142mph. At the same time, equally important running costs can be kept in check thanks to the potential for in excess of 44 mpg, equating to C02 emissions of 149g/km – the lowest in the A8 L range.

In common with all A8 L models, the hybrid adds 130mm of extra leg room for rear seat passengers, and expands the lavish A8 equipment list to include features such as heated front and outer rear seats, electric sun blinds and deluxe four-zone climate control.

Prices start at £57,650 OTR for the A8 L SE, rising to £95,440 OTR for the flagship 6.3-litre W12 quattro. The A8 L hybrid is priced at £65,545 OTR.

 
Article source: www.audi.co.uk

Driven: Audi A3 2.0 TDI SE

Audi's A3 is a fine car, but does it look a bit too much like its predecessor, wonders James Foxall.

You tend not to see many new Audi A3s on the road. Or at least you think you don’t. Reality is, they’re probably everywhere but you think they’re the old model. It’s fair to say Audi has received a degree of criticism for the A3’s unadventurous styling. Of course no one’s managed to say how it's supposed to design a family hatch…

But it's being on the inside that you get to appreciate the new A3 for what it does best. The quality is of a much bigger car. The doors slam with a satisfying thunk. Materials everywhere you touch are top notch and the dash oozes class.

The MMI controller for the satnav and sound system is down in front of the electric parking brake. It’s so intuitive you'll soon be using it without looking at the buttons, which proves the designers have succeeded in my book. If there is a criticism of the interior it’s that there isn’t anywhere to put any of the addenda accompanying modern life. The result is the cupholders also function as phone, food, wallet and key holders and will soon be be full of crumbs, which somehow doesn’t suit the A3’s premium feel.

The 2.0-litre TDI doesn’t sound too appealing when started from cold but the gutsy 236lb ft of torque makes up for that with strong surges of power whatever the gear.

It’s economical, too. Audi’s claim of 68.9mpg on the EU Combined cycle seems a trifle optimistic but I have managed to get the average up to 55.2mpg on the trip computer, which suits my purposes.

Article source: www.telegraph.co.uk

 

New amplified black option raises the tone in the Audi TT

Striking styling package heightens visual appeal of the TT Coupé and Roadster Black Edition models.

  • TT Coupé and Roadster Black Edition models now available with exclusive Amplified Black package costing £700 on top of Black Edition price.
  • Highlights include four striking inclusive paint colours, attractive 19-inch ‘Rotor’ alloy wheels and black exterior design touches including TT RS-style fixed rear spoiler.
  • Amplified Black prices range from £31,365 OTR to £36,360 OTR.

The big noise in the Audi TT range this week is the new Amplified Black specification, which is now available as an optional extra for all TT Coupé and Roadster Black Edition models. Combining an even more sporting look with a choice of four striking paint finishes, including the unashamedly bold Samoa Orange, the new option upgrade adds £700 to the price of the equivalent Black Edition model.

The already dark and brooding look of the TT Black Edition is made even more purposeful by the Amplified Black package with its black-finished front lip spoiler, black door mirror housings, black TT RS-style fixed rear spoiler and black 19-inch ‘Rotor’ design alloy wheels. At the rear, a black diffuser insert and black exhaust tailpipes continue the theme.

The four metallic or pearl effect colours Glacier White, Misano Red, Daytona Grey or Samoa Orange are included in the option price, and if the latter is chosen the interior inlays are also finished in this most striking of TT paint options. In all other cases, inlays are in matt brushed aluminium.

Black Edition specification, which is based on the top S line trim level, is already exhaustive. It includes black trimming for the radiator grille surround and number plate holder, tinted rear privacy glass, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, black leather and Alcantara upholstery, a premium BOSE surround sound system, iPod and mobile phone connection and rear acoustic parking.

Two engines are available in conjunction with this distinctive new look – the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol with 211PS linked to either front-wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive and the 2.0-litre TDI with 170PS mated to quattro drive only. OTR prices for Black Edition models including the £700 Amplified Black option package start at £31,365 for the 2.0 TFSI Coupé with six-speed manual gearbox and rise to £36,360 for the 2.0 TFSI quattro Roadster with six-speed S tronic transmission.

 
Article source: www.audi.co.uk