Making fast cars is sometimes easier than reducing CO2 emissions, but Audi's A3 family does both. Not only does the mighty RS3 pack a huge punch, but now the A3 ultra takes a large step in the green direction.
We've already discussed the technology used in previous articles, especially since the powertrain is shared with the Octavia Greenline and the Golf BlueMotion. So we're just going to mention quickly this 1.6-liter engine delivers 110 PS, 250 Nm of torque and is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox optimized for efficiency.
It's available only in two body styles for the moment. The three-door gets from 0 to 62mph in 10.5 secs while the Sportback takes 10.7 seconds. Both have an official top speed of 124mph or 200 km/h.
With emissions of only 89 grams per 100 kilometers, the 1.6 ultra engine emits 16 grams less CO2 than the conventional TDI. This car is aimed squarely at company car drivers because it fits within the 16 percent BIK tax band. Its combined fuel economy of 83.1mpg (3.4 l/100km) results in low running costs, although we have a suspicion that these numbers are actually about 20 mpg lower in the real world.
To make them more efficient, Audi has fitted the A3 ultra models with low rolling resistance tires on five-spoke 16-inch wheels and shorter suspension. To save weight, you can't order the panoramic roof and the spare wheel has been replaced by a tire inflation kit.
Prices start from £20,865 for the 3-door SE model, which is £40 more than the non-ultra car that has been discontinued (in the UK). Adding another set of doors means the A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI ultra will set you back £21,485. These are 2016 model year hatchbacks and they will be ready for delivery in August.
The only other major change happening in the A3 range is that the 150 PS 2-liter TDI can now be ordered with a quattro all-wheel drive on all body styles – 3-door, 5-door, sedan and convertible. Most deal with the standard sprint in 8.2 seconds and return approximately 59 mpg UK (4.8 l/100km).
It's available only in two body styles for the moment. The three-door gets from 0 to 62mph in 10.5 secs while the Sportback takes 10.7 seconds. Both have an official top speed of 124mph or 200 km/h.
With emissions of only 89 grams per 100 kilometers, the 1.6 ultra engine emits 16 grams less CO2 than the conventional TDI. This car is aimed squarely at company car drivers because it fits within the 16 percent BIK tax band. Its combined fuel economy of 83.1mpg (3.4 l/100km) results in low running costs, although we have a suspicion that these numbers are actually about 20 mpg lower in the real world.
To make them more efficient, Audi has fitted the A3 ultra models with low rolling resistance tires on five-spoke 16-inch wheels and shorter suspension. To save weight, you can't order the panoramic roof and the spare wheel has been replaced by a tire inflation kit.
Prices start from £20,865 for the 3-door SE model, which is £40 more than the non-ultra car that has been discontinued (in the UK). Adding another set of doors means the A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI ultra will set you back £21,485. These are 2016 model year hatchbacks and they will be ready for delivery in August.
The only other major change happening in the A3 range is that the 150 PS 2-liter TDI can now be ordered with a quattro all-wheel drive on all body styles – 3-door, 5-door, sedan and convertible. Most deal with the standard sprint in 8.2 seconds and return approximately 59 mpg UK (4.8 l/100km).