1:12 pm, March 6, 2012
AN all-new version of Audi’s best-selling A3 hatchback will debut today at the Geneva Motor Show.
Taking the headlines is a new look, improved technology and build-quality, and ‘more driver appeal’ – says Audi.
With the help of ‘Audi ultra’ lightweight technology, the new A3 range can boast CO2 emissions starting at 99g/km due to it weighing 80kg lighter than its predecessor.
New aluminium front wings and bonnet feature, while the new car is only a little bigger than the outgoing A3. Length and height at 4,237mm and 1,421mm respectively remain, but the new A3 but is longer slightly wider.
The new A3 is treated to Audi’s new ‘clasp-like’ solid band LED lights – but only on higher spec models – and the rear-end has been re-worked to bring the car in line with other Audi models and features ‘a sculpted, three-dimensional look’. The interior features an Audi A1-style arrangement, and is made from better quality materials and features new equipment.
At launch, the car will be available with three four-cylinder engines: 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre TFSI engines and a 2.0-litre TDI that have outputs of 120bhp, 178bhp and 141bhp respectively. Compared with the previous model, they offer fuel economy improvements averaging 12 per cent.
Order books will open for the UK in the spring priced from approximately £19k, ahead of first deliveries in September.
