Petrol or diesel? New 57 mpg A3 TFSI makes the decision even harder

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 57 mpg 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.