AUDI A3 SALOON GETS A REBOOT

Audi has lifted the wraps from its latest-generation A3 saloon. Built on the VW Group’s MQB platform, which supports both the fivedoor A3 Sportback hatch and the Mk8 VW Golf, the new A3 saloon is on sale now.

At launch, prices start at £26,870 for the entry-level 35 TFSI Sport, rising to £32,220 for the 35 T DIS line St ronic. The UK line-up will consist of Sport, S-line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung trim level cars.

Apart from the fact the saloon has a blocky backside which differentiates it from the hatchback, the new A3 saloon benefits from Audi’s latest 48-volt mild hybrid drive technology.

It’s also longer, wider and taller than before but boot space remains the same at 425 litres. that’ s 45 litres more than the Sportback.

Inside the cabin the dashboard is identical to that of the Sportback. Centrallylocated above the gear selector is a 10.1-inch touchscreen display angled towards the driver. There’s also a new steering wheel, behind which sits Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit.

At launch there’s the choice of two petrol engines and a diesel. The 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol is available with either a sixspeed manual or a sevenspeed automatic transmission. The manual returns 48.7mpg and emits 132g/km CO2. The automatic version features a 48-volt mild hybrid set up, improving fuel efficiency to 50.4 mpg while pegging CO2 back to 128g/km.

For diesel lovers, a 147bhp 2.0TDI gets a seven-speed S tronic, and improves consumption to 62.8mpg, with 119g/km CO2.

Later, a 107bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol will join the line-up along with a 113bhp version of the diesel.

An S3, delivering around 305bhp, and an RS3, boasting close to 400bhp, will also arrive later.