Audi has added an ultra badge – used to designate the models offering the greatest economy and the most scrupulously controlled emissions across five Audi ranges – to the A3 family with a 1.6-liter TDI-powered model that records emissions levels of 89g/km of CO₂. The new A3 and A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI ultra models offer 3.4l/100km (83mpg) capability, and form part of an expanded 2016 model year A3 line-up that also includes quattro all-wheel-drive.
To create the A3 1.6 TDI ultra, the final drive ratio in the standard 6-speed manual transmission working with the EU6 engine has been modified, lowered sports suspension has been incorporated, and special tires have minimized rolling resistance.
The 110ps variant, equipped exclusively with the manual transmission, is capable of covering up to 83.1mpg according to the combined cycle test, equating to CO₂ output of just 89g/km. The three-door version needs 10.5 seconds to reach 100km/h from rest, closely followed by the Sportback at 10.7 seconds, and both models top out at 200km/h.
The 1.6 TDI quattro version of the A3 Saloon combines the rapid-acting multi-plate clutch-based all-wheel-drive system with a 6-speed manual transmission and Sport specification, and the five-door A3 Sportback offers either SE or Sport options. The three-door A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI quattro can reach 100km/h from rest in 11.2 seconds, continue to 193km/h and return up to 4.7l/100km (60.1mpg) according to the combined cycle test, corresponding to CO₂ output of 127g/km (with 16-inch wheels).
The 2-liter TDI 150ps engine which sits on the rung above the enhanced 1.6-liter unit in the TDI line-up is also newly available with quattro drive as part of the 2016 model year changes, joining the 2-liter TDI 184ps version in offering front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive options.
In three-door form the A3 2.0 TDI quattro can accelerate to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 214km/h. Combined economy is 4.8l/100km (58.9mpg) with the 17-inch wheel that forms part of the Sport specification, or 4.9l/100km (57.6mpg) with the range-topping 18-inch S line wheel, resulting in CO₂ outputs of 125g/km and 127g/km respectively.
May 28, 2015
