The Audi A3 hatchback range has been expanded with a new Ultra derivative, featuring a frugal 109bhp 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine. It emits just 89g/km in CO2 and records an official combined fuel economy of 83.1mpg.
This is the most efficient version of the A3 hatchback, with the exception of the petrol-electric plug-in hybrid derivative - the Sportback e-tron. The main challenger for the new Audi A3 Ultra is the BMW 1 Series 116d EfficientDynamics, which also uses a 1.6-litre diesel.
Available to order now in three-door hatch or five-door Sportback body styles, the A3 Ultra can also cover the 0-62mph sprint in 10.5 seconds (10.7 for the Sportback) and go on to a top speed of 124mph. The Ultra diesel is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Audi has achieved greater efficiency with its A3 Ultra not just through the engine itself, but by also improving the car’s aerodynamics, using lower sports suspension and by making key components lighter than before. As a result, the Ultra is 80kg lighter than other diesel-run A3 hatchbacks.
The new Audi A3 Ultra is priced from £20,865 for the three-door model, or from £21,485 for the Sportback.
A further update Audi has announced is that its Quattro four-wheel drive system will be made available to more models in the A3 range. The powertrain is now available for the A3’s standard 1.6-litre diesel from £22,915, recording 60.1mpg and 127g/km. Quattro is also now available for the A3’s 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel from £25,045, and officially averages 58.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 125g/km.
