Audi makes A3 2.0 TDI greener
* Helps cut CO2 emissions by 16%
* No increase in price
Audi has launched a 'stop-start' version of the 2.0-litre TDI Audi A3 with improved fuel economy and lowered CO2 emissions.
Power remains unchanged at 138bhp, but the car uses green technology, including an engine 'stop-start' system, to deliver dramatically improved efficiency.
Audi has also introduced a part-time alternator, which recharges the battery under braking, recuperating energy that would otherwise be lost.
CO2 emissions slashed by 16%
The package of changes mean that the A3 2.0-litre TDI hatchback now manages an average of 64.2mpg up from 55.4mpg on the non-stop-start version while CO2 emissions have fallen by 16% from 134g/km to 115g/km. Company car tax liability is cut from 18% to 13%.
The new efficiency measures mean that the A3 2.0-litre TDI is almost as green as the less powerful 1.6 TDI (67.3mpg and 109g/km) and better than the similarly powerful BMW 118d, which manages 62.8mpg and 119g/km with a manual gearbox.
The A3 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI gets the same green technology, which helps to boost fuel economy from 53.3mpg to 61.4mpg and cuts CO2 emissions from 139g/km to 119g/km.
Prices remain unchanged, with the entry-level Audi A3 2.0 TDI three-door costing 18,860.
