2014 NYIAS: We sniff the 2015 Audi A3 TDI Sportback

April 22, 2014 Sawyer Sutton 2014 New York Auto Show, 2014 New York International Auto Show, 2014 NYIAS, 2015 Audi A3 TDI Sportback, 5-door hatchbacks, Diesels, entry level luxury cars, Hatchbacks, Luxury

Due to what Audi calls an outpouring of enthusiasts’ support, the Ingolstadt-based marque will daylight the premium oil burning hatchback as a model year 2015 offering and will include Audi’s 150 horsepower 2 liter four cylinder mated to a 6 speed S Tronic automatic transmission. The new model will sit alongside the entry level A3 sedan and slightly more exciting S3 sports sedan.

If you’re not keen on hearing the muted clatter clatter clatter of the diesel, Audi will be offering an upgraded Bang and Olufsen sound system, which is made accessible through the latest version of their MMI infotainment interface, which also offers read aloud sessions for the user’s Facebook or Twitter accounts as part of Audi’s push of their new partnership with AT&T. Apart from a 30 percent fuel economy upgrade over the equivalent gas powered version, the diesel is pretty similar inside and out as far as interior appointments and exterior features go. For more information, check out the press release after the jump.

-By: Sawyer Sutton

Apr 16, 2014 , HERNDON, Va.

Audi introduces the all-new Audi A3 TDI Sportback

– The decision to bring the Audi A3 Sportback TDI® clean diesel to the U.S. market follows an outpouring of enthusiasts’ support
– The newest model will arrive in 2015 to join the aggressive Audi push to expand the compact luxury segment
– The A3 TDI Sportback will join the A3 e-tron Sportback to provide a range of efficiency choices in a versatile design

HERNDON, Va., April 16, 2014 – Fans have spoken and Audi is responding with the all-new Audi A3 TDI Sportback set to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2015. The A3 TDI Sportback is the latest model to join the newly launched Audi A3 family and the expanded model lineup of Audi TDI models.It will make its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 16th. The A3 TDI Sportback is a premium, compact hatchback that pairs fuel efficiency and coupe-like looks with the utility of a crossover. Its quality engineering and advanced features offer ideal performance and functionality along with advanced technology and driving dynamics.

“The A3 TDI Sportback has an incredibly passionate and loyal fan base, this new version has been one of our most requested models since the announcement of the new A3 family,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “This new A3 TDI Sportback combines excellent fuel economy with advanced technology and utility and will make a stunning addition to the already impressive A3 family.”

The A3 TDI Sportback will join the newly launched all-new A3 family, which will be introduced over the next 18 months – the Audi A3 Sedan, Audi A3 Cabriolet, A3 TDI clean diesel sedan, the high-performance S3 Sedan and the A3 Sportback e-tron® gasoline electric hybrid (PHEV). These vehicles are redefining the standards of the entry level premium market with new innovative technologies and the detailed craftsmanship found in larger flagship Audi sedans.

In addition to advanced technology, the Audi A3 TDI Sportback will offer the consumer the fuel efficiency of the iconic Audi TDI clean diesel powertrain. This will include a 150 horsepower 2.0 TDI® clean diesel mated to the standard 6-speed S tronic® transmission. This transmission provides the driver immense shifting flexibility and driving pleasure with smooth, dynamic acceleration and virtually no interruption to the power flow.

Audi has now answered with two sportback options, the A3 e-tron PHEV and the newly announced A3 TDI. When these two models reach the market next year Audi will have a compelling green narrative in the versatile sportback packaging. One choice for eco-conscious drivers facing a typical American commute, another for those with longer daily hauls who require the superb range TDI offers.

The A3 marks the first time that an A-segment vehicle will offer available features including MMI® technology, Audi drive select, 4G LTE connectivity and Bang & Olufsen® audio. The new A3 family will feature the most advanced version of Audi connect®, including picture navigation, read-aloud news headlines, Facebook® and Twitter® alerts, access to more than 7,000 Web radio stations, personalized RSS news feeds and more.

Audi has been at the forefront of clean diesel since the introduction of Audi TDI technology in the U.S. in 2009. Since then, more than 37,500 Audi TDI vehicles have been sold in the U.S., delivering an average of 30% better fuel economy and range than their gasoline counterparts (based on EPA fuel economy estimates). Continuing the brand’s commitment to clean diesel technology and innovative solutions that help improve efficiency and driving dynamics, Audi has made a dramatic expansion of TDI technology in the U.S., with five 2014 models available including the A6, A7, A8 L, Q5, and Q7.

Audi TDI technology provides drivers with fewer trips to the pump, excellent performance and lower CO2 emissions than comparable gasoline vehicles (based on EPA estimates). In 2014, Audi of America will introduce the all-new A3 TDI sedan in the U.S.