2012 Geneva: 2013 Audi A3 gets new look, better fuel-efficiency

The Audi A3 premium compact hatchback is a very important seller to the German brand – more than ever now since Mercedes-Benz jumped into the segment this year with the new 2013 A-Class. At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Audi unveiled a redesign for the new A3 hatch, which looks better and is definitely more efficient.

Besides a plug-in hybrid e-tron version of the new A3 coming in 2014, the model will launch with a range of diesel and gasoline engines in the European and North American markets.

The 2.0 TFSI and the 2.0 TDI will continue on in the U.S. market as the main engine choices for the A3.

Hit the jump to see the complete list of engine choices available.

  • The 1.4 TFSI, with its 1,395 cc engine displacement, produces 90 kW (122 hp) of power and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque; the latter is already available from 1,500 rpm. This engine accelerates the A3 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.3 seconds and up to a top speed of 203 km/h (126.14 mph). Its combined fuel consumption is a mere 5.2 liters per 100 km (45.23 US mpg), equivalent to CO2 emissions of 120 grams per km (193.12 g/mile).
  • The 1.8 TFSI – with an engine displacement of 1,798 cc – produces 132 kW (180 hp) and outputs 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque between 1,250 and 5,000 rpm. It combines direct injection with supplemental injection into the induction pipe, varies the valve stroke based on load using the Audi valvelift system and utilizes a very elaborate thermal management system to quickly heat the engine after a cold start. Its key performance data: zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.2 seconds, top speed 232 km/h (144.16 mph), combined fuel consumption of 5.6 liters per 100 km (42.00 US mpg), equivalent to 130 g CO2 per km (209.21 g/mile).
  • The 2.0 TDI with 1,968 cc engine displacement also offers a high-performance thermal management system. Its two balancer shafts were relocated from the oil pan to the crankcase, which clearly improved smooth engine running. Producing 110 kW (150 hp) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft), this diesel delivers tremendous power.
  • The A3 2.0 TDI sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 216 km/h (134.22 mph). In combined mode, it only requires 4.1 liters per 100 km (57.37 US mpg) – equivalent to CO2 emissions of 106 g per km (170.59 g/mile).
  • Audi will be extending the engine line-up of the A3 model series step by step. A dynamic S model and other highly efficient and low-emissions versions are planned, including a CNG version for operation with natural gas or Audi e-gas.
  • A version with the especially efficient 1.6 TDI engine will debut in 2012; it consumes just 3.8 liters diesel/100 km (61.90 US mpg), equivalent to 99 g/CO2 (159.33 g/mile). There are no limitations whatsoever on the range of features for this highly efficient version; this A3 is a fully-fledged Audi as well.

2012 Geneva Motor Show

All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Omar Rana.

– By: Omar Rana