Audi has launched its lowest emission car in the UK to date with a new version of the A3 capable of 74.3mpg and with CO2 emissions of 99g/km.
The car, which is modified from the standard A3 1.6 TDI, with smaller wheels, different tyres, revised gearing and improved aerodynamics, now equals the low CO2 emissions of the latest Volvo C30 DRIVe model, as well as upgraded versions of the Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion and Ford Focus Econetic.
The car has a power output of 105bhp and 184lb-ft of torque, and will accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds.
Aerodynamics are improved through a revised underbody design to clean up the air flow and a lower ride height than the standard car.
It also uses Audi's start-stop system that can automatically switch off the engine when sat in traffic to help save fuel, and restart in a fraction of a second, as well as energy recuperation which recaptures some of the energy lost as heat during braking and stores it.
Emissions of 99g/km will ensure the A3 1.6 TDI remains in the lowest band for company car tax for the next few years, even after the new grading system up to 120g/km is introduced in 2012.
The 99g/km A3 is only available as a three door model in standard specification, but has 15-inch wheels instead of 16 inches available previously.
It also has air conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows and a radio with single CD player. SE and S Line versions are available with the 1.6 TDI engine, but CO2 emissions are higher at 109g/km and fuel consumption is stated as 68.9mpg.
The 99g/km version of the Audi A3 1.6 TDI is priced at £18,005 on the road.