An option to using smaller, turbo charged engines like the ford 1.0 Ecoboost, is to use a larger, but still efficient engine and isolate cylinders. In the case of the new A3 saloon Audi have opted for being able to cut out two of the four cylinders. Previously manufacturers have isolated only one.
The new engine, at 60.1mpg and 109g/km will suite any company car driver paying car tax in the UK, having a tax band of just 13% which is better than the 2.0 diesel at 16% tax.
It will arrive in two trims, the Sport and S Line. Both have sports suspension but you can opt for comfort if you wish.
In standard spec the A3 will include Bluetooth, ipod interface and DAB radio, climate control and driver information system. In S line spec, Audi have included part leather, sports steering wheel and xenon headlights.
Whilst not a big car, the new Audi is longer than its five door Sportback brother and sports more storage as well.
This new technology may well signal a swing of company car drivers to petrol. In day to day use, the engine warms up more quickly and service charges are lower.
