New ultra-efficient tax-free hatch

The new, ultra-efficient version of the Audi A3 provides a road-tax-eliminating 99g/km CO2 and a combined fuel consumption of 74.3mpg.
The new Audi A3 1.6 TDI is the German carmaker’s lowest emission model to date and the only premium-class small family hatchback to break through the 100g/km Co2 mark.

Modifications include longer gearing, low rolling resistance tyres fitted to smaller 15 inch wheels and a lowered ride height to achieve a combined fuel consumption of 74.3mpg.

To keep the car’s weight to a minimum, the new version is only available in three-door form with five-speed manual transmission and equipped to standard specification.

This includes 15-inch alloy wheels, manual air conditioning, electric front windows and a single CD player

Other energy-saving features include start-stop – which cuts power to the engine when the car is stationary – and energy recuperation systems, which redirects some of the energy lost during braking to help power the car’s battery.

The new Audi A3 is now available to order, priced at £18,005.

View our Audi A3 slide show

By Rhian Angharad Jones