The new Audi A3 Sportback range is now available in Australia. Featuring two new engines and improved fuel efficiency from both petrol and diesel direct injection engines, the new Audi A3 Sportback range is priced from $37,200.

The revised engines cut fuel consumption by as much as 15 per cent in some cases.

The 2.0 TDI engine has a power output of 125 kW and deploys the very latest common-rail direct injection technology. Fuel consumption has been reduced 5 per cent to just 5.7 litres/100 km, making it the leader in its class. This engine, like others in the Audi TDI line-up, features a diesel particulate filter as standard. Peak torque of 350 Nm is available from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Carbon dioxide emissions have also been reduced to just 149 grammes per kilometre. This engine is only available in the A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI and is matched to a 6-speed S tronic transmission. The price is $47,900 (RRP).

A new four-cylinder TFSI engine has now joined the A3 Sportback range. This 1.4 litre engine delivers 92 kW of power at 5,000 rpm with a peak torque figure of 200 Nm available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. This combination is another strong example of Audi’s strategy for progressive performance, combining FSI direct injection with turbo charging and resulting in a combined fuel consumption of a mere 5.8 litres/100 km.

For the first time, Audi’s new 7-speed S tronic transmission is available in the A3 Sportback range. This new transmission features a dry dual-clutch system with wider gear ratio range. Mated to either a normally-aspirated or turbo direct fuel injection engine, this transmission offers better fuel efficiency and greater driving dynamics. It is fitted as standard to the 1.6 and 1.4 TFSI models and is available as a $2,700 option on the 1.8 TFSI which comes standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The exterior design of the new Audi A3 Sportback now features a re-designed bonnet, front and rear bumpers. In addition, a new single-frame grille with one-piece ornamental surround and polished Audi rings dominates the front end. LED side indicators are integrated into the exterior mirrors as first seen in the S3 Sportback. The standard fit alloy wheels feature two new designs with a 16” 6-spoke design on the 1.6 and 1.4 TFSI models and the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI featuring a 17” 5-arm design. The 17” alloy fitted to the 2.0 TFSI quattro model features a dark gloss finish 5-arm design. Four additional exterior colours have been introduced, bringing the total palette choice to fifteen. The new colours include two metallic greys (Condor and Meteor) and two pearl effect blues (Glass and Aruba).

New options available across the entire A3 Sportback range include Audi Park Assist and Adaptive headlights. Audi Park Assist debuted on the recently released S3 Sportback and is priced at $1,750. Park Assist works by deploying special ultrasonic sensors to detect if a parking spot is large enough. If the vehicle is travelling up to 30 km/h as it passes by, the available parking space is visualised in the instrument cluster’s display. Once reverse gear is engaged, Park Assist executes the parking manoeuvre automatically by transmitting control commands to the vehicle steering; reversing straight into the ideal parking position in a single movement. Park Assist is activated at the push of a button.

Adaptive headlights with cornering light technology can now be optioned in conjunction with Xenon Plus headlights. This option is available at $750 and complements the re-designed look of the A3 Sportback front lights. The dipped-beam modules have been moved further out whilst seven long-life LEDs are fitted across the top of the headlights when Xenon Plus is optioned. The rear tail lights have also been re-designed and now feature flat light guides for the first time. LED technology is also fitted in the two-part rear lights. Daytime running lights are a standard feature of all A3 Sportback models.

Audi magnetic ride, as first seen in the TT and R8 models, is now offered in selected models in the A3 Sportback range. Priced at $2,400, it is offered on the 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI variants. Audi magnetic ride is an electronic suspension control system and works with synthetic hydrocarbon oil circulating in the shock absorber plungers. It is made up of magnetic particles which continually adapt to the current driving situation within milliseconds.

A new multi-function leather sports steering wheel can be optioned on higher specification models in the A3 Sportback range. Available at $700, it features a flat-bottom design and also comes with paddle shifts for S tronic models. This option is available on 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI variants that are fitted as standard with a multi-function leather sports steering wheel.

The interior of the new A3 Sportback range has undergone some minor re-designs. Additional chrome elements are now incorporated on the air vents and on the 3-spoke steering wheel. Single-colour black dials and needles now feature in the instrument cluster, similar to that found in the S3 Sportback and TT models whilst a change-up display in the driver information system now shows optimum gear changes as required. New trim colours, Mineral Grey and Luxor Beige, have also been introduced.

Adding to the class-leading pedigree of the Audi A3 Sportback is an upgraded Comfort Package option. Priced at $2,250 the Comfort Package is available across the entire A3 Sportback range and includes Vienna leather trim, mobile phone preparation with Bluetooth function and a rear parking system.

To add additional sporty flair to the A3 Sportback, Audi also offers the S line sport package. Available on the 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI models, the S line sport package offers:

• S line exterior package
• 17” alloys in an exclusive 5-spoke S line design
• S line Vienna leather trim with S line embossed front seats
• S line sports steering wheel
• Matt brushed aluminium inlays
• Black roof lining

All components are exclusive to the S line sport package which is priced at $4,100. Aluminium roof rails are included as standard fitment when the S line sport package is optioned.