Set to reach its first customers in July, the latest line-up is equipped with wholly new or revised engines delivering reductions in CO₂ emissions of up to 15 per cent, paring back the output of the 1.8 TFSI S tronic model, for example, from 179g/km to 153g/km. More immediately apparent benefits for three-door and five-door Sportback models also include subtle, A3 Cabriolet-inspired styling revisions inside and out and a clearer equipment structure with sophisticated new options including Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping.

The styling enhancements extend to the potent 265PS S3 quattro, which also becomes available for the first time in five-door Sportback form.

New high-tech TDI
All four petrol engines powering the revised A3 line-up, the majority of which combine sophisticated FSI direct injection with turbo charging, have been modified with a view to maximising efficiency. The TDI range also builds on its reputation for outstanding frugality and takes a major stride forward in terms of refinement through the adoption of the all-new 2.0-litre TDI unit with common rail piezo fuel injection first seen in the new A4 Saloon.

Available in 140PS and 170PS forms, with the 140PS version expected to be the most popular overall in the range, the impressively muted new unit replaces the familiar 2.0-litre pump jet injection engine, and brings significant gains in economy and a reduction in CO₂ emissions of as much as 15 per cent. As an example of its positive impact, the combined fuel economy figure for the A3 2.0 TDI 140PS climbs from 52.3mpg to 55.4mpg, while its CO₂ output falls from 143g/km to 134g/km.

As before the TDI range will also contain the most economical and efficient model in the line-up - the 105PS A3 1.9 TDI e - which in standard trim retains an impressively low CO₂ output of 119g/km despite the addition of manual air conditioning as part of the latest range improvements.

A six-speed manual transmission is common to all versions bar the five-speed 1.9 TDI, and in all front-wheel-drive models except the 1.9 TDI can be replaced at extra cost by the much praised S tronic dual clutch transmission (formerly DSG). In the quattro four-wheel-drive camp, the A3 2.0 TFSI quattro will be available in S tronic form only, while the 2.0 TDI quattro (170PS) and S3 quattro will continue to be offered only as six-speed manuals.

The foundations for the latest generation A3 models are provided by the familiar McPherson strut front and four link rear suspension that has brought control, composure and agility to the range since its 2003 launch. For the first time, though, the set up can be enhanced at extra cost in selected versions by the high-tech Audi magnetic ride system already used by the TT and R8 sports cars.

The fluid in the Audi magnetic ride system’s sophisticated dampers contains magnetic particles that can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. When a voltage is applied to the system’s electromagnets, the viscosity of the fluid is altered by the affected magnetic particles, so resistance to damper movement can be increased to iron out pitch and roll when necessary, or reduced when ride comfort takes precedence.

2009 Model year Audi A3 and A3 Sportback