A much peppier diesel-fuel engine has been added to the Audi A3 lineup in the UK. The new 2.0-liter TDI delivers 181hp (184PS) and peak torque of 380Nm (280 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 3,250rpm, and supplements the 148hp (150PS) version which has been available since launch.
Compliant with 2014 EU6 emissions standards, the new diesel unit will initially be offered in the A3 three-door and five-door Sportback models beginning in September, with on-the-road prices ranging from £24,375 to £30,055, and shortly after, in the four-door A3 Saloon as well.
It will be offered on front-wheel drive models with a six-speed manual gearbox, and on all-wheel drive quattro variants with a six-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. Audi says the 181hp A3 2.0 TDI with a stick shift can complete the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 7.3 seconds and continue to a 145mph (233km/h) top speed, while returning up to 68.9mpg UK in the combined cycle test, and emitting 108g/km of CO2.
Along with the new powerplant option, Audi is adding available LED headlamps to the A3 range. In SE and Sport models, buyers can specify them as part of a new LED lights package costing £2,000, which also includes LED rear lights, light and rain sensors and LED ambient interior lighting. In S line and S3 models, they are offered as a stand-alone option priced at £795.
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