• Previous Image
• Next Image
• Enlarge Image

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Audi has announced pricing for its upcoming A3 TDI model, starting the pint-sized derv-burner at an MSRP of  $30,750 with destination, tax, and fees. The car will begin arriving at dealerships in the last part of November.

That not insignificant sum will buy what we’re expecting to be a tidy luxury small car, and a frugal one, at that. EPA estimated fuel economy for the A3 TDI is 30 miles per gallon in the city and a whopping 42 mpg on the highway. It’s worth noting that EPA estimates for diesels have often proved pretty low for diesels in the real world, and we wouldn’t be overly surprised if the Audi managed mid to high forties on the freeway. Time will tell.

The Volkswagen family 2.0-liter diesel will be in service for the A3, providing 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque for the five-door hatch. Audi specifies only the S tronic transmission and front-drive in its press release, but don’t be surprised if a six-speed manual and Quattro find their way to the U.S. A3 TDI in later editions.

A3 TDI

Audi sets pricing for 2010 MY A3 TDI® clean diesel
- Second U.S. clean diesel offering from Audi within a year
- EPA estimated highway 42 mpg offers unmatched efficiency in luxury car segment
- Luxurious features and amenities without compromise

HERNDON, Va., Sep 3, 2009  -  Audi today announced pricing for the 2010 A3 TDI, its second U.S. clean diesel offering launched this year. Expected to begin arriving at U.S. dealers in late November 2009, the 50-state certified A3 TDI delivers the highest highway fuel economy in the luxury car category – 42 mpg, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates.

Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (excluding $825 destination charge, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges):
A3 TDI clean diesel with S tronic front wheel drive $29,950

Audi launched its first TDI clean diesel model, the Q7 TDI, earlier this year. The Audi Q7 TDI built awareness with American luxury car consumers that modern clean diesel technology is markedly improved in emissions, quietness, ride comfort and overall performance. Both the A3 TDI and Q7 TDI clean diesel vehicles share several common attributes that include 50-state clean diesel technology, 30% better fuel economy and a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas than gasoline engines of comparable size.

In fact, the EPA calculated that if only one-third of the vehicles on American roads ran on clean diesel, the U.S. would use 1.5 million fewer barrels of oil each day. Audi was the first German car manufacturer to combine turbocharging with diesel engine technology in 1989, and has continued to evolve its technology ever since. Audi Sport has helped prepare the way for TDI clean diesel in the United States by racing the R10 TDI sports car from 2006-2008 in the American Le Mans Series and sweeping the major endurance races at the 12 Hours of Sebring (Sebring, Fla.) and the 10-hour Petit Le Mans (Atlanta, Ga.). In addition, the R10 TDI won all three 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance races in which it competed from 2006-2008. The R15 TDI continued the TDI clean diesel performance tradition by winning the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in March 2009.

The Audi A3 TDI offers the same sophistication, styling, operating efficiency and ride comfort that has distinguished Audi throughout its model range. Standard amenities include lighted vanity mirrors for drivers and front passengers within the sun visors, leather seating surfaces, cargo nets behind front seats, split folding 40/60 rear seats, rear seat arm rest with dual cup holders. Distinctive options include Audi Navigation plus with RDS traffic, Bluetooth® hands-free phone preparation, Audi music interface (integration for iPod® and related technology), BOSE® premium sound, the Titanium package with dark grey wheels and black grille, leather/alcantara seating, wood trim, rain/light sensors, auto-dimming exterior and interior rear-view mirror with integrated compass, and LED daytime running lights.

The pulling power of torque is the signature performance feature in all diesel models, and the A3 TDI clean diesel is no different. Offering 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, this model performs briskly and efficiently with unmatched performance with its EPA-estimated 30/42 city/highway fuel efficiency.

The competitive set for the A3 TDI clean diesel is unique. Only one competitor is currently playing in the field of fuel-efficient compact luxury vehicles, but does not offer the driving experience or the 5-door flexibility that includes 40/60 split rear-folding seats. The Lexus HS 250h offers similar combined fuel economy with hybrid technology, but not superlative highway mileage range. The A3 TDI offers more superlatives in value, including a standard S line exterior sport appearance for 2010, a tighter steering turning circle, a top speed of 130 mph, as well as a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion.

The Audi approach toward efficiency is not only catered toward TDI clean diesel vehicles. Audi is also the first car company in the United States to equip 100% of its gasoline engines with FSI direct injection technology beginning with model year 2010. Audi began racing with FSI direct injection technology in 2000 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and American Le Mans Series with the R8 FSI prototype racing sports car. Once this technology first became available for U.S. Audi customers in late 2004 with the introduction of the 2005 A6 3.2 FSI quattro, the list of Audi vehicles sold in the U.S. with FSI direct injection technology has continued to grow.