Lower emissions for new Audi A3 1.6TDI

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08 February 2010

%0D%0A%26lt%3Bp%26gt%3BA+new%2C+ultra-efficient+version+of+the+1.6+TDI+is+now+available+to+order%2C+boasting+CO2+emissions+of+just+99g%2Fkm+and+combined+economy+figures+of+up+to+74.3mpg.+This+exceptional+frugality+is+available+in+one+specific+A3+configuration+-+the+three-door+body+style+equipped+to+Standard+specification.+All+other+variations+of+the+1.6+TDI+continue+to+offer+the+class-leading+combination+of+68.9mpg+potential+and+109g%2Fkm+CO2+output.+The+key+elements+responsible+for+the+efficiency+gains+in+the+new+car+include+a+modified+final+drive+ratio+for+the+standard+five-speed+manual+transmission%2C+a+reduced+ride+height%2C+under-body+revisions+to+reduce+aerodynamic+drag+and+the+use+of+slightly+smaller+15-inch+alloy+wheels+with+low+rolling+resistance+tyres.+These+small+but+significant+alterations+combine+with+existing+A3+1.6+TDI+features+including+engine+start-stop+and+energy+recuperation+systems.+The+start-stop+system+conserves+fuel+by+cutting+engine+power+at+idle+when+the+clutch+pedal+is+released+and+the+gear+lever+is+in+its+neutral+position%2C+and+then+restarting+when+the+clutch+is+depressed.+Meanwhile+the+recuperation+function+recycles+wasted+kinetic+energy+generated+under+normal+braking+and+stores+this+temporarily+in+the+battery+to+reduce+engine+load+when+the+car+accelerates.+Despite+its+remarkable+combined+economy+figure+the+new+A3+1.6+TDI+can+draw+on+the+same+105PS+power+output+and+250Nm+torque+peak+as+other+versions%2C+and+consequently+can+match+them+on+performance.+Top+speed+is+121mph+while+the+0-62mph+sprint+is+achieved+in+11.4+seconds.%26lt%3B%2Fp%26gt%3B