What's the news?
Audi's A3 line-up is set to become ever more confusing for the eco-conscious motorist as new, efficient Ultra models are announced - with the e-tron plug-in hybrid still to come.
In total, there will be 10 new models because the 150hp 1.4-litre TFSI petrol A3 will be available in all four body styles (three-door, Sportback, Saloon and Cabriolet) and with two transmissions (manual six-speed or S tronic seven-speed automatic), making eight variants. The impending 1.6-litre TDI Saloon with the gearbox options will offer the final two new Ultras, as this 110hp engine is already in the hatch and Sportback A3s.
The TFSI model is quick, with a 220km/h top speed and 0-100km/h capability of 8.1 seconds, but in three-door guise it can return 60.1mpg (4.7 litres/100km) with CO2 emissions of just 109g/km. It achieves these figures using Cylinder-on-Demand technology, which shuts off cylinders two and three under light engine load scenarios to leave you with a two-cylinder Audi.
Ireland will be getting the A3 Ultra, capable of 3.3 litres/100km with emissions of just 88g/km. Customer orders are already being built and set to arrive in the country just in time for the 142-plate registrations.
Anything else?
Audi will have 22 Ultra models throughout its product range by the time this new wave of cars has come on-stream, with the e-tron plug-in hybrid due out later this year as well.