The new Audi A3 has been unveiled, and Audi has confirmed that it will feature an all-new 2.0-litre TFSi engine, producing 296bhp – to battle against the BMW M135i and Mercedes-Benz’s recently announced A45 AMG hot hatch.
Audi claims a 0-62mph time of 5.1secs for the DSG-equipped car, 5.4sec for the manual, and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
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The all-new engine shares nothing with the outgoing TFSI, apart from the engine capacity. Audi has stuck with a cast-iron block, but has introduced a special lightweight aluminium-silicone cylinder head.
It features a raft of new technology, including an evolution of Audi’s FSI direct injection system, Audi’s valvelift system and thermal management system, which means it can deliver its 296bhp and 280lb ft of torque but just 159g/km of CO2.
As with all high-performance Audis, the S3 is fitted with the company’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi has also managed to shave 60kg off the weight of the outgoing S3, at 1395kg.
Although it is going on sale later this year, UK pricing has not yet been confirmed. A base price of €38,900 (£31,046 at current exchange rates) has been announced for the German market. A five-door Sportback model has also been confirmed, to follow later in 2013.
