Expanded A3 Sportback range

Audi has upgraded the A3 Sportback range with a series of changes, some minor, others less so. Among the more notable changes are the introduction of a 1.4-litre TFSI engine, reduced fuel use and emissions from the 2.0-litre TDI engine and the adoption of a new seven-speed S tronic transmission for certain variants.

The 1.4-litre TFSI engine, as the name suggests, is a direct-injection petrol four-cylinder engine, turbocharged. Peak power of 92kW occurs at 5000rpm and the engine develops 200Nm of torque between the engine speeds of 1500 and 4000rpm. With its small displacement and efficient induction, the engine consumes 5.8L/100km of fuel.

A running change for the 125kW common-rail 2.0-litre TDI engine results in a fuel economy improvement of five per cent, according to Audi. Fuel use measured on the basis of the ADR81/01 combined-cycle standard is as low as 5.7L/100km. Allied with the fuel efficiency gain, the engine now produces 149g/km of CO2 emissions. Mated to a six-speed S tronic transmission (Audi's equivalent of Volkswagen's DSG box), the engine produces 350Nm of torque between 1750 and 2500rpm.

While the A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI continues with the six-speed S tronic transmission, the new seven-speed version with its dry dual-clutch system is now fitted as standard to the 1.6 and new 1.4 TFSI variants, or as a $2700 option for the 1.8 TFSI model, which comes with a six-speed manual transmission otherwise.

All 2009 variants can be identified by a facelift comprising changes to the bonnet, bumpers and grille. Side indicators are now incorporated in the exterior mirrors and the standard alloy wheels are replaced by two new designs -- one 16-inch wheel in a six-spoke design for the 1.6 and 1.4 TFSI models, plus a new 17-inch wheel in a five-spoke design for the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI variants. The 17-inch wheel specified for the 2.0 TFSI quattro model is presented in a dark gloss finish. Audi has added four new exterior colours, consisting of Condor and Meteor (metallic greys), and Glass and Aruba (pearlescent blues).

New options for the A3 Sportback include: Park Assist ($1750), 'Xenon Plus' with adaptive cornering technology ($750), Audi Magnetic Ride ($2400 for 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI) and leather-bound multi-function steering wheel ($700 for 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI).

Audi has also enhanced the $2250 Comfort Package (Vienna leather trim, Bluetooth connectivity and reverse-parking guidance system) for the new model year.

Two new trim colours (Mineral Grey and Luxor Beige) can be specified for the re-styled interior, which now features added chrome elements (air vents/steering wheel), a change-up prompt in the information system display and revised instrument graphics.

Prices for the range follow:

1.6 Attraction (seven-speed S tronic) $37,200
1.9 TDI e (five-speed manual) $38,900
1.4 TFSI Attraction (seven-speed S tronic) $39,950
1.8 TFSI Ambition (6-speed manual) $42,500
1.8 TFSI Ambition (seven-speed S tronic) $45,200
2.0 TDI Ambition (six-speed S tronic) $47,900
2.0 TFSI quattro Ambition (six-speed S tronic) $53,200