Audi A3 - MPG, CO2 and running costs

Audi has progressively developed the A3 range to now include petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines, delivering competitive running costs and low emissions.

The 30 TFSI petrol unit, with a six-speed manual ‘box, returns an impressive maximum of 51.4mpg and emits 124g/km of CO2, while the 35 TFSI manages a creditable 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 133g/km. The 35 TFSI seven-speed S tronic auto is actually more efficient than the manual version, delivering 49.6mpg and 129g/km of CO2.

Company car drivers will be attracted by the A3 TFSI e models, which offer lower CO2 emissions and a reduced benefit-in-kind tax rating compared with a petrol or diesel alternative. The version to go for is a 40 TFSI e Sport or an S line with the smaller 17-inch wheel option, because then it’ll sit in a lower BiK band due to having a claimed electric range of up to 40 miles. A regular 40 TFSI e on standard 18-inch wheels has a 38-mile range, while the 45 TFSI e gets a figure of 37 miles. Higher mileage drivers should consider the 35 TDI diesel, which offers a claimed 61.4mpg and 120g/km of CO2.

Buyers looking towards the performance S3 and RS 3 models, probably won't be overly concerned with overall efficiency, although the S3 still manages a decent 34.9mpg on the combined cycle. The more powerful RS 3 predictably fares a little worse, returning an average of 31.4mpg.

Both the 40 and 45 TFSI e have a 13kWh (10.4kWh useable) battery pack, similar to what you’ll find in the Peugeot 308 Hybrid. Unlike the Peugeot, the A3 takes a lengthy four hours to fully recharge because it only accepts up to 3.6kW charging, whereas the 308 takes a mere two because it can take full advantage of the 7kW charging provided by most home wallbox chargers.

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Insurance groups

The petrol-engined A3 versions sit in insurance groups 15-22, with diesel cars in groups 21-23, depending upon the trim level. By comparison, an entry-level Mercedes A 180 petrol in Sport Executive trim starts in group 19, while an A 200 diesel in the same trim begins from group 23. The standalone S3 and RS 3 models are in groups 32 and 35, respectively.

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Depreciation

Our expert data suggests that the A3 will retain between 40 to 49 per cent of its original value over three years and 36,000 miles, which is on par with the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes A-Class over the same period.

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