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Motrolix

Audi Confirms A3 TDI Hatch For U.S. Market

“Audi have spoken and Audi is responding with the all-new Audi A3 TDI Sportback”, reads an Audi news release published during the 2014 New York International Auto Show. The new diesel-powered compact five-door hatchback is set to arrive in the U.S. in the summer of 2015, expanding the growing Audi A3 and TDI model lineups.

“The A3 TDI Sportback has an incredibly passionate and loyal fan base, this new version has been one of our most requested models since the announcement of the new A3 family,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “This new A3 TDI Sportback combines excellent fuel economy with advanced technology and utility and will make a stunning addition to the already impressive A3 family.”

Under the hood of the A3 TDI Sportback will be VW group’s responsive and efficient 2.0-liter turbo-diesel EA288 engine. The oil burner will be mated to the standard 6-speed S-tronic (dual-clutch) transmission known for providing shifting flexibility and immense driving pleasure with nearly no interruption to the power flow.

The A3 TDI Sportback marks the second hatchback of the A3 to be offered in the United States, with the first being the A3 e-tron PHEV. The TDI is better suited for customers performing longer daily drives with a superb range while the e-tron is best for eco-conscious drivers with a “typical American commute” — which usually falls in the vicinity of a 40-mile one-way trip.

The Motrolix Take

We’re highly pleased to see Audi listen to its fans, and act on obvious U.S. demand for the A3 Sportback. That said, we’d still like to see the compact hatch offered with more traditional (read: more popular) engine choices, such as the turbocharged 1.8- and 2.0-liter gasoline engines, as offering those mills will broaden the Sportback’s market appeal, thereby furthering growing the excitement and momentum in the all-new A3 range.

News editor focusing on business, financial, and sales coverage who loves anything on wheels, especially if it's fast.

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