Audi Ireland today announced price and order information for the all new Audi A3 which launches here in Ireland in early September. The new A3 goes on sale from today priced from 25,900 euros OTR for the punchy 1.2TFSI 105 version. The entry diesel offering is the highly efficient 1.6TDI 105 priced from 28,350 euros OTR.

This is the third generation of the highly successful A3 family which was launched initially in Ireland in 1996. Over its production life to date, the A3 range has represented over 20 per cent of total Audi sales, establishing itself as a steadfast pillar of the brand's success. In Ireland, over 11,000 customers have made the A3 the number 1 car in the premium A segment.

CO2 emissions of as little as 99g/km in the new A3 have been made possible with the help of 'Audi ultra' lightweight technology, which has enabled it to tip the scales an impressive 80 kg lighter than its predecessor. The aluminium front wings and bonnet help in this regard, and contribute to a class-beating kerb weight of just 1,175kg for the 1.4 TFSI model. In addition to the 1.2 TFSI 105, the new Audi A3 will launch with three other four-cylinder engines, all of which are essentially new developments. The 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre TFSI engines and the1.6-litre TDI and 2.0-litre TDI have outputs of 125BHP, 180BHP, 105BHP and 150BHP respectively. Compared with the previous model, they offer fuel economy improvements averaging 12 per cent.

The 1.8-litre TFSI is linked as standard to a seven-speed S-tronic twin-clutch transmission; the 1.4-litre TFSI and 2.0-litre TDI are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.6-litre TDI engine features emissions as low as 99g ensuring it is the most fuel efficient engine in its class.  All engines in this first phase drive the front wheels; quattro permanent all-wheel drive - and further engines, including a 1.4-litre TFSI with innovative cylinder on demand technology - will follow later in 2012.

It comes with a completely redesigned interior including Bluetooth interface, driver information system, MMI Radio with retractable monitor, leather multifunction steering wheel, 16" alloy wheels and air conditioning feature amongst standard equipment.

Andrew Doyle, managing director of Audi Ireland commented: "Since its launch in 1996, the Audi A3 has been a huge success story for Audi and we are excited to be introducing the third generation all-new Audi A3 model to the Irish market.

"With progressive technologies such as retractable Audi MMI communication system as standard in the all-new Audi A3, this model will deliver on our 'Vorsprung durch Technik' promise and maintain its leading position within the premium A Segment. Completely redesigned inside and out, the all-new Audi A3 is sleeker, sportier and even more stylish than its predecessor and has been designed with Audi benchmark quality, to meet the sophisticated demands of our customers, at a price not too dissimilar to the outgoing model. We are very confident this all-new model will be very well accepted by our existing and new Irish customers."

The all new A3 is available to order from your local Audi dealer from July and first customer deliveries can be expected in mid-September 2012.