Audi reveals new generation A3
Audi has released details of its new generation A3. As with the new A4, the A3 has a number of minor exterior and interior upgrades. The changes can be seen on the bonnet lid and front wings, which have been given new sculpted lines, and the bumper and large single-frame radiator grille have been updated too.
On the S Line models Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights are also included. At the rear a modified bumper and rear lights tell the car apart from the current model.
The interior gets aluminium on the air vents, light switches and centre console and the three-spoke leather steering wheel on the Sport and S line has new aluminium trim, with a flat-bottomed design available as an option on the S line.
The upholstery range will include Alcantara/leather and leather trim for the sport seats. The new A3 range comprises seven different engine options - four petrol and three diesel versions.
The 1.6-litre unit delivers 102bhp, the 1.4 TFSI has 125bhp, the 1.8 TFSI 160bhp and the 2.0 TFSI 200bhp, while the TDI engines consist of 1.9 with 105bhp and 2.0 with 140bhp. Almost all engine versions are supplied as standard with six-speed manual transmission.
The 1.6 and 1.9 TDI are fitted with the five-speed manual transmission. There will also be a new flagship S3 version with 295bhp and increased torque of 258lb ft available from 2,500 all the way to 5,000 rpm. The range will also include an S3 Sportback model. The new A3 is expected to arrive in the UK this summer.
Fastest ever VW Passat now on sale in the UK
The R36 is available as both a saloon and an estate and comes with a 3.6-litre V6 engine that develops 296bhp and 258lb ft torque. With all-wheel drive and a six-speed semi-automatic DSG gearbox, the R36 saloon hits 60mph in just 5.6 seconds, with the estate only 0.2 seconds slower, making this the fastest car in the company's current line-up.
Compared to the rest of the Passat range, the R36 sits 20mm lower and has a host of minor changes to make it look very different.
At the front, for example, it has a new bumper that incorporates three deep airdams as well as a chrome grille and bi-xenon headlights. Blue brake callipers gleam through the 18-inch alloy wheels and, at the rear, it has a small spoiler and twin exhaust pipes.
Inside, there are unique sports seats, while the steering wheel incorporates the paddles for the DSG gearbox, and the transformation is completed by new dials, aluminium trim on the dashboard and alloy pedals.
New Sport Rouge model joins Tigra range
Vauxhall is replacing the current Tigra Sport with a new Sport Rouge model, featuring a new folding roof. The roof is covered in a red coloured fabric designed to appeal to those who prefer the look of a fabric soft-top, but the safety and security associated with a hard top. As with the rest of the Tigra range, the roof can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds. The Sport Rouge edition is available in four body colours - blue, silver, flame red or black - and comes with central locking, electrically adjustable door mirrors, CD player with steering wheel mounted controls, 16" alloy wheels, an aux-in MP3 player jack and sports seats. It is offered with a choice of three engines, the 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrols, and the 1.3 diesel.