NOVEL: New Audi A3 Saloon
Audi are celebrating after the three-millionth A3 hatchback – a Sportback 2.0 TDI Quattro – left the production line in Ingolstadt.
The A3 started life 17 years ago and is now in its third generation – the latest of which includes a saloon form for the first time.
Dr Frank Dreves, Board of Management Member for Production at Audi AG, said: “Three million automobiles in the compact class is quite a performance.
“This success is backed by a strong team and an efficient production system.
“With the Audi A3, we have created a new brand segment – we have been setting standards in the compact class with innovative technology and first-class quality for 17 years now.”
In 2012, Audi produced a total of 152,993 A3 cars at their plant in Ingolstadt, Germany.
Meanwhile, the new Audi A3 Sportback, launched this year, has seen an average of 700 examples roll off the assembly line every day.
Approximately 913,000 examples of the first Audi A3 were sold, with almost two million second generation versions released.
Next year, the A3 range will also embrace the future with its first hybrid variant – the petrol-electric A3 e-tron.
This will be capable of covering up to 188mpg while emitting as little as 35g/km of CO2.
Prices for the existing A3 range start from £18,280 and rise to £29,160.
