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Audi is set to launch a high-performance diesel version of the new lower medium A3.
Speaking exclusively to BusinessCar, Rob Morris, UK product manager for the Audi A3, said: "We'll soon be announcing a higher-up diesel engine - a 2.0-litre TDI with S-tronic [Audi's automatic gearbox].
"This will be the first time we've offered quattro [four-wheel drive] with S-tronic on a diesel A3. It will be close to 180hp and will have the lowest CO2 and fuel economy for the level of power."
He also confirmed that the firm will reveal the next generation S3 hot hatch at the Paris motor show later this month.
Performance figures have yet to be revealed but the petrol-powered model will be the fastest and most powerful variant of the new A3 to date, and according to Morris "will have quattro and will be significantly lighter than the current S3 with better handling".
The lower weight across the A3 range and performance improvements across the standard model range also suggests that this generation of the S3 will be significantly faster than its forebear.
At the other end of the spectrum is the 95g/km A3, which BusinessCar confirmed was in the pipeline in our 23 May issue.
Morris reiterated that this was still due in around two years' time and that it "will be hybrid-based car".
The firm has already launched the three-door A3 but, predictably, it expects the five-door Sportback version to be more successful in the business car market, as Morris explained: "We've started marketing with the three-door but the absolute consensus is that it's the Sportback that everyone's waiting for, so we'll focus marketing in that channel."
With that in mind, Audi is hosting two events specifically for corporate customers next month. "We're doing fleet ride-and-drive events," said Morris.
"There will be one in the north and one in the south - one's at Millbrook and the other's at Oulton Park. They're taking place in October.
"The events give end-users, contract hire and leasing companies the opportunity to come with their customers. We'll also have a [static] Sportback preview car.
"We're inviting fleet customers out already. It's a new concept for us."
The events are being run on an invite-only basis, but Morris said that businesses interested in attending the events should contact their local Audi fleet sales representative.
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