You know this much already: Audi is improving the A3 and is even playing with a rocket diesel. If you think that the gallery below does not offer enough viewed of the new A3, you will find a complete, albeit silent, video that shows the latest creation from Ingolstadt. The revamped version includes a 1.6 gasoline engine which can be ordered in an E85-compatible version and the 1.9 TDI has an "e" version with fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100 km (52 mpg U.S.). Audi also claimed that friction in the 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI engines has been reduced to improve overall fuel efficiency. Call it a "posh rabbit" or a "small luxury car," you can find the video after the break.

While Audi's exhaustive press release accompanying the launch of the newly-revised-for-2009 A3 mentioned both the availability of new diesel engines along with a seven-speed version of the dual-clutch S tronic transmission, Audi's arm in the UK has decided it's worth mentioning them again. This time, though, statistics regarding the reduction of carbon emissions are given, so decided we'd share them too. For instance, the revised '09 2.0 TDI with 140 horsepower, which was rated at 52.3mpg (US) last year, jumps to 55.4mpg, while reducing CO₂ output from 143g/km to 134g/km. Audi also points out that the new 105 horse 1.9 TDI e offers a low CO₂ output of 119g/km while gaining standard manual air conditioning. The e series from Audi, like the Bluemotion models from VW, are designed specifically with low carbon emissions in mind. Too bad the 1.9 TDI e engine comes paired with a five-speed manual only, as the mileage would likely increase with the addition of the seven-speed S tronic. See all of the available powertrain combinations in the press release after the break.

Audi has announced a minor mid-cycle refreshment for the 2009 European A3 models. The updates include light improvements, a redesigned tailgate and day-time running lights made standard, as well as new additional LED lights. We're most interested in the engine updates. Audi announced that the European A3s will include five gasoline (one flex fuel) version and three diesels. The 1.6 unit develops 102 hp, the 1.4 TFSI 125 hp, the 1.8 TFSI 160 hp and the 2.0 TFSI 200 hp, while the 3.2 quattro with its six cylinders churns out 250 hp. As for the diesel powertrains, the 1.9 TDI delivers 105 hp and the 2.0 TDI 140 hp or 170 hp, depending on specifications. The two latter diesels also have the newest piezo-electric injectors technology.

The 1.6 gasoline engine can be ordered in an E85-compatible version and the 1.9 TDI has an "e" version with fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100 km (52 mpg U.S.). Audi also claims that friction in the 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI engines has been reduced to improve fuel efficiency. Check out the full press release after the jump.

We'll relay the information in this article on Auto 123 in the ever-popular backwards-first method of news reporting. That article ends this way: "Further down the road, as oil reserves become exhausted, bigger and better solutions will be needed." While that may seem obvious, another point worth pondering is this: why wait until then?

In an effort to stave off the impending exhaustion of our oil reserves, Audi is testing and marketing a few alternatives to the gasoline engine. While still relying on some fossil fuels for power, the E85-capable A5 coupe (the red one above) uses far less crude oil than the standard 2.0 four-cylinder would. Of course, ethanol raises other environmental issues which we'll save for other posts. Audi also has A5 models powered by CNG. Then there are the obligatory hybrid models that will be made available by Audi shortly in the form of the Q7 and its 3.6-liter V6 coupled to an electric motor. Of course, Audi is rightly proud of their class and Le Mans leading diesel technology. Although dealyed, these vehicles are likely to be sold in the U.S. in addition to Europe.

Lastly, in the "one of these things is not like the other" category, Audi is showing off some alternatives to the... uh, alternatives mentioned above: monitoring driving habits. The writers at Auto 123 were not so sure that this technology would be accepted in the marketplace, and they may be right. But, we are sure that there are a certain number of drivers who would welcome a little training on how to eke the most miles from a gallon of fuel as possible. Bring it on, Audi!

[Source: Auto 123]