AUDI has revealed the first details of the next generation A3 (pictured) due on sale in the UK this summer.

With a longer wheelbase and wider body, the new A3 promises more space and will be offered with a choice of two Euro IV compliant diesel engines (removing the 3% diesel supplement on company car tax), a low-emission 2.0 FSI direct injection petrol engine and a 3.2-litre V6. The 2.0-litre TDI develops 138bhp and 236lb-ft of torque, and it will be followed by a 1.9 TDI with 104bhp.

The most powerful petrol and diesel engines will be offered with Audi's new Dynamic Shift Gearbox (DSG) first seen on the 3.2V6 TT, which uses twin automated clutches for rapid gearchanges either by the gear lever or steering wheel paddles.

Effectively an advanced manual gearbox with no clutch pedal, Audi says DSG does not adversely affect fuel consumption.

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