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Posted on 12-03-2010

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The Audi A3 2.0 TDI has signaled its arrival on the green horizons as the “Reigning Hybrid Champion” of the year 2010 – fittingly grabbing the honor as, Green Car Journal’s - Green Car of the Year 2010. It sports a dashing aerodynamic look with state of the art hatchback design – outsmarting the station wagon models. Aptly, it is termed as the Sportback with the characteristics of a hatch back combined with compact aerodynamic hood and spoilers.

Running on clean Diesel or Bio-fuel, AUDI A3 TDI boasts an envious mileage of 42mpg (average - miles per gallon) within city limits and crosses the 50mph barrier on cross country drives. As if to set some records of sort, it hardly emits 119g/km of carbon-dioxide exhaust and still manages to romp up 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds flat with a top speed of 129mph - a perfect combo for a fuel-efficient, eco-friendly, small-size luxury/sport car.

To top up the technological goodies, AUDI A3 TDI comes with a six-gear dual transmission gearbox and engine. It can intelligently shift the gears in semi-automatic transmission mode while revving up the throttle across roads in hilly regions and mountain ranges. In addition, it gives clean smooth cuts across the corners with power steering – manual transmission combo in city limits. The result would be frictionless front wheel drive and deft handling.

The user is presented with a computer controlled navigation screen with a central console conveniently accessible over the steering wheel. The navigation screen displays the route and the recommended mode of transmission designated as “Drive”(Manual transmission) and “Sport”(semi-automatic transmission) depending on the terrain and the traction on the wheels. This performance hungry hybrid demon boasts two versions of v6 engine – 140hp (US) and 170hp (Europe) with a torque speed of 1,750-2,500rpm.

The switch from “drive” to “Sport” mode enables the gearbox to sustain the momentum on a lower gear without losing torque/power and thereby yielding unsurpassed fuel efficiency. These switchbacks have to be made with a deft touch going light on the accelerator and the brake pedals to ensure maximum efficiency. With an expert driver behind the wheel who has mastered these skills, the mileage is expected to go well over 60mpg (60 miles per gallon). One complete fill-up of the tank would last 600 miles before the next refill. Although, AUDI A3 TDI steals the limelight with unflappable fuel-efficiency, performance and handling; it is slightly heavier on the wallet with a selling price projected around $30,000. Considering that the pros far outweigh the cons, it is a worthy candidate for Sport car fanatics and nature enthusiasts alike.