Audi introduces stop-start for auto ‘boxes

Audi has announced they are to introduce stop-start on the A3 equipped with an auto box from November.

With every car maker looking for ways to reduce emissions and improve economy, stop-start has become an increasingly useful tool in their arsenal, particularly where cars are use in city traffic. When we reviewed the Fiesta ECOnetic we reckoned a stop-start fitment would probably improve things by up to 10% on journeys in town, and Ford has now fitted stop-start to the 2010 Focus ECOnetic to try and do just that.

Audi launched stop-start on some of their cars back in May, and now they’ve announced that they are to fit stop-start to A3s equipped with the S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is big step in the right direction now auto boxes are so good and the option of an auto ‘box is high on many buyers’ priority list.

The stop-start is going to be made available on the A3 1.6 TDI and A3 1.4 TFSI. So equipped, the 1.4 TSI will achieve 53mpg with 124g/km CO2 emissions, and the 1.6TDI will manage 67mpg with emissions of 109g/km. Both models will get an intelligent on-board energy recovery system which will support the alternator thus aiding economy.

This is such a sensible option for anyone who spends the bulk of their time driving in town. And they’re just the sort of owners likely to opt for an auto ‘box.

Stop-Start and the auto ‘box will be available on the A3 1.6 TDI and the A3 1.4 TFSI as a three-door and as a Sportback. We’ve only got Euro prices at the moment, but the price of the 1.4 TFSI remains unchanged. The 1.6 TDI comes in at €25,500 for the 3-door and €26,400 for the Sportback.

Sales start in November, and we’ll update with UK prices as soon as we get them.