LIKE all forward-thinking modern car-makers, Audi is investing a lot of R&D money into improving fuel economy across its model range.

The latest idea is to incorporate cylinder de-activation technology to its already frugal A3 Sportback for a $2300 premium over the standard 1.4 TFSI variant.

Audi is also taking the opportunity to introduce its Quattro all-wheel drive system to the range on the top-spec 1.8 TFSI, and this also comes with a $3000 premium over the regular version

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has ignited sales in the premium small car segment and solid offerings such as the Volvo V40 and BMW 1 Series means the A3 has some tough competition in the Australian marketplace.

Is a slight reduction in fuel consumption enough to put Audi on top?

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