Outpouring of Love Produces the 2016 Audi A3 TDI Sportback

If you believe what Audi says, the automaker is returning a turbo-diesel 5-door hatchback version of the new A3 to the U.S. lineup following "an outpouring of enthusiasts' support" for the model. As a result, the new 2016 Audi A3 TDI Sportback joins an expanding lineup of A3 models that will ultimately include a convertible, S3 performance sedan, and an A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid.

"The A3 TDI Sportback has an incredibly passionate and loyal fan base, and this new version has been one of our most requested models since the announcement of the new A3 family," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America, at the car's unveiling at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.

Equipped with a new 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed S-tronic transmission, the new A3 TDI Sportback will generate 150 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Few additional details were given for the new model, though Audi reminded the media that A3 models can be upgraded with a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, Audi Drive Select technology, and an Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system with 4G LTE hotspot connectivity to the Internet.