The 2016 Audi A3 TDI Sportback is a car that's coming to the U.S. because of "an outpouring of enthusiasts' support," according to Audi. It's their way of saying "You can all shut up now."
There was plenty of disappointment when we got the 2015 Audi A3 sedan, but not the hatch that's been available in Europe. So Audi decided the way they'd sell it would be as a diesel and the already announced plug-in e-tron hybrid and everyone would be happy. They're probably right.
The TDI is a 2.0-liter 15o-horse unit, similar to what's in the VW Golf Sportwagen TDI 4Motion "concept" as well as the production 2015 Volkswagen Jetta.
But it can't all be perfect, because Audi needs you to keep you complaining. The A3 TDI comes only with a six-speed automatic. You'll be able to get the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system, but Quattro appears to be off the menu.
Audi says the A3 TDI goes on sale summer of 2015, so you have until then to bitch and moan about the lack of an AWD manual version.
Photos: Audi