Automatic start-stop systems have become increasingly common in Europe in the last few years, but until now they have pretty much only been available on cars with manual transmissions. Audi is looking to change that with the introduction of a new system on the A3 that is paired with the 7-speed S-tronic dual clutch transmission.

The setup is available on two different A3 models, the 105 hp 1.6 TDI diesel and the 125 hp 1.4 TFSI gas engine. In both cases, the cars are also equipped with brake energy regeneration which captures some energy during coast down to charge the battery. This has the effect of reducing the alternator load on the engine during acceleration.

While this is Audi’s first such application, it isn’t so different from the GM mild hybrid system which was offered for several years on the Saturn Vue and Aura and the Chevy Malibu. The 1.6 TDI gets an EU combined rating of 56 mpg (U.S.) with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km while the 1.4 TFSI is rated at 44.4 mpg (U.S.) and 124 g/km.

By Whipnotic