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2012 The new Audi A3 showcases Audi’s technical competence in all aspects of carmaking. Ultra lightweight technology has given the sporty three-door car an exceptionally low weight, its engines are powerful and yet highly efficient, and its interior offers an ambiance full of elegance and quality. In its mobile infotainment and driver assistance systems, the car offers technologies that set new benchmarks in this market segment. 2012 ZUR DEUTSCHEN VERSION

High-tech in compact format – the new Audi A3 Only a lightweight car can be truly sporty and efficient. In its base version, as a 1.4 TFSI, the new Audi A3 weighs no more than 1,175 kg (2,590 lb) – by far the best value in the competitive field. Compared to the previous model, developers reduced the car’s curb weight by up to 80 kg (176.37 lb), depending on the specific engine, once again reversing the upward weight spiral and living up to the Audi ultra lightweight construction principle. In the occupant cell of the new Audi A3, form-hardened high-tech steels reduce weight by 18 kg (39.68 lb). The engine hood and fenders are made of aluminum, and they save over 9 kg (19.84 lb). Many parts in the chassis and interior also contribute to overall weight reduction – from the aluminum pivot bearings in the front suspension to the blower motor of the climate control system. The new Audi A3 has a sporty and taut stance on the street. Each styling element is precise and highly expressive, and its athletically sculpted body with a low engine hood, prominent shoulders and sharply inclined C-pillars emphasize the horizontal. The premium compact is 4.24 meters (13.91 ft) long, 1.78 meters (5.84 ft) wide and 1.42 meters (4.66 ft) tall. Relative to the previous model, its wheelbase has grown to 2.60 meters (8.53 ft). The large, hexagonal single-frame radiator grille dominates at the front. As an option, Audi offers headlights in xenon plus technology together with LED daytime running lights; in this case, the tail lights also feature LEDs. Full-LED headlights will follow somewhat later. The interior continues the athletic and light exterior styling. A recessed curve runs the length of the instrument panel. It has a lean and low construction and appears to hover over the center console. Large, round air nozzles in jet design, the elegant user interface panel for the climate control system and sculpturally styled trim set the tone – with their exceptional precision they bring the quality of the luxury class into the A3. The seats and steering wheels are new developments, and the car’s user controls are clear and intuitive – as they are in every Audi. The cargo capacity of the luggage space is 365 liters (12.89 cu ft). Audi connect: Networking with the environment The new Audi A3 offers optional solutions in the areas of mobile infotainment and driver assistance systems that are entirely new to the segment. Customized online services, which the brand offers under Audi connect, network drivers to the Internet and rapidly supply the driver with key information – in an easy-to-comprehend format. A comprehensive array of optional infotainment components is offered to make use of the new services, in which the top unit is MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. This high-end system impresses with a super-flat, electrically extending seven-inch monitor and a new user control concept that integrates MMI touch in the pushbutton control wheel. The Audi Phone Box connects cell phones to the vehicle in a convenient way, and the sound system from Bang & Olufsen offers pure hi-fi enjoyment. For convenience and a superior driving experience, Audi offers assistance systems that come directly from the luxury class. They range from adaptive cruise control to Audi side assist and Audi active lane assist to the safety system Audi pre sense basic. The driver information system with rest recommendation is standard in the Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines. The new A3 launches with one TDI and two TFSI engines; their displacements range from 1.4 to 2.0 liters and their power from 90 kW (122 hp) to 132 kW (180 hp). All three engines follow Audi’s downsizing philosophy, and technologies from the modular efficiency platform also improve fuel economy. Compared to the previous model, fuel economy has been improved by 12 percent on average. The 2.0 TDI, for example, attains a combined fuel consumption of 4.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (57.37 US mpg), equivalent to CO2 emissions of 106 grams per km (170.59 g/mile). In upcoming months, Audi will further extend its engine lineup. In 2012, there will also be a version with the highly efficient 1.6-liter TDI, which has a combined fuel consumption of just 3.8 liters of diesel per 100 km (61.90 US mpg) (99 grams CO2 per km [159.33 g/mile]). Another highlight is the 1.4 TFSI with cylinder-on-demand technology; in part-load operation, it shuts down two of its four cylinders. Other efficient, powerful and low-emitting drive systems are in preparation, including an engine powered by the sustainably produced Audi e-gas. In power transmission, the new A3 also underscores its technological leadership role. At its launch, the 1.8 TFSI is being offered with a seven-speed S tronic; it offers a free-wheeling function in conjunction with the vehicle dynamics system Audi drive select. The 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TDI are paired with a manual six-speed transmission. The quattro all-wheel drive will follow shortly for more powerful engine versions. The sophisticated chassis of the new A3 combines sporty driving enjoyment with high levels of comfort and impressive stability; the power steering system with sensitive response and direct gearing has an efficient electromechanical drive. The ESC stabilization control system integrates the electronic limited slip differential – this makes handling even smoother and safer at the vehicle’s cornering limit in fast driving through curves. The optional system Audi drive select (standard on the Ambition line) lets the driver vary the operating of engine management, the power steering system and S tronic in different modes. The system also incorporates the optional adaptive shock absorbers, adaptive cruise control, adaptive light and the climate control system. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter, and a sport chassis can be ordered in two different versions. The new Audi A3 will go on sale early this year, and first deliveries will be made to customers this summer. The car’s base price with the new entry-level TFSI engine, which will follow towards the end of this year, will be 21,600 euros in Germany. Customers can choose from the equipment lines Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente; designers have developed attractive colors and materials for each line. In addition, many sporty and convenience options are offered, which range to adaptive light and a panoramic glass sunroof. The equipment, data, and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted. READER COMMENTS ADD YOUR COMMENTS AUDI AG, Kommunikation Produkt/Technologie AUDI AG, Product and Technology  Communications Ingolstadt, 2012 www.audi-mediaservices.com BACK TO TOP HOME | CARS AND VEHICLES | AUDI MODELS | MOTORIST LIFETYLE | MOTORSPORTS | SHOWROOM | OLDTIMER | HOME | MODELLE | AUDI MODELLE | MOBILER ALLTAG | MOTORSPORT | SHOWROOM | OLDTIMERBERICHT | © Copyright 2012, motormove online. All rights reserved.