Fresh dynamics
for even greater driving
pleasure
Frische Dynamik für noch mehr
Fahrspaß
ZUR DEUTSCHEN VERSION
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The Audi A3
Audi is further
expanding the sporty profile of the A3 and the A3 Sportback. High-tech
components, such as the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and
the shock absorber control system Audi magnetic ride, further enhance driving
pleasure.
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The S3 Sportback, developing 195 kW (265 hp), rounds off the range as the
new top model. With its expressively revised design, this premium compact
vehicle appears even more elegant. Delivery is scheduled to start in the
summer. Despite improved equipment, Audi will only be adjusting the prices
marginally. The Audi A3 is a successful model - and has been for over a decade.
The first generation made its debut in 1996; it immediately opened up its
own market segment, that of premium, compact vehicles for individual, demanding
customers. In 2003, Audi launched the second generation of the three-door
A3; one year later, this was followed by the five-door Sportback. Over the
years, the model series has enjoyed outstanding success - 230,849 vehicles
were manufactured in 2007 alone, the fourth record year in a row. At the
end of 2008, the one millionth second-generation A3 came off the assembly
line. Audi is now continuing to extend its position.
The A3 and A3 Sportback bodies clearly reveal the many details of the
streamlined, sporty profile. The engine hood and the fenders are more expressive,
whilst the bumpers and the single-frame radiator grille have been finely
upgraded. An elegant trim - the "wing" - underlines the high technical perfection
of the new headlamps. Daytime running lights are standard; if optional bi-xenon
headlamps are fitted, this is implemented by means of seven LEDs. On the
flanks, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal lamps, modified door
handles and powerful wheels emphasize the main features. The wheels fitted
in the sporty Ambition equipment line have a diameter of 17 inches and are
manufactured from cast aluminum.
Modifications to the bumper and the lamps lend the rear end an even more
striking look. In the A3 Sportback, innovative light guide rods form a flat
corona, which generates an unusual optical effect in the dark. In the three-door
A3, the trunk lid has been provided with a new light edge. The design
modifications have extended the A3 by 25 millimeters (0.98 inches) to a length
of 4.24 meters (13.91 feet), whilst the A3 Sportback (4.29 meters (14.07
feet)) has grown by six millimeters (0.24 inches) - its sporty proportions
therefore remain virtually unchanged. Four new colors supplement the color
charts.
The interior welcomes passengers with an atmosphere of sporty elegance and
top quality. The air vents, the light switch and the center console have
been refined with discreet chrome strips; the switches and controls beneath
the audio system have been redesigned. The instruments display black dial
faces and red pointers. A gear change display in the driver information system
helps to achieve an efficient driving style. A driver information display
with high-resolution, white lettering is fitted in the Ambiente and Ambition
equipment lines. The spectrum of seat coverings rages up to Fine Nappa leather
for the sports seats. New, standard trim variants in pearlescent, micrometallic
and Vavona wood are available, whilst Aluminum Medial and burr walnut inlays
are available as options.
With a volume of 350 to 1080 liters (12.36 to 38.14 cubic feet), the Audi
A3 offers the largest luggage compartment in its class, with the Audi A3
Sportback offering 370 to 1100 liters (13.07 to 38.85 cubic feet). These
values are a few liters lower in the models with quattro drive due to the
special rear axle. A particularly practical feature is available in the
front-wheel-drive versions - a reversible load floor, which can be used as
a drip tray for damp objects. Roof railings and a panoramic sliding roof
are also available for the versatile A3 Sportback. |
Eight powerful and efficient engines
As before, Audi will be equipping the A3 and the A3 Sportback with eight
engines. Six of these are four-cylinder direct injection engines with
turbocharging. Their abbreviations, TFSI and TDI, symbolize the combined
strengths of Audi engine technology - they stand for performance and tractive
power, for dynamics, smooth running characteristics and efficiency. The range
of gasoline engines is broad-based. The 1.6 has an output of 75 kW (102 hp),
the 1.4 TFSI 92 kW (125 hp), the 1.8 TFSI 118 kW (160 hp), and the 2.0 TFSI
147 kW (200 hp), whilst the 3.2 generates an output of 184 kW (250 hp) from
its six cylinders. The three diesel engines are also high-powered. The 1.9
TDI has an output of 77 kW (105 hp), with the 2.0 TDI offering 103 kW (140
hp) or 125 kW (170 hp) depending on specifications. In the two reengineered
two-liter TDI engines, a new common rail injection system ensures
highly-cultivated operation. All engines combine a powerful character with
high efficiency. The 77 kW (105 hp) diesel engine is also used to power the
Audi A3 1.9 TDI e, which consumes just 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers
(52.27 mpg) thanks to its special fine-tuning. The 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI
engines have been optimized in terms of friction. The majority of the engines'
fuel consumption values have been reduced significantly, by up to 15 percent.
High-tech from Audi: The new power
transmissions
The range of power transmissions has been recently extended. Five of the
eight engines are coupled to six-speed manual transmissions as standard;
the 1.6 and the 1.9 TDI engines are fitted with a five-speed transmission,
whilst the 3.2 is equipped as standard with the S tronic dual-clutch
transmission, which is now available as an option for all engines. This high-tech
assembly shifts the gears extremely quickly and comfortably - in fully automatic
or manual mode, controlled by shift paddles on the steering wheel (standard
as of 103 kW/ 140 hp), according to the driver's wishes. In the six-cylinder
version, the 2.0 TFSI and the diesel engines, the S tronic system is equipped
with six gears, as before. The 1.6, the 1.4 TFSI and the 1.8 TFSI engines
operate with a newly developed seven-speed S tronic transmission. Their two
clutches have no separate oil supply - another innovative solution which
increases the already high efficiency still further. Six of the seven gears
are short and sporty, whereas the seventh reduces the engine's speed and
consumption thanks to its long gear ratio. Audi has also extended the quattro
range - a unique feature in the premium compact class. The four-wheel-drive
system is now available for five engines - the 1.8 TFSI, the 2.0 TFSI, the
3.2 (standard) and the two 2.0 TDI engines. The central, hydraulic multi-plate
clutch had been intensively further developed - it now responds even faster
when the engine's power has to be redistributed between the axles. This high
level of effort results in a further increase in stability, traction and
driving enjoyment.
Precision and harmony: The dynamic chassis
The standard dynamic chassis also blends safety, sportiness and comfort,
imparting direct precision and a harmonious character. The four-link rear
suspension and the extremely efficient electromechanical power steering are
complex technologies. Optional sports suspension (standard in Ambition) lowers
the body by 15 millimeters (0.59 inches). The optional windshield with acoustic
glazing (standard in Ambiente) additionally ensures greater comfort and better
acoustics. On winding roads, the Audi A3 and the Audi A3 Sportback are able
to outpace their rivals with an optional high-tech feature - the adaptive
shock absorber control system, Audi magnetic ride. The driver can switch
between "Normal" and "Sport" programs. A magneto-rheological fluid, which
circulates in the shock absorbers, changes its flow characteristics within
milliseconds when a voltage is applied; the damping system's characteristics
switch - from comfortable to sporty. The electronic control system is available
from Audi for the gasoline engines as of 118 kW (160 hp) and both of the
two-liter TDI engines.
A question of character: The equipment
lines
The Audi A3 and the A3 Sportback have also been significantly upgraded in
equipment terms. Three lines are available. Attraction - with the "chorus"
radio system, including four speakers - is a variant which is full of character.
The dynamic Ambition line is fitted with features such as sports seats, sports
suspension and 17-inch wheels, whilst the luxurious Ambiente is equipped
with a light and rain sensor, a cruise control system, an interior light
package and a new windshield with acoustic glazing as standard, besides other
features. The S line, which contains an exterior package and a sports package,
the luxurious Audi exclusive line and the refined options from the Audi exclusive
range are optionally available for pronounced individualists. In the infotainment
sector, customers can choose between cutting-edge solutions, from two navigation
systems to the Bose sound system and the iPod connection (from quattro GmbH's
Audi exclusive range). Many extras document the high technological standard
of the A3 model series, including the two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning
system and adaptive light, the dynamic cornering light system. The Park Assist
system is a brand-new high-tech system. At low vehicle speeds (up to 30 km/h
(18.64 mph)), its ultrasonic sensors measure longitudinal parking spaces
at the side of the road. If one of these is sufficiently large to reverse
the vehicle in, the driver is provided with an indication in the driver
information system. If he now engages reverse gear and accelerates, the system
takes over the electromechanical steering and automatically steers the car
into the parking space. The driver only has to operate the accelerator, the
clutch and the brake.
Pure power: The new S3 Sportback
New features are also available at the dynamic pinnacle of the model line:
The three-door Audi S3 has been joined by the Audi S3 Sportback. It is fitted
with the same engine, a 2.0 TFSI with an output of 195 kW (265 hp) and 350
Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, which is available from 2500 to 5000 rpm. The
direct injection two-liter turbo engine accelerates the five-door vehicle
to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.8 seconds, up to its governed top speed of 250
km/h (155.34 mph). The engine consumes an average of just 8.5 liters of fuel
per 100 km (27.67 mpg) - further proof of Audi's successful efficiency strategy.
A six-speed manual transmission transmits the power to a quattro powertrain
as standard. The sports suspension integrates a range of lightweight aluminum
components, and lowers the body by 25 millimeters (0.98 inches). Black brake
calipers grip impressive 17-inch disk brakes. The S3 Sportback and the S3
respond to all requirements with the lightning-fast reflexes of a trained
athlete. It reacts spontaneously to steering movements and remains stable,
precise and almost entirely neutral at the handling limits. On exiting curves,
its four driven 18-inch wheels regain traction very quickly - ensuring that
vital advantage. Like the A3, the S3 has also been optically modified. It
is distinguished from its mass-produced brothers by a range of sharp lines
- on the single-frame grille, the skirts and the roof spoiler, for example.
In the interior, sports seats with fabric and leather seat covers provide
the driver and passenger with firm hold. The Audi exclusive range offers
bucket seats (folding for the three-door S3). Inlays in piano finish black,
a black or silver roof lining and aluminum pedals accentuate the fine sports
ambience. Automatic air conditioning, an anti-theft alarm system and xenon
plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights round off the standard equipment.
Sales of the new-look Audi A3, A3 Sportback and the two S3 variants will
be getting off to a start in the next few days, with delivery scheduled to
commence in the summer. With only marginally adjusted prices, this means
a much improved A3 at an attractive starting price of 20,350. |
The specified equipment, data and prices refer
to the model range available in Germany. Changes and errors excepted.
READER COMMENTS
AUDI AG, Kommunikation
Produkt
AUDI AG, Product Communications
Ingolstadt, May 2008 |
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