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The all-new Audi A3 is already famed for offering the finish and feel of an executive class car, and now Audi has given the popular hatchback a booted version with the launch of the sedan.
The first ever booted A3 enters the compact sedan class and integrates more load space than the A3 Sportback.
The design of the new car is a cross between the three-box concept and the coupé philosophy. The side surfaces have more pronounced curves, and the wheel arches are also slightly more flared. At the front, the bonnet contours, bumper and air intake design and the single frame grille have been redefined for the newcomer. The rear sees lights with broad and low cuts to emphasise the car’s horizontal lines and an integrated “kicked-up” spoiler.
BIG BOOTY
The sedan is 150 mm longer than the A3 Sportback, 11mm wider and nine millimetres lower. The wheelbase equals it at 2 63mm and gives a boot space of 425 litres.
The 1.4-litre TFSI 104kW engine is one of three completely redesigned units to be available at launch, all of which bring together efficiency technologies including direct fuel injection, turbocharging, innovative thermal management and the stop-start system. The engine line-up will grow further, and will include two new entry level engines.
As well as low weight, this 104kW version of the 1.4 TFSI is also notable for its efficiency-focused cylinder on demand technology. At low engine load, the system deactivates two cylinders to minimise mechanical effort and cut fuel consumption. As a result, combined economy tops out at a TDI-rivalling 4.7litres/100km, while CO2 is pared back to 109g/km. Helped by its healthy 250Nm torque peak, the car takes 8.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100km/h, and can reach 212km/h where conditions allow.
The 1.8-litre TFSI produces 134kW and 250 Nm of torque with a 7.3-second 0-100km/h sprint time and a top speed of 231km/h. Combined fuel economy is a claimed 5.6litres/100km.
The diesel contingent is initially represented by the latest two-litre TDI producing 111kW and 320 Nm of torque. It powers the sedan from 0 to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds, takes it to a top speed of 212km/h and is capable of returning up to 4.1litres/100km.
Depending on the engine chosen, the standard transmission is either a manual six-speed or the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. S tronic shifts without any noticeable break in power, and is controlled by either the selector lever or paddles on the steering wheel.
THE FLAGSHIP COMETH
The cars will go on sale towards the end of 2013 in Europe and will reach South Africa by early 2014, the A3 Sportback will arrive locally in May 2013.
Just when it the sedan makes it way here, Europe will jump the line with the arrival of the flagship model, the S3.
The two-litre TFSI engine will push out 221kW and 380Nm of torque. Paired with the S tronic transmission and mated with the quattro all-wheel-drive system, the S3 Saloon will accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, and 5.3 seconds with the manual model.
Audi South Africa said they can’t confirm the arrival of the S3 as yet, so best we hold thumbs.
The first ever booted A3 enters the compact sedan class and integrates more load space than the A3 Sportback.
The design of the new car is a cross between the three-box concept and the coupé philosophy. The side surfaces have more pronounced curves, and the wheel arches are also slightly more flared. At the front, the bonnet contours, bumper and air intake design and the single frame grille have been redefined for the newcomer. The rear sees lights with broad and low cuts to emphasise the car’s horizontal lines and an integrated “kicked-up” spoiler.
BIG BOOTY
The sedan is 150 mm longer than the A3 Sportback, 11mm wider and nine millimetres lower. The wheelbase equals it at 2 63mm and gives a boot space of 425 litres.
The 1.4-litre TFSI 104kW engine is one of three completely redesigned units to be available at launch, all of which bring together efficiency technologies including direct fuel injection, turbocharging, innovative thermal management and the stop-start system. The engine line-up will grow further, and will include two new entry level engines.
As well as low weight, this 104kW version of the 1.4 TFSI is also notable for its efficiency-focused cylinder on demand technology. At low engine load, the system deactivates two cylinders to minimise mechanical effort and cut fuel consumption. As a result, combined economy tops out at a TDI-rivalling 4.7litres/100km, while CO2 is pared back to 109g/km. Helped by its healthy 250Nm torque peak, the car takes 8.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100km/h, and can reach 212km/h where conditions allow.
The 1.8-litre TFSI produces 134kW and 250 Nm of torque with a 7.3-second 0-100km/h sprint time and a top speed of 231km/h. Combined fuel economy is a claimed 5.6litres/100km.
The diesel contingent is initially represented by the latest two-litre TDI producing 111kW and 320 Nm of torque. It powers the sedan from 0 to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds, takes it to a top speed of 212km/h and is capable of returning up to 4.1litres/100km.
Depending on the engine chosen, the standard transmission is either a manual six-speed or the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. S tronic shifts without any noticeable break in power, and is controlled by either the selector lever or paddles on the steering wheel.
THE FLAGSHIP COMETH
The cars will go on sale towards the end of 2013 in Europe and will reach South Africa by early 2014, the A3 Sportback will arrive locally in May 2013.
Just when it the sedan makes it way here, Europe will jump the line with the arrival of the flagship model, the S3.
The two-litre TFSI engine will push out 221kW and 380Nm of torque. Paired with the S tronic transmission and mated with the quattro all-wheel-drive system, the S3 Saloon will accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds, and 5.3 seconds with the manual model.
Audi South Africa said they can’t confirm the arrival of the S3 as yet, so best we hold thumbs.
