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All New Audi A3 UK Debut
Audi reinvents the premium compact hatchback which created a
totally new sector
- All-new Audi A3 hatchback on sale in the UK on June 12th, 2003
- 2.0 FSI petrol (150PS) and 2.0-litre TDI (140PS) in the initial launch
phase, 3.2 V6 petrol (250PS) to follow in November 2003
- OTR prices range from £15,190 to £23,665
- Front-wheel-drive and quattro permanent four-wheel-drive
- Revolutionary Dynamic Shift Gearbox (DSG) for 3.2 and 2.0 TDI
versions, new six-speed Tiptronic also available
- Wheel-base 65mm longer, body 30mm wider, giving improved cabin
space
- McPherson strut front and new four-link rear suspension for
maximum agility and ride refinement
- New electro-mechanical steering system
Acknowledged as the first car to bring premium brand qualities to the compact
hatchback sector, the Audi A3 is reinvented this year as an even more spacious,
refined, responsive and meticulously built act to follow for the class it created back
in 1996. The all-new Audi A3 went on sale in the UK on June 12th 2003.
A completely new body shell which is 30mm wider than its predecessor, and every
inch as timelessly styled, gives the latest Audi A3 considerably more interior space,
helped by a wheel-base which has been extended by 65 millimetres. The newcomer
has also grown up mechanically, thanks to a wide variety of new or improved
EU4 compliant petrol and TDI engines, revolutionary new transmission options,
revised front and all-new independent rear suspension and new electro-mechanical
power steering.
At launch in the UK, the range of advanced new petrol engines will include a highly
cost effective 2.0-litre FSI direct fuel injection unit, which provides the A3 with
performance and refinement befitting its 150PS output, combined with fuel economy
and CO2 emissions more akin to a diesel engine. A potent new 3.2-litre V6
delivering 250PS and 320Nm of torque will follow in November of this year.
Also available from launch will be a new 2.0-litre TDI engine delivering 140PS.
With the same 320Nm torque output as the 3.2-litre petrol V6, it will highlight the
combination of responsiveness and refinement for which Audi TDI engines are
already famous. A 1.9-litre TDI with 105PS and 250Nm of torque will not be far
behind.
These engines will be allied as standard to either five or six-speed manual gearboxes,
with the new six-speed version of the renowned Audi tiptronic automatic
transmission available as an optional extra.
Revolutionary new Dynamic Shift Gearbox (DSG)
The most powerful petrol and TDI versions of the new Audi A3 will also be
available with Audi's ground breaking new Dynamic Shift Gearbox (DSG). Inspired
by motor racing technology, this remarkable new transmission system offers all the
advantages of a sporting close ratio manual gearbox and a slick shifting automatic,
with none of the pitfalls of either. Featuring twin automated clutches, it permits
exceptionally rapid, 0.02 second manual gear changes via the gear lever or steering
wheel paddles, with no interruption to the flow of engine power, yet it can also
behave like a more traditional automatic shift for more relaxed urban driving.
Unlike traditional automatics, though, the DSG does not sap power or impact on fuel
consumption, because it avoids the use of a torque converter. It will also help to
ensure that the A3 3.2 quattro has one of the lowest CO2 outputs in its segment,
benefiting company car users.
New suspension for even greater precision and refinement
Sophisticated new independent four-link rear suspension combined with
comprehensively revised front McPherson struts balances the A3 perfectly through
corners, and irons out rough tarmac with impressive refinement.
In line with the majority of models in the Audi range, the A3 is available with the
added reassurance of quattro permanent four-wheel-drive for optimum all-weather
control and composure. Audi not only remains unique in the premium compact
hatchback segment in offering this option, but also builds the widest range of four-wheel-
drive models in the compact hatchback sector as a whole.
New electromechanical power steering
Varying its level of assistance to suit the prevailing road speed, the
electromechanical power steering system fitted to the new Audi A3 combines
optimum response to steering inputs with impressive resistance to vibration and
kickback from the road surface. It also consumes considerably less energy than a
conventional power steering system.
Audi UK delivered just under 11,000 examples of the previous A3 in its last full
year, and predictions suggest that there is potential to double this figure in the first
full year of production of the new car.
