Audi A3 Sportback Unveiled

Press Release

Dynamic suspension

A highly sophisticated suspension design is equally as important for the excellent driving dynamics of the Audi A3 Sportback: the McPherson front suspension, which has been further refined compared with the first A3 generation, and the innovative four-link independent rear suspension. The suspension is designed for sporty and agile handling offering a high standard of stability, and producing an excellent cornering performance and a high level of comfort in conjunction with both front-wheel and quattro drive. Wheels of between 16 and 18 inches in size (the 17-inch wheels are standard on Ambition models) improve performance on the road and also add a sporty visual touch. The power of the engines is reflected by the equally powerful brake system with a large brake disc diameter. Like the three-door Audi A3, the Sportback is also fitted with electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance, a system praised unanimously by the trade press. This combines optimum feedback from steering movements with a low level of sensitivity to vibration from the road, and also consumes far less energy than a conventional system.

Equipment

As a typical Audi, the A3 Sportback sets a benchmark with its premium standard of equipment. This starts with the choice of equipment line: Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente offer a wide diversity that allows plenty of scope for individual creativity. Apart from the different wheels and functional differences, these lines also differ in terms of upholstery materials, steering wheels and inlays. Just one example: whilst the inlays in Attraction models come in grained, matt-painted plastic, those in the sporty Ambition versions have a black or blue piano finish. Ambiente models have Vavona wood Bernstein inlays. Walnut or aluminium inlays are available as options for all versions. Standard items on Attraction models include electric front windows and central locking with radio-operated remote control. The driver's seat has height adjustment as another standard feature. It goes without saying that safety features such as the electronic stabilisation program (ESP), the new front seats with active head restraints, front and side airbags for driver and front passenger and the sideguard head airbag system are all a part of the A3 Sportback. All A3 Sportback models are available in 15 different exterior colours ranging from Arctic White to Brilliant Black, from Toucan Yellow to Deep Green and Liquid Blue, with three colours coming as standard. Over and above the various features offered by the three model lines, A3 Sportback drivers have the choice of many other options. Indeed, the sheer quality and diversity of these options reflect the declared objective of the A3 Sportback to also offer the high standard of larger and more luxurious cars in the compact segment. The following list is therefore only a selection of the options available: The sports suspension standard on Ambition models lowers the entire body by 15 millimetres and makes the suspension and damping particularly dynamic and firm. Various cast aluminium wheels measuring between 6.5x16 and 7.5x18 inches add a sporty touch to the outside of the car – and not only as far as its looks are concerned. And even in winter, A3 Sportback driver do not have to forego attractive design, with the choice of two cast aluminium wheels and one steel wheel measuring from 6x16 to 7.5x17 inches. The optional roof rails – which are located above the door openings on the side panel frame – effectively accentuate the coupé-like silhouette of the A3 Sportback. Xenon headlights, an immediately visible feature offering improved visibility, can now also be ordered in the compact class: both headlight range and intensity are increased considerably as a result. This equipment features also comprises a headlight cleaning system as well as automatic headlight range control. A combined light and rain sensor automatically activates the low-beam headlights and, if necessary, the windscreen wipers in bad light and poor road conditions. The two-part open sky glass sunroof system lets more light and air into the car. It allows the occupants of the A3 Sportback a generous view of the sky above and optimises light and visibility in the interior. Separate blinds prevent the inside from heating up excessively and protect against the glare of the sun. The front glass segment can also be raised and slid back. The open sky system is also possible on cars fitted with roof rails (open sky will be available from early 2005). Optional aluminium trims for the doors and centre console add an explicitly sporty touch inside the A3 Sportback. Side blinds are available to protect rear-seat passengers against the sun. Two side airbags can also be ordered for the rear compartment. The front seats can be electrically adjusted in all directions as an option. Apart from a power socket in the boot, the optional luggage compartment package comprises a net for fixing small items in a recess in the side luggage compartment lining as well as a multi-purpose net for attaching loads to the rear panel behind the seats or the floor of the boot. The navigation system plus with DVD drive and acoustic route guidance offers the driver additional convenience and even greater driving safety. The ergonomically optimised architecture of keypad and display follows the same logic as the successful Multi Media Interface configuration in the Audi A8. Automatic air conditioning with sun sensor offers the driver and front passenger individual temperature adjustment and comes in addition with an air quality sensor which switches automatically to air recirculation as soon as the quality of the outside air drops below a certain level.