Press Release
New face and extra dose of exclusivity
Design and exclusivity: the Audi A3
The Audi A3 is the compact car in the premium segment that perfectly combines sporty driving characteristics with a spacious interior. This is complemented by an impression of quality and materials otherwise only to be found in higher vehicle segments. Audi has now improved the A3 in several areas and extended its equipment.
The most obvious change can be seen at the front end of the vehicle. The three-door A3 now also sports the new single-frame grille which makes the latest Audi models so unmistakeable. The new Audi face enhances the dynamism of the three-door model even more significantly than before. The coupé-like line which combines tautness and athleticism has been retained. The gently rising baseline of the window area and the coupé-like roof line converge in the powerful tail end. This is also where the visual centre of gravity of the three-door A3 is, the powerful tail making the whole car look as if it is about to leap forward.
With the number of lines significantly reduced and the individual surfaces split up graphically, the rear-end styling is noted for its explicit clarity. One striking feature underlining the dynamic character of the car are the visible, high-quality tailpipes. The Audi A3 has one or two of these depending on engine version.
Drivers who prefer an even sportier look can take advantage of the S line exterior package from quattro GmbH which is now available for both the three-door A3 as well as the A3 Sportback. This comprises bumpers with an even sportier design, a roof spoiler, front fog lights and the S line logo in the door sill strips, on the grille and on the sides of the vehicle. Two extremely attractive wheel designs have been added to the existing range. A polished, two-colour 17-inch wheel of 16-spoke design is the first new addition.
The wheel’s matt grey inner surfaces make the polished outer surfaces stand out even more. The second new wheel is an 18-inch, 20-spoke version. The two exterior colours Phantom Black, pearl effect and Garnet Red, pearl effect are also new.
The interior
The interior design of the Audi A3 is distinguished by two features: sportiness and elegance. This impression is the result of the low seat position, the high and wide centre console and the clear subdivision of the dashboard. The three-door A3 now also features the new generation of steering wheels. The impact absorbers of the three-spoke and four-spoke steering wheels cite the single-frame design of the radiator grille. The interior surfaces and each individual detail are noted for their first-rate material quality and a superbly crafted finish. Sports seats with Fine Nappa leather upholstery in the colours black, light grey and red are new to the range.
The flush transition from the dashboard to the door window sill is also typical of the Audi brand. This line rises gently as it tapers dynamically towards the rear end. The instrument cluster is housed within an almost round cover, an element that consciously echoes the design of other sporty Audi models such as the TT and the A4 Cabriolet.
Ergonomically refined design is combined with equally outstanding aesthetic qualities throughout the car’s interior: typical examples are the round air vents, the rotary controls for the automatic air conditioning, the inside door handles and glove box release lever which are all trimmed with aluminium. Two slender bars connect the centre tunnel with the vertical plane of the console. Typically found on sports cars, these elements additionally emphasise the sportiness and dynamism of the A3.
The steering column with longitudinal and height adjustment as well as the driver’s seat with the same adjustment options ensure an optimum seating position. Generous adjustment ranges enable occupants of practically any build to find a comfortable and safe position.
Engines and transmissions
Offering a wide range of choice but dedicated throughout to sporting performance: this philosophy characterises the range of engines and transmissions offered for the Audi A3. Audi relies here on ultramodern injection technology, for both its diesel and its petrol engines. As well as the two TDI engines, Audi offers three petrol units with direct injection. These include the 2.0 TFSI. Turbocharger and intercooler have been combined with petrol direct injection for the first time on the A3, once again demonstrating the company’s proverbial “Vorsprung durch Technik”.
The range of engines at a glance:
· 3.2 V6 developing 184 kW (250 bhp), 320 Nm
· 2.0 TFSI developing 143 kW (200 bhp), 280 Nm
· 2.0 FSI developing 110 kW (150 bhp), 200 Nm
· 1.6 FSI developing 85 kW (115 bhp), 155 Nm
· 1.6 developing 75 kW (102 bhp), 148 Nm
· 2.0 TDI developing 103 kW (140 bhp), 320 Nm
· 1.9 TDI developing 77 kW (105 bhp), 250 Nm
Depending on the chosen engine, a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox is fitted; tiptronic is a further option. Incorporating six speeds, this automatic transmission is absolutely unique in the compact segment.
As an alternative to the manual gearbox, the 2.0 TDI, 3.2 quattro and 2.0 TFSI can be ordered with the new Direct Shift Gearbox DSG. This innovative transmission, inspired by motor racing technology, has a twin-clutch design with electro-hydraulic control that permits exceptionally rapid gear changes without interrupting the flow of power from the engine – ultimately resulting in maximum dynamic driving pleasure.
quattro permanent four-wheel drive remains unparalleled in the premium compact class, serving to translate the performance of the most powerful A3 models into supreme driving force on the road. Audi quattro drive therefore provides the basis for outstanding dynamic handling and active driving safety.
Audi has been demonstrating its proverbial “Vorsprung durch Technik” in this field for the last 25 years. A new addition to the A3 model range is the 2.0 TDI with quattro drive – the ideal complement to this high-torque, free-revving diesel engine.
The petrol engines
The 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine
The 2.0 TFSI has become a firmly established member of the Audi engine range. Audi is the first manufacturer to combine FSI petrol direct injection with a turbocharger. The result is an extremely free-revving and economical engine which develops 200 bhp (147 kW).
The injector of this petrol direct injection unit is served by a high-pressure pump driven by the camshaft and a pressure reservoir shared by all cylinders – the common rail system. The injector regulates fuel delivery with millisecond precision, at injection pressures of up to 110 bar. By comparison, classic manifold injection operates at a maximum of four bar.
Compared with the 2.0 FSI without turbocharger which is also available for the A3, a great many components have been adapted to suit the substantially higher operating pressures and also the higher dynamic loads of the turbo engine.
A mass balance transmission improves the acoustics. Two balancing shafts rotating at double the speed of the crankshaft compensate for the engine’s inertial forces. The power is transmitted by the crankshaft by means of a triangular-layout chain which drives the oil pump as well as the balancing shafts. Perceptible vibrations and irritating humming frequencies under load are both effectively suppressed as a result of these measures.
The intake manifold of the 2.0 TFSI is made from a high-tech plastic. It also integrates the charge movement flaps whose position is adjusted by a continuous-action pilot motor. The optimum movement of the airflow, or tumble, can thus be controlled on the basis of the engine-speed and charging conditions.
The four-valve cylinder head with low-friction roller cam follower drive has a modified inlet duct geometry that produces even higher tumble values than the FSI engine. This brings about both greater refinement and superior knock resistance, and therefore improved efficiency. The result is a compression ratio of 10.5 : 1 – a figure that is only otherwise achieved by sophisticated naturally aspirated engines.
This engine’s performance data are impressive to say the least. Its maximum torque of 280 Nm is available at just 1,800 rpm and remains constant up to
5,000 rpm. This enables an economical driving style without changing gear too often, coupled with amazing pulling power, even if the throttle is only touched lightly. For example, the A3 2.0 TFSI completes the typical intermediate sprint from 60 to 120 km/h in fourth gear in just 5.4 seconds. Fitted with the DSG transmission, the Audi A3 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, and on up to a top speed of 236 km/h.
The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine
The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with variable intake manifold and overhead camshaft delivers 102 bhp (75 kW). The cylinder head with valves operated by roller cam followers keeps internal friction extremely low. The other engine components are also optimised for minimum friction in the interest of enhanced fuel economy.
In conjunction with the 1.6-litre engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox, the new Audi A3 uses only 7.1 litres of premium-grade fuel per 100 kilometres (overall) and is decidedly nimble at the same time. Thanks to a power output of 75 kW (102 bhp) and a torque of 148 Nm, it accelerates to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 185 km/h. Its responsiveness and acoustic refinement are further arguments in favour of this ultramodern power unit: an ideal basis for the Audi A3.
