New Audi A3 Sportback UK Resource

A3 Sportback 1.6 / 1.6 SE / 1.6 Sport

Engine configuration: Aluminium in-line four-cylinder spark ignition with single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and variable intake manifold, 2 valves-per-cylinder, 1595cc
Maximum power: 102PS @ 5600rpm
Maximum torque: 148Nm (109lb ft) @ 3800rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel-drive
Steering: Electro-mechanical servotronic with speed dependent power assistance
Turning circle: approximately 10.7 metres
Front suspension: McPherson struts with lower wishbones, aluminium subframe, tubular anti-roll bar, track stabilising steering roll radius
Rear suspension: Four-link with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement, subframe, tubular anti-roll bar
Brakes: Front ventilated discs and rear discs, dual circuit with diagonal split, hydraulic brake assist with dual-rate function, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
Wheels:
6.5J x 16 9-arm design with 205/55 R16 tyres for standard models
6.5J x 16 7-arm design with 205/55 R16 tyres for SE models
7.5J x 17 5-arm design with 225/45 R17 tyres for Sport models

Performance

Fuel consumption

CO2 output: 170-173g/km

Kerb weight: 1245kg
Fuel tank capacity: 55 litres
Luggage capacity: 370 litres seats in place/1120 litres seats folded
Length 4286mm
Width (exc. mirrors) 1765mm
Height 1423mm
Wheelbase 2578mm

Servicing: According to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) indicator, up to 19000 miles or two years, whichever comes first
Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles vehicle, 3 years paint, 12 years rust penetration

A3 Sportback 1.6 FSI/ 1.6 FSI SE / 1.6 FSI Sport

Engine configuration: Aluminium in-line four-cylinder spark ignition with double overhead camshaft (DOHC) and continuous intake camshaft adjustment, 4 valves-per-cylinder, 1598cc
Maximum power: 115PS @ 5800rpm
Maximum torque: 155Nm (114lb ft) @ 4000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel-drive
Steering: Electro-mechanical servotronic with speed dependent power assistance
Turning circle: approximately 10.7 metres
Front suspension: McPherson struts with lower wishbones, aluminium subframe, tubular anti-roll bar, track stabilising steering roll radius
Rear suspension: Four-link with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement, subframe, tubular anti-roll bar
Brakes: Front ventilated discs and rear discs, dual circuit with diagonal split, hydraulic brake assist with dual-rate function, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
Wheels:
6.5J x 16 9-arm design with 205/55 R16 tyres for standard models
6.5J x 16 7-arm design with 205/55 R16 tyres for SE models
7.5J x 17 5-arm design with 225/45 R17 tyres for Sport models

Performance

Fuel consumption

CO2 output: 156-161g/km
Kerb weight: 1265kg
Fuel tank capacity: 55 litres
Luggage capacity: 370 litres seats in place/1120 litres seats folded
Length 4286mm
Width (exc. mirrors) 1765mm
Height 1423mm
Wheelbase 2578mm

Servicing: According to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) indicator, up to 19000 miles or two years, whichever comes first
Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles vehicle, 3 years paint, 12 years rust penetration

A3 Sportback 2.0 FSI / 2.0 FSI SE / 2.0 FSI Sport

Performance (Tiptronic in brackets)

Fuel consumption

Servicing: According to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) indicator, up to 19000 miles or two years, whichever comes first
Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles vehicle, 3 years paint, 12 years rust penetration

A3 Sportback 2.0 T FSI quattro Sport / 2.0 T FSI Sport DSG

Performance (2.0 T FSI Sport DSG in brackets)

Fuel consumption

Servicing: According to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) indicator, up to 19000 miles or two years, whichever comes first
Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles vehicle, 3 years paint, 12 years rust penetration

A3 Sportback 3.2 quattro Sport

Engine configuration: Aluminium six cylinder spark ignition with fully electronic sequential injection, double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and intake/exhaust camshaft adjustment 4 valves-per-cylinder, 3,189cc
Maximum power: 250PS @ 6300rpm
Maximum torque: 320Nm (236lb ft) @ 2500-3000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, quattro permanent four-wheel-drive
6-speed DSG, quattro permanent four-wheel-drive
Steering: Electro-mechanical servotronic with speed dependent power assistance
Turning circle: approximately 10.7 metres
Front suspension: McPherson struts with lower wishbones, aluminium subframe, tubular anti-roll bar, track stabilising steering roll radius
Rear suspension: Four-link with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement, subframe, tubular anti-roll bar
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs, dual circuit with diagonal split, hydraulic brake assist with dual-rate function, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
Wheels: 7.5J x 17 5-arm design with 225/45 R17 tyres for quattro Sport models

Performance (3.2 quattro Sport DSG in brackets)

Fuel consumption

CO2 output : 259g/km (240g/km)

Kerb weight: 1535kg (1565kg)
Fuel tank capacity: 60 litres
Luggage capacity: 302 litres seats in place/1052 litres seats folded
Length 4286mm
Width (exc. mirrors) 1765mm
Height 1423mm
Wheelbase 2578mm

Servicing: According to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) indicator, up to 19000 miles or two years, whichever comes first
Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles vehicle, 3 years paint, 12 years rust penetration

A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI / 1.9 TDI SE / 1.9 TDI Sport

Engine configuration: In-line 4-cylinder diesel with VTG turbocharger, OHC, TDI direct injection, 2 valves-per-cylinder, 1896cc
Maximum power: 105PS @ 4000rpm
Maximum torque: 250Nm (184lb ft) @ 1900rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel-drive
Steering: Electro-mechanical servotronic with speed dependent power assistance
Turning circle: approximately 10.7 metres
Front suspension: McPherson struts with lower wishbones, aluminium subframe, tubular anti-roll bar, track stabilising steering roll radius
Rear suspension: Four-link with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement, subframe, tubular anti-roll bar
Brakes: Front ventilated discs and rear discs, dual circuit with diagonal split, hydraulic brake assist with dual-rate function, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
Wheels: 6.5J x 16 9-arm design with 205/55 R16 tyres for standard models
6.5J x 16 7-arm design with 205/55 R16 tyres for SE models
7.5J x 17 5-arm design with 225/45 R17 tyres for Sport models

Performance

Fuel consumption

CO2 output: 132-143g/km

Kerb weight: 1335kg
Fuel tank capacity: 55 litres
Luggage capacity: 370 litres seats in place/1120 litres seats folded
Length 4286mm
Width (exc. mirrors) 1765mm
Height 1423mm
Wheelbase 2578mm

Servicing: According to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) indicator, up to 30000 miles or two years, whichever comes first
Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles vehicle, 3 years paint, 12 years rust penetration

A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI / 2.0 TDI SE / 2.0 TDI Sport

Engine configuration: In-line 4-cylinder diesel with VTG turbocharger, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), TDI direct injection, 4 valves-per-cylinder, 1968cc
Maximum power: 140PS @ 4000rpm
Maximum torque: 320Nm (236lb ft) @ 1750 - 2500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel-drive
6-speed DSG, front-wheel-drive
Steering: Electro-mechanical servotronic with speed dependent power assistance
Turning circle: approximately 10.7 metres
Front suspension: McPherson struts with lower wishbones, aluminium subframe, tubular anti-roll bar, track stabilising steering roll radius
Rear suspension: Four-link with separate spring/shock absorber arrangement, subframe, tubular anti-roll bar
Brakes: Front ventilated discs and rear discs, dual circuit with diagonal split, hydraulic brake assist with dual-rate function, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
Wheels: 6.5J x 16 9-arm design with 205/55 R16 tyres for standard models
6.5J x 16 7-arm design with 205/55 R16 tyres for SE models
7.5J x 17 5-arm design with 225/45 R17 tyres for Sport models

Performance (2.0 TDI DSG in brackets)

Fuel consumption

CO2 output: 148-153g/km (159g)

Kerb weight: 1380kg (1410kg)
Fuel tank capacity: 55 litres
Luggage capacity: 370 litres seats in place/1120 litres seats folded
Length 4286mm
Width (exc. mirrors) 1765mm
Height 1423mm
Wheelbase 2578mm

Servicing: According to Audi Variable Servicing (AVS) indicator, up to 30000 miles or two years, whichever comes first
Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 miles vehicle, 3 years paint, 12 years rust penetration

SPECIFICATION

Specification for all standard models includes the following:

SE specification for all models includes the following, in addition to standard equipment

Sport specification for all models includes the following, in addition to standard equipment

SELECTED OPTIONAL EXTRAS

TV and Teletext function £705.00
(must be combined with satellite navigation system plus)

KEY FACTS

• Newly designed five-door body is mounted on the same wheel base as the three-door A3 but is 83mm longer overall. 68mm of the extra length is incorporated at the rear for improved rear seat space and luggage capacity. Head rests and three-point seat belts for all five seats. Luggage compartment offers 20 litres more load space than three-door version
• Dimensions: Length 4286 mm, width 1765 mm, height 1423 mm, wheelbase 2578 mm. Luggage compartment 370 litres with rear seat in place / 1120 litres with seat folded (front-wheel drive) or 302 litres / 1052 litres (quattro models)
• The wide range of EU4 compliant petrol and TDI engines is as follows:
  3.2-litre V6 developing 250PS and 320 Nm /236 lb ft
  2.0-litre T FSI developing 200PS and 280Nm/ 206lb ft
  2.0-litre FSI developing 150PS and 200 Nm/147 lb ft
  1.6-litre FSI developing 115PS and 155 Nm/114 lb ft
  1.6-litre developing 102PS and 148 Nm/109 lb ft
  2.0-litre TDI developing 140PS and 320 Nm/236 lb ft
  1.9-litre TDI developing 105PS and 250Nm/184 lb ft
  
• Five or six speed manual gearboxes are standard, depending on engine, with the option of a six speed tiptronic automatic
• 3.2-litre petrol, 2.0 T FSI and 2.0-litre TDI models are also available with the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which uses an electrohydraulic double clutch to provide exceptionally rapid gearshifts without interrupting the engine’s power flow
• quattro permanent four-wheel-drive keeps 2.0 T FSI and 3.2 versions safely in check
• Like the three-door A3, the A3 Sportback is available in standard, SE and Sport trim (except 2.0 T FSI and 3.2 quattro models which are equipped to Sport specification only). Equipment levels in each case are as per the three-door versions, with the addition of rear electric windows for all Sportback models

PETROL ENGINES

• 1.6-litre four-cylinder – Features a variable intake manifold and overhead camshaft. An aluminium block helps to reduce the weight of this unit by 13 kilos compared with a traditional cast-iron engine of the same size. Cylinder head incorporates valves operated by roller-type followers to keep internal friction to an absolute minimum Linked to either five-speed manual or six-speed tiptronic transmission
• Maximum power: 102PS @ 5600rpm
• Maximum torque: 148Nm (109lb ft) @ 3800rpm
• 0-62mph: 13.2 secs
• Maximum speed: 114mph
• Fuel consumption Urban: 24.5mpg
• Extra urban: 47.1mpg
• Combined: 35.3mpg
• CO2 output: 170-173g/km
• 1.6 FSI and 2.0 FSI four-cylinder - Among Audi's most advanced and sophisticated engines. Aluminium crank cases, DOHC
• Major difference is use of FSI direct petrol injection, incorporating a common rail injection system and a single-piston high-pressure injection pump. The cylinder head is completely new, and the four valves per-cylinder are actuated by low-friction roller cam followers. The intake camshaft can be continuously adjusted.
• Delivers impressive performance with well above average fuel economy thanks to new air-guided combustion process. Continuously adjustable flaps in each intake port together with a specially designed piston crown ensure the optimum charge movement in the combustion chamber
• Two operating modes:
  • Highly economical stratified charge operation, whereby fuel is not injected until the compression phase, and is then transported to the spark plug by the air turbulence produced in the combustion chamber. This causes an ignitable mixture to form around the spark plug, with a substantial air surplus in the rest of the combustion chamber
  • Normal homogeneous operation at full load and at high part loads
• FSI unit needs three catalytic converters - two close-coupled three-way catalysts in the manifold and a NOx storage catalyst on the underfloor controlled by a NOx sensor. When the catalyst is saturated, it is regenerated by briefly enriching the fuel/air mixture: the slightly richer exhaust gas causes the barium molecules to release the oxides of nitrogen, which are then discharged as nitrogen
• Linked to a six-speed manual gearbox and six-speed tiptronic

A3 Sportback 1.6 FSI

• Maximum power: 115PS @ 5800rpm
• Maximum torque: 155Nm (114lb ft) @ 4000rpm
• 0-62mph: 10.9 secs
• Maximum speed: 122mph
• Fuel consumption Urban: 32.1mpg
• Extra urban: 52.3mpg
• Combined: 42.8mpg
• CO2 output: 156-161g/km

A3 Sportback 2.0 FSI (tiptronic in brackets)

• Maximum power: 150PS @ 6000rpm
• Maximum torque: 200Nm (147lb ft) @ 3500rpm
• 0-62mph: 9.1 secs (9.5 secs)
• Maximum speed: 132mph (130mph)
• Fuel consumption Urban: 27.9mpg (24.8)
• Extra urban: 48.7mpg (47.9)
• Combined: 38.2mpg (35.8)
• CO2 output: 166-178g/km (tiptronic 190 g/km)
• The new 2.0 T FSI four-cylinder – An entirely newly developed engine, and the first to combine turbo charging with FSI petrol direct injection
• Based on the naturally aspirated 2.0 FSI engine, and shares its cylinder head and crankshaft drive, as well as key dimensions such as cylinder spacing of 88mm, but many components have been modified to cope with higher operating pressures
• In contrast to the naturally aspirated 2.0 FSI engine the fuel-air mixture is distributed purely homogeneously within the combustion chamber, placing the emphasis on engine response and performance
• Engine block is made from GG25 grey cast iron, a material known for its high pressure resistance and excellent acoustic properties
• Intake manifold is made from a high-tech plastic and incorporates charge movement flaps adjusted by a continuous-action pilot motor. This ensures that optimum airflow movement can be controlled taking engine speed and load conditions into account
• The four-valve cylinder head with low-friction roller cam follower drive has modified inlet duct geometry for even higher tumble values than the naturally aspirated FSI engine. This not only boosts refinement but also knock resistance for increased efficiency
• The result is a compression ratio of 10.5:1, a figure normally only achieved by naturally aspirated engines
• Broad plateau of torque (280Nm from 1,800rpm right up to 5,000rpm) permits a fuel-efficient driving style with minimal gear changes and also ensures optimum throttle response
• To cover the all-important 30mph-70mph overtaking sprint the new A3 Sportback needs just 5.4 seconds, a 20 per cent improvement over its predecessor. The original A3 1.8 T 5-door took 6.8 seconds to do the same
• Available in conjunction with front-wheel-drive and the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) or quattro permanent four-wheel-drive and six-speed manual transmission

A3 Sportback 2.0 T FSI quattro (2.0 T FSI DSG in brackets)

• Maximum power: 200PS @ 5100 - 6000rpm
• Maximum torque: 280Nm (206lb ft) @ 1800 - 5000rpm
• 0-62mph: 7.1 secs (7.0)
• Maximum speed: 145mph (146mph)
• Fuel consumption Urban: 22.6mpg (26.1)
• Extra urban: 40.3mpg (45.5)
• Combined: 31.3mpg (35.7)
• CO2 output: 214-216g/km (187g/km)
• 3.2-litre V6 – Very compact thanks to cylinder angle of 15 degrees, enabling transverse mounting. Valves driven with minimum friction via roller-type followers with hydraulic compensation. Intake and outlet camshafts are continuously adjustable to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency. Variable intake manifold and modified intake ducts maximise torque and output and minimise emissions
• Double-chamber exhaust system reduces emissions and provides suitably sporty sound
• Linked to quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard
• Linked to six-speed manual gearbox, and Audi's new DSG Direct Shift Gearbox

A3 Sportback 3.2 quattro Sport (3.2 quattro DSG in brackets)

• Maximum power: 250PS @ 6300rpm
• Maximum torque: 320Nm @ 2500-3000rpm
• 0-62mph: 6.5 secs (6.4 secs)
• Maximum speed: 155mph (electronically limited)
• Urban fuel consumption: 18.9mpg (20.3)
• Extra urban: 34.0mpg (37.1)
• Combined: 26.4mpg (28.2)
• CO2 output: 259g/km (240g/km)

TDI ENGINES

• 1.9 TDI four-cylinder – Features pump injector direct injection providing outstandingly high injection pressure of up to 2,050 bar. This ensures ultra-fine atomisation of fuel within the combustion chamber, thus providing excellent thermodynamic efficiency. On the road this translates into outstanding fuel economy and high torque. Fully controlled pre-injection aids refinement and emission management
• Meets EU4 emissions standards
• Linked to a five-speed manual gearbox

A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI

• Maximum power: 105PS @ 4000rpm
• Maximum torque: 250Nm (184lb ft) @ 1900rpm
• 0-62mph: 11.7 secs
• Maximum speed: 116mph
• Fuel consumption Urban: 40.9mpg
• Extra urban: 64.2mpg
• Combined: 53.3mpg
• CO2 output: 132-143g/km
• 2.0 TDI four-cylinder - The first TDI with a four-valve cylinder head, and the most powerful and dynamic four-cylinder diesel featured by Audi so far
• New crossflow cylinder head with four valves per cylinder, two tangential intake ducts on either side and a twisted valve star ensuring an optimum combination of fuel/air mixture tumble and cylinder charge. Two overhead camshafts and low-friction roller-type followers with hydraulic valve control help to optimise the valve management process. The pump-injector units, in turn, are operated by roller-type rocking arms running on the exhaust camshaft. The centrally positioned six-hole injection unit with flow-optimised injection jets and the central trough in the combustion chamber with new geometry interact with the recirculation of exhaust gas featuring integrated cooling in order to reduce emissions right from the start within the engine itself.
• The pump injector system has also been developed specifically for the new four-valve TDI. Compact dimensions and new noise reduction measures in the injection and combustion process are just some of the new system's advantages
• New rapid-starting diesel system allows immediate engine start-up without prolonged preheating in all climates
• Meets EU4 emissions standards
• Linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, and Audi's new DSG Direct Shift Gearbox

A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI (2.0 TDI DSG in brackets)

• Maximum power: 140PS @ 4000rpm
• Maximum torque: 320Nm (236lb ft) @ 1750 – 2500rpm
• 0-62mph: 9.5 secs (9.2 secs)
• Maximum speed: 129mph (133)
• Urban fuel consumption: 38.6mpg (38.1)
• Extra urban: 61.4mpg (57.6)
• Combined: 50.4mpg (48.7)
• CO2 output: 148-153g/km (159g/km)

DSG DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX

• Combines the advantages of a conventional six-speed manual gearbox with the qualities of modern automatic transmission, while at the same time maintaining excellent fuel efficiency
• Based on a three-shaft six-speed manual gearbox, and features a twin multi-plate clutch with sophisticated electrohydraulic control, enabling transmission to hold two gears in mesh at the same time
• While driving in one gear, and approaching the next gearshift, the appropriate gear is pre-selected in advance with the clutch open or disengaged. When actually shifting gears, the clutch of the gear currently in mesh is disengaged and the other clutch engages at the same time with a certain overlap, allowing gears to shift under load with a permanent, ongoing flow of power
• Moving the gearshift lever in the manual plane or operating the standard steering wheel-mounted paddles, the driver can actively influence the choice of gears and the gearshift point at any time
• S gearshift program also available in the automatic mode, activating upward gear changes much later than usual, shifting down at an earlier point, and reducing gearshift times to a minimum. In automatic modes D and S, a tip-in function using the paddles on the steering wheel switches over to the manual gearshift temporarily
• Electronically controlled throttle blip in the manual and S-modes adds to the outstanding driver appeal of this transmission
• DSG is available for A3 Sportback 3.2 quattro and 2.0 TDI models

NEW SIX SPEED TIPTRONIC

• New six-speed automatic transmission holds a significant advantage over five-speed equivalent thanks to greater overall spread of gear ratios – 6:1 instead of 5.5:1, boosting low gear acceleration thanks to shorter first gear, improving top gear cruising refinement and helping to reduce fuel consumption
• Notable for its compact dimensions and low weight - almost 20 kilos lighter than its five speed predecessor, improving weight distribution and power-to-weight ratio of the A3 models equipped with this tiptronic transmission, but also their weight distribution and, as a result, their dynamic performance on the road
• Masterminded by an electrohydraulic control unit with an electronic "brain". Both the gearshift strategy and the torque converter have been specifically designed to complement the advances made by the direct injection 2.0 FSI unit, maintaining its outstanding balance between economy and performance
• Allows the driver to shift back several gears at a time, for example directly from sixth to second gear. Transmission control, when shifting down in the overrun mode, even gives active throttle blips automatically in order to shorten the gearshift process
• Sporting S program holds gears for longer and shifts down earlier
• Multifunction steering wheel allows driver to shift from one driving mode to another simply by pressing the tiptronic buttons
• DSP Dynamic Shift Program recognises different driving styles and determines the optimum gearshift point for every driver and situation
• Six-speed tiptronic is available for A3 Sportback 1.6 and 2.0 FSI models

QUATTRO PERMANENT FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE

• Like its predecessor and the Audi TT quattro, the Audi A3 quattro features a hydraulic multi-plate clutch designed for Audi models with transversely mounted engines, which varies the distribution of power to the front and rear wheels
• Fitted between the driveshaft and the rear differential, the multi-plate clutch uses a package of plates running in an oil bath within the clutch housing, which can be pressed together by controlled hydraulic power, providing a variable lock between the front and rear axle.
• Electronically controlled, the system responds instantaneously to any change in traction. With its own oil supply featuring two axial-piston pumps quickly building up pressure, the clutch is able to intervene as required with a difference in rotating angles of only 450 between the front and rear axle
• Power is distributed as a function of mechanical conditions, using both hydraulic and electronic signals. A data link provided by a CAN-bus electronic data line registers and evaluates a wide range of data fed in by other sensors and control units.
• The electronic "brain" uses information such as wheel and engine speed, road speed and engine torque, and controls clutch pressure and the additional power required for the particular driving situation accordingly
• Front-mounted engine and multi-plate clutch at the rear benefits overall weight distribution, maximising handling stability
• quattro permanent four-wheel drive is currently available in conjunction with 2.0 T FSI and 3.2-litre petrol engines

CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION

• A3 Sportback shares its McPherson strut front and four-link independent rear suspension with the three-door model
• Four-link rear suspension design combines compact dimensions with low weight and, in particular, dynamic driving qualities. Functional separation of longitudinal and side forces provides a high standard of lateral rigidity for optimum dynamics and driving safety and makes the suspension relatively soft length-wise to improve the standard of roll comfort
• On each side the axle incorporates a wheel subframe with a wheel bearing, two track control arms at the bottom, one track control arm at the top and a longitudinal control arm. The three track control arms are connected to the body of the car by the axle subframe. This structure on the front-wheel drive A3 Sportback is made of extra-strong steel tubes and plates and is bolted firmly to the body, forming a complete unit helping to save weight and reinforce the rear end of the car
• The rear axle subframe on quattro models also accommodates the final drive and is made of aluminium to reduce weight even further
• Twin-sleeve gas pressure dampers are fitted directly next to the wheels, helping to maximise load space in the luggage compartment. Rear anti-roll bar is mounted on extra-firm rubber/metal bearings fitted to the axle subframe, efficiently reducing body movement and transmission of lateral forces
• Front suspension is by McPherson struts with wishbones below. The subframe is bolted directly on to the chassis of the car, and the crossbars and track control arm mounts are made of aluminium
• Anti-roll bar is mounted directly on the spring strut, helping to improve its response and allowing the engineers to make the whole unit more compact
• Front track control arm mount is extra-stiff to provide stable side support. Rear track control arm mount has a non-linear response curve ensuring good ride comfort under minor loads and controlled self-steering behaviour as forces increase

STEERING

• Like its three-door counterpart, the new A3 Sportback features Electromechanical Audi Servotronic steering with speed-related power assistance, combining optimum feel and excellent suppression of road surface imperfections with high efficiency and low energy consumption
• In contrast to conventional power steering, the new system does without a servo pump, hoses, coolers and equalisation reservoirs in the interest of simpler production and easier maintenance. It also consumes energy only when the driver actually turns the steering wheel, helping to conserve fuel
• Sensors in the steering monitor steering forces, the speed at which the driver is turning the steering wheel and the speed at which the car is travelling. They apply this data to calculate the power assistance required, which is then built up by an electric motor and transmitted via a worm gearing to the pinion in the steering system.
• In practice this means maximum ease of steering when parking the car, and a more sensitive response and active steering feel at higher speeds. Another innovation is the active return travel of the steering with intuitive zero point, which ensures that inclined road surfaces and sides wind no longer impair the vehicle's directional stability

BRAKES AND SAFETY SYSTEMS

• Four disc brakes varying in size depending on the engine ensure safe and reliable deceleration. The top-of-the-range 3.2 quattro features a 17-inch brake system, setting a new standard in this segment. On the front-wheel brakes this means disc diameter of no less than 345 millimetres or 13.6"
• Like the Audi S4, the new A3 Sportback features a dual rate brake servo allowing very sensitive application of brake forces under normal conditions with a reinforcement ratio of 1:5, and a higher support factor of 1:8.5 when the brake servo detects a pre-defined braking pressure
• The latest generation Electronic Stabilisation Program comprises the following functions: the ABS anti-lock brake system, EBD Electronic Brake-force Distribution, ASR Anti-Slip Regulation, engine-drag-torque control MSR, the EDL Electronic Differential Lock, the hydraulic brake assist and the extended stabilisation braking system ESBS
• Enhanced control algorithm in the electronic control unit now enables ESP to recognise and intervene in potentially critical situations even more rapidly. With its self-learning capacity, ESP consistently monitors the car even under stable driving conditions, adjusting the intervention point to the current driving situation on the road.
• All A3 Sportback models are fitted as standard with a space-saver spare wheel with a tyre mobility system available as an option

BODY

• Specific use of strong and extra-strong body panels, tailored blanks of varying widths and the most advanced and sophisticated joining technologies ensure outstanding stiffness and crash resistance properties
• Number of components has been significantly reduced compared with previous A3, particularly in the floor assembly. The entire front area of the car now consists of just one single unit, helping to reduce weight and boost rigidity, which is 20 per cent higher in the new car both in flexural and torsional terms. Static torsional rigidity is up by an even more impressive 33 per cent
• Cross-sections are designed to cope with varying loads, profiles remain consistent and unchanged throughout the body, and structure points connecting the various components have been optimised. Tailored blanks are used to guarantee efficient use of materials
• Integrated assembly components such as the hybrid front end, aluminium subframes and an aluminium cockpit support integrated in the overall body structure enhance body stiffness even further
• Multi-chamber aluminium crossbar bumper system renders the new A3 exceptionally impact-resistant in a head-on collision. Interacting with the longitudinal arms or "chassis legs", the bumpers absorb energy with maximum efficiency to relieve the load on the passenger cell and, in particular, the footwells
• Hybrid carrier system consisting of an aluminium collision safety support with a bolted-on steel apron ensures additional safety. In a side-on collision the carrier system rests consistently on the side-sills, transmitting forces to the lower structure of the car with maximum efficiency
• Seat-integrated hip-thorax side airbags further enhance safety, and the sideguard head airbag system is fitted as standard, covering almost the entire window area from the A- to the C-pillar to significantly reduce impact forces
• The Audi A3 Sportback already meets the requirements of future safety standards. It safely resists an impact against a deformable barrier at up to 50mph and with at least 70 per cent overlap, the passenger cell and the fuel tank both remaining outside of the actual deformation area in such a collision. The entire rear structure of the car deforms specifically helped by extra-large support arms

HISTORY

• The original Audi A3 made its debut in three-door form in 1996, the five-door joining the range in 1999
• It was powered by spark ignition petrol and TDI engines ranging from 90PS to 180PS, with a 210PS, and later 225PS, unit reserved for the S3 quattro
• The original A3 found almost 875,000 homes Worldwide