Audi launches all-new A3 07 | 03 | 2012
AUDI INTENDS TO reclaim domination in the premium hatchback segment with the all-new Audi A3, which will enter Scottish showrooms in September. Unveiled in three-door guise at the Geneva Motor Show, the third-generation model features a high-class premium interior packed with ‘big car’ technology (see more official photos of the all-new Audi A3).
In addition, the new car benefits from a significant weight reduction due to its new lightweight modular platform. The new A3 also gets a highly-efficient new range of petrol and diesel engines.
As was the case with the previous model, the new A3 will be available in a full range of bodystyles, including a five-door Sportback and soft-top Cabriolet.
And while there will again be high-performance S3 and RS3 models, North America and China will also get their own four-door saloon.
The new Audi A3 will be underpinned by Volkswagen Group’s new modular ‘MQB’ platform — which will support the new Golf MkVII — which will be used as a basis for anything between an A1 and A5 Sportback in size.
Weighing just 1175kg — 80kg less than the equivalent model in the current line-up — in its lightest 1.4 TFSI-powered form, the bulk of the body is made from high-strength steels. Aluminium though is used for some of the bodywork, including the bonnet and parts of the bumpers.
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In traditional Audi style, a sport chassis is offered which lowers the car by 15mm: the S Line package lowers the car by a further 10mm. Adaptive damping is fitted if the Audi Drive Select package is specced. Standard alloy wheels are 16in, with up to 18in available.
At 4237mm long, 1777mm wide and 1421mm high, the new A3 is 1mm shorter, 12mm wider and the same height as its predecessor. Despite the length remaining virtually identical, the wheelbase has grown 23mm to 2601mm, which in turn has given the car a shorter front overhang.
The new A3 sports a cleaner, technical look at the front end, which features a large single-frame six-corner grille and a LED ‘wave’ in the optional xenon headlights pictured here.
Inside the new A3, Audi's designers have created a wraparound driver-focused interior which is rich in high-quality, soft-touch materials, and features an intuitive new layout for all the major cabin controls.
There's also subtle increases in kneeroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, thanks to the longer wheelbase. The driver also sits lower than before, which aids headroom.
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In the rear, there is space for three. The rear seats can also be split and folded flat, which increases the standard 365 litres boot capacity to 1100 litres.
Top-of-the-range models also get a new MMI controller which is used to control almost all major functions. Top-spec models get a 7in pop-out screen, while lower and mid-spec models get a 5.8in screen.
The MMI terminal in top-spec models features a familiar wheel, but with a touchpad fitted on top. Audi opted for a touchpad next to the driver instead of a touchscreen, as it minimises driver distraction and audible feedback means the driver’s eyes need never be taken off the road.
The touchpad also helps reduce the amount of buttons on the centre tunnel, which is now slimmer thanks to an electronic parking brake being replacing a traditional handbrake.
The software and hardware of the new A3 can also be easily updated to prevent its technology becoming quickly obsolete. The A3 is also being readied for wireless charging of gadgets, and capable of hosting its own wireless hotspot for high-speed connectivity on the go. These features, Audi hopes, will increase the A3’s popularity among younger buyers.
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From launch, Audi will offer the three-door A3 with two petrol and one diesel engine from VW Group’s new modular family of engines.
The entry-level 1.4TFSI — which is expected to cost between £18,500 and £19,000 — produces 120bhp and hits 62mph from standstill in 9.3sec. It will accelerate on to a maximum of 126mph. Combined economy is 54.3mpg and CO2 emissions are rated at 120g/km.
The 1.8TFSI boasts 178bhp and 0-62mph performance of 7.2sec, a top speed of 144mph, combined economy of 50.4mpg, and CO2 emissions of 130g/km.
The only diesel available at launch is a 141bhp 2.0TDI covers the 0-62mph sprint in 8.6sec and reaches a top speed of 134mph. Combined economy is an impressive 68.9mpg, and CO2 emissions are just 106g/km.
A new 1.6TDI will follow later in 2012 with 74.3mpg and 99g/km CO2 emissions. Another new addition later in the year will be a base 1.2TFSI petrol unit to replace the 1.6MPI petrol engine.
The new S3 will get a 2.0TFSI petrol engine with 260bhp and quattro all-wheel drive. The A3 is also able to house hybrid, natural gas and ‘e-gas’ drivetrains, although market launched for these models has not yet been confirmed.
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Jim McGill