Audi presents the new Audi A3 Sportback. The compact five-door model with the spacious luggage compartment breaks new ground in terms of vehicle weight thanks to ultra lightweight construction technology. The engines are powerful and efficient. The infotainment and driver assistance systems available in the new A3 Sportback set new standards in the premium compact segment.
Audi offers the A3 Sportback in a choice of 13 colors – three solid finishes, eight metallic finishes and two pearl-effect finishes. The optional high-gloss package adds accents around the windows (standard with the Ambiente trim line). Particularly sporty customers can choose the S line sport package or S line exterior package.
Ultra lightweight body
The Audi ultra lightweight design principle has long been a sturdy pillar for the brand. It reduces the weight of the new Audi A3 Sportback by as much as 90 kilograms compared with the previous version. Equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine, the five-door model has a curb weight (without driver) of just 1,205 kilograms. Audi, the worldwide pioneer in lightweight construction, has once again reversed the weight spiral and set a new record.
Interior
The interior of the new A3 Sportback conveys the luxurious look and feel of the full-size class. The sculpted inlays are just one of the highlights. Audi offers a choice of Aluminum Mistral or the 3D-design “Optic” inlays (standard with Ambiente) as options. This top-of-the-line version is manufactured in a complex process to produce a glass-like appearance with intense depth.
The four large, round air nozzles in a jet design are additional examples of the aesthetics of technology. The stream of air can be adjusted between a diffuse and a targeted flow by tapping and pulling on the center axis.
The control unit for the optional deluxe automatic air conditioning is mounted on a black, piano-finish fascia. The instrument cluster fascia is also black. Many control elements are optionally available in an aluminum-look finish, and the interior lighting package (standard with Ambiente) includes subtle LED lights.
The colors in the interior are matched to the trim line. In the Audi A3 Sportback Attraction, the interior is black or titanium gray; the interior of the sporty Ambition line is either all black or black with additional silver, blue or yellow contrasting elements. The two-color Audi design selection capri orange, an exclusive suggestion of the Audi designers, provides access to the world of youthful colors. The colors pashmina beige and chestnut brown are available with the luxurious Ambiente trim line.
The materials provide for further differentiation. Cloth seats are standard with the Attraction and Ambition lines; Ambiente comes standard with a mix of cloth and synthetic leather. Options include Milano leather or a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara. The Milano leather sport seats are covered with soft Velvet leather in the shoulder region.
The S line sport package, which is available for the Audi A3 Sportback Ambition, completely immerses the interior in black. The sport seats are covered with a combination of Biathlon cloth and leather. Accents are provided by silver seams and piping on the floor mats, while the inlays are made of matt brushed aluminum or high-gloss 3D-design black. A shift lever with perforated leather and a special leather sport steering wheel round out the package.
The luggage compartment offers 380 liters (13.42 cu ft) of space in the basic configuration. The capacity expands to 1,220 liters (43.08 cu ft) with the seats folded down. The cargo floor is flat. The opening between the wheel wells measures 100 centimeters (39.37 in). The cargo floor can be inserted on two levels, and the supports on which it rests are marked with small LED lights. The rear seat can be folded down in a 60:40 split or as a whole. Hooks for bags and tie-down rings are standard. Options include a reversible mat, a storage and luggage compartment package, a pass-through opening and a ski and snowboard bag.
Engines
Audi is initially offering the new Audi A3 Sportback with a choice of two TFSI engines. The 1.2 TFSI with its aluminum crankcase is rigorously designed for low weight and minimal friction. It produces 77 kW (105 hp) and 175 Nm (129.07 lb-ft) of torque. Together with S tronic, it accelerates the A3 Sportback from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 10.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 193 km/h (119.92 mph). Average fuel consumption is just 4.9 liters per 100 km.
The new 1.4 TFSI in the A3 Sportback, which now also features an aluminum block, weighs just 107 kilograms (235.89 lb) – 21 kilograms (46.30 lb) less than its predecessor. It produces 90 kW (122 hp) and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque, accelerating the Audi A3 Sportback from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 203 km/h (149.73 mph). Its average fuel consumption is 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 km.
The new 1.8 TFSI, the most powerful gasoline engine in the lineup, produces 132 kW (180 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. It combines FSI direct injection with indirect injection and uses the Audi valvelift system to vary valve lift as required. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head – a similar solution is also used in the two smaller TFSI engines. Key performance data with S tronic and front-wheel drive: from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.3 seconds, top speed of 232 km/h (144.16 mph) and average fuel consumption of 5.6 liters per 100 km (42.00 US mpg) corresponding to 130 grams CO2 per km (209.21 g/mile).
Power transmission
All engines in the new Audi A3 Sportback are paired with a manual six-speed transmission. S tronic is available as an option with all engines. Depending on the version, the dual-clutch transmission shifts extremely quickly and nearly imperceptibly through six or seven gears.
The driver can operate S tronic via the selector lever or with the optional paddles on the steering wheel. Revs are somewhat higher in the automatic S mode, whereas D mode prioritizes taller gear ratios. When combined with Audi drive select (standard in the A3 Ambition), S tronic includes a free-wheeling function in efficiency mode that further reduces fuel consumption.
With engines producing up to 103 kW (140 hp), the power is delivered to the front wheels. quattro permanent all-wheel drive featuring a newly developed multi-plate clutch is available as an option for the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI.
The hydraulically actuated and electronically controlled component, which can send the power from the front to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds, weighs significantly less than the previous unit.
Chassis
The chassis of the new Audi A3 Sportback is balanced, harmonious and sporty thanks to the finely balanced distribution of axle loads. The front axle has been shifted forward by 40 millimeters (1.57 in) compared with the previous model, shortening the overhang correspondingly. All of the engines are installed tilted backward by 12 degrees with the exhaust end facing the bulkhead. This concept is an element of the modular transverse platform (MQB).
The front axle of the Audi A3 Sportback is a McPherson construction with wishbones and lightweight aluminum pivot bearings. It is mounted on an aluminum subframe. Mounted on a steel subframe, the four-link rear suspension handles longitudinal and transverse forces independently. The springs and dampers are mounted separately. The two sport suspensions available lower the body by 15 or 25 millimeters (0.59 or 0.98 in), respectively.
The electromechanical power steering with a direct steering ratio of 15.3:1 is sensitive and highly efficient. Its drive unit consumes no energy while driving straight ahead – a key contribution to overall efficiency. The steering works closely together with a variety of assistance systems, including Audi active lane assist and the parking assistant. The turning circle measures just 10.9 meters (35.76 ft).
Depending on the trim line, the new Audi A3 Sportback rolls on 16 or 17-inch wheels, with attractively designed wheels up to 18 inches in diameter available as options.
Powerful brakes provide the stopping power; the front discs are internally vented. The ESC electronic stabilization control includes the electronic limited slip differential, which helps the driver when cornering. If a wheel on one of the axles spins, the electronic limited slip differential brakes it slightly, causing the car to turn slightly into the corner. The electromechanical parking brake can be supplemented with a hill hold assist function.
Audi drive select (standard with Ambition) makes driving the new A3 Sportback an even more versatile and inspiring experience. The driver decides with the push of a button whether the accelerator, the power steering and the optional S tronic operate in comfort, automatic, dynamic, individual or efficiency mode.
In the latter mode, the optional deluxe automatic air conditioning, adaptive light and adaptive cruise control also operate in a mode targeted to optimize fuel consumption.
Another optional technology controlled via Audi drive select is the electromagnetic damper control system Audi magnetic ride. The system offers a comfortable and a sporty characteristic. Its control unit continuously adjusts the damping forces in milliseconds depending on road conditions and the driver’s style. The body sits 15 millimeters (0.59 in) lower with this system.
