Audi is on a roll, again. Their latest A3 model which was released just yesterday seems to strike the right chords both visually and from a practical standpoint. The new A3 is available in a three-door version and as a Sportback, a sedan and a Cabriolet.
The sporty Audi S3 version comes with numerous innovations and has even further enhanced its dynamic potential. The A3 series offers the most versatile line of drive systems in the compact segment with the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron and the Audi A3 Sportback g-tron.
Xenon plus units are standard as headlights. As an option Audi offers LED headlights and for the first time matrix LED headlights as well.
Driver assistance systems from the Audi full-size category
It may be a ‘compact’ but it comes with numerous driver assistance systems, including an improved Audi active lane assist and Audi pre sense front, including predictive pedestrian protection, make town and country driving even safer.
New in the segment is the traffic jam assist, which works together with Audi adaptive cruise control (ACC) and its Stop&Go feature. The optional system keeps the car at a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and in combination with the S tronic, automatically sets the vehicle in motion again after a short stop. In sluggish traffic up to 65 km/h, the traffic jam assist even briefly takes over the steering on well-paved roads.
Audi’s AEB technology which they call Emergency Assist automatically initiates braking to a stop if no steering activity is detected despite warnings of potential danger.
Controls & displays, infotainment and Audi connect
The virtual cockpit is the star in the cabin, making a first appearance in the compact class. The Audi virtual cockpit displays the most important driving-relevant information in high resolution on a 12.3-inch diagonal TFT screen.
There are two views: Classic and Infotainment, one displaying the usual analogue displays, the other featuring a central window that provides more space to the navigation map or shows lists for the telephone, radio and audio. The tachometer and speedometer appear as small round clocks.
The menu structure in the MMI system has been redesigned and controlled by a round rotary/push-button control. On its surface is the touch-sensitive touchpad for entering characters and for multi-finger gestures, allowing the driver to zoom within the map. The enhanced voice control for navigation, radio, media and phone now also understands many phrases from everyday language.
The free Audi MMI connect app enables services, such as online media streaming and transfer of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI. The A3 e-tron also features services for programming the charging and the departure time and for the air conditioning.
Cell phones with iOS and Android operating systems are connected with the car via the Audi smartphone interface. The Audi phone box in the centre armrest utilizes near-field coupling to link smartphones wirelessly to the vehicle’s antenna and enables inductive charging.
Engine
The engine line-up for the Audi A3 comprises six engines (three petrol and three diesel units). Their power output ranges from 110 hp to 190 hp. All A3 models fulfill the EU6 standard.
With the 1.0 TFSI, Audi is offering a three-cylinder model in the Audi A3 series for the first time. The compact engine outputs 115 hp and delivers 200 Nm of torque at 2000 to 3500 rpm.
The 1.4 TFSI COD ultra features cylinder-on-demand efficiency technology, turning off two cylinders when the corresponding output is not required. The engine has an output of 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque.
A technical highlight is the completely new 2.0 TFSI which produces a healthy 190 hp and 320 Nm, the latter between 1500 to 4200rpm.
The 2.0 TDI comes with two power output choices: 150 hp and 340 Nm, and a soon-to-be-introduced 184 hp and 380 Nm variant. The new entry-level diesel engine is the 1.6 TDI with 110 hp. It is available in combination with the six-speed manual transmission or the S tronic seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
The previous 6-speed S tronic with dry clutch is now replaced with a 7-speed dual (dry) clutch. For the gasoline-engine versions, quattro all-wheel drive is available for the 2.0 TFSI with 190 hp.
So, when?
The new Audi A3 series goes on sale in early May, with the first deliveries to customers occurring in summer. Mind you, that’s applicable for those in Europe. It’ll eventually find its way to Malaysia but no word as to when exactly. The basic price for the Audi A3 with the new 1.0 TFSI engine is EUR 23,300 in Germany.
