An all-around talent – the new Audi A3 Sportback

Sporty, versatile and functional – Audi presents the new A3 Sportback. The compact five-door model with the spacious luggage compartment is groundbreakingly light thanks to ultra lightweight technology. The engines are powerful and highly efficient. The infotainment with the intuitive connect technology and the driver assistance systems available in the new A3 Sportback set new standards in the premium compact segment. The overall design language concentrates on the essentials, with each individual design element making a confident aesthetic statement.

A lightweight car is a prerequisite for sportiness and efficiency. ultra lightweight technology from Audi reduces the weight of the new Audi A3 Sportback by as much as 90 kilograms (198.42 lb) 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 (2,656.57 lb). Hot-shaped steels are used in the occupant cell of the new A3 Sportback to reduce the weight. The complete occupant cell is 37 kilograms (81.57 lb) lighter overall than in the previous model. Significant weight reductions were also achieved in the interior and with the engines. Audi, worldwide pioneer in lightweight construction, has reversed the weight spiral and once again set a new record.

The body of the new Audi A3 Sportback is long and lean. While the length (4,310 millimeters [14.14 ft]), width (1,780 millimeters [5.84 ft]) and height (1,425 millimeters [4.68 ft]) of the new model are only slightly greater than on the previous model, the wheelbase is now significantly longer at 2,636 millimeters (8.65 ft), an increase of 58 millimeters (2.28 in).

The front end is low; the roof arch spans a dome that extends beyond the subtle roof spoiler to the muscular tail end. The design with the three side windows is taut, with every detail precise and expressive. The large wheel wells underscore the sporty aspirations of the new Audi A3 Sportback.

The distinctive, Stone Gray single-frame grille with the angled upper corners is the distinguishing element at the front of the vehicle. Its horizontal slats and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. The flat headlights are works of art and give the new Audi A3 Sportback a determined gaze. Full LED headlights will be offered at a later time.

The interior of the new A3 Sportback is elegant, airy and cleanly designed. It carries over the dynamics of the exterior. The instrument panel with its curving front is slim and low. Together with the center console oriented toward the driver, it appears to float slightly.

Large, round air nozzles in jet design, the elegant user interface panel for the climate control system and sculpturally styled trim set the tone – with their polish they bring the quality of the full-size class into the new A3 Sportback. The seats and steering wheels are new developments, and the car’s user controls are clear and intuitive – as they are in every Audi. The compact five-door model offers a generous luggage capacity of between 380 and 1,220 liters (13.42 and 43.08 cu ft).

Audi connect: networking with the surroundings
Customized online services, which the brand offers under Audi connect, network drivers to the Internet and rapidly supply the driver with key information – in an easy-to-comprehend format. The connection to the Internet is established via Audi connect, an extension of the MMI navigation plus system. Passengers can surf and e-mail freely with up to eight mobile devices via the integrated WLAN hotspot.

The system delivers Internet services tailored for the driver to the car – from navigation with Google Earth images and Google Maps Street View to Audi online traffic information to services such as Facebook and Twitter. Audi connect recently added flight and train information, and the City Events service provides information on current happenings. Audi connect offers drivers for the first time the ability to have e-mail read aloud and to dictate text messages (SMS).

Audi is bringing its assistance systems from the full-size class to the premium compact segment for convenience and a superior driving experience. They range from adaptive cruise control to Audi side assist and Audi active lane assist to the safety system Audi pre sense basic. The driver information system with rest recommendation is standard in the Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines.

The new Audi A3 Sportback is launching with two TDI and two TFSI engines, all of which are new developments. Their engine displacements range from 1.4 to 2.0 liters and their power from 77 kW (105 hp) to 132 kW (180 hp). Technologies from the modular efficiency platform help to reduce their fuel consumption by an average of nine percent compared with the previous model. Additional diesel and gasoline engines will follow later, as will the TCNG engine, which can be operated on Audi e-gas or natural gas.

The new A3 Sportback also underscores its technological leadership role in power transmission. At its launch, the 1.8 TFSI is being offered with a seven-speed S tronic; in combination with the vehicle dynamics system Audi drive select, it offers a free-wheeling function that reduces fuel consumption. The 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TDI are paired with a manual six-speed transmission. quattro permanent all-wheel drive will follow shortly.

The chassis and the long wheelbase (2,636 millimeters [8.65 ft]) of the new Audi A3 Sportback combine sporty driving enjoyment with high levels of comfort and impressive stability. The power steering system with sensitive response and direct gearing has an efficient electromechanical drive. The ESC stabilization control system integrates an electronic limited slip differential – this makes handling even smoother and safer in fast driving through curves.

The optional system Audi drive select (standard with Ambition) lets the driver vary the operating of engine management, the power steering system and S tronic in different modes. The system also incorporates Audi magnetic ride, adaptive or standard cruise control, adaptive light and the air conditioning system. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter, and a sport suspension can be ordered in two different versions.

The new Audi A3 Sportback will begin appearing in German dealerships in February 2013, with prices starting at €23,400. The 1.2 TFSI will be available somewhat later for a base price of €22,500. Customers can choose between the trim lines Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente. There is also large number of sporty and comfortable options, such as adaptive light of the panoramic glass roof.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.