This spring, Audi will enter the compact sedan class, the largest market segment in the world, with the A3 Sedan model. The dynamic four-door car offers all the advantages of the A3 model series – low weight thanks to a lightweight construction, powerful and very economical engines and numerous high-end solutions for information, entertainment and assistance systems.
The Audi A3 Sedan impresses with its expressive sporty appearance and precision in every detail. Its design mixes elements of the classic three-space concept with the philosophy of a coupe. The "tornado line" forms a distinctive light-refracting edge on the sides that is visible along the entire length of the car. Overhangs are short. The four-door car has a wheelbase of 2.64 meters and a total length of 4.46 meters. The dynamic line above the side skirts rises more steeply than in the other two A3 models. The side surfaces have more intense curves and the wheel arches protrude a little more into the space. At 1.80 meters wide, the A3 Sedan is eleven millimeters wider than the A3 Sportback . However, its height of 1.42 meters is nine millimeters lower than that of the Sportback.
The four-door car also expresses its originality with a differently shaped bonnet, bumpers, air intakes and Singleframe grille . At the back, a spoiler is integrated into the trunk lid, and the rear lights emphasize the car's horizontal lines with their wide and low shapes. LED technology is available for them upon request. Audi will also offer LED headlights right from the market launch, whose innovative technology and distinctive appearance underline the exceptional position of the A3 Sedan model.
The turbodiesel 2.0 TDI reaches a maximum power of 150 hp and offers a maximum torque of 320 Nm. With it, the A3 Sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 213 km/h. Its average fuel consumption is 4.2 liters per 100 km, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 108 g/km. The key performance parameters of the 1.4 TFSI engine are 140 hp and 250 Nm. At low engine load, the COD system deactivates two cylinders. The 1.4-liter engine consumes an average of only 4.7 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers, and its CO2 emissions are 109 g/km. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 8.4 seconds and the top speed is 213 km/h. The 1.8 TFSI unit is tuned to a maximum output of 180 hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. It uses an extensive package of high-end technologies, including double injection directly into the combustion chambers and into the intake manifold. This engine is a guarantee of sporty dynamics, which is manifested by a standard sprint from rest to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h. Its average fuel consumption is 5.7 liters per 100 km. This corresponds to a CO2 emission value of 135 g/km.
Depending on the engine, either a six-speed manual transmission or an S tronic is used. The dual-clutch gearbox shifts without a noticeable interruption in the flow of driving force. The driver controls it either with the selector lever or with the levers on the steering wheel. Shift program D is designed for maximum economy, while in sport mode S a higher rev level is maintained. In cooperation with the Audi Drive Select driving dynamics system, S tronic offers an idling function in "efficiency" mode, which further reduces fuel consumption.
The Audi A3 Sedan 's "pole position" in its segment is largely due to the chassis design. All engines are tilted twelve degrees back, the front axle is moved more forward. The front axle has a McPherson type design with lower A-arms and aluminum swivel bearings. It is stored in an aluminum auxiliary frame. The Audi A3 Sedan has wheels with a rim diameter of 16 to 18 inches. quattro GmbH can offer wheels with a rim diameter of up to 19 inches. Front disc brakes have internal cooling. The electronically controlled ESC stabilization system also includes an electronic differential lock function. It brakes the inside front wheel very slightly in fast corners to minimize understeer and improve traction.
The interior of the Audi A3 Sedan model is characterized by the careful processing of all details. The lines and surfaces have a clean design and the long arch spans the width of the front window. The instrument panel with a curved face is slim and the center console is slightly angled towards the driver. The optional color display of the driver information system shows images in highly detailed 3D graphics . Starting with the MMI Radio System , the MMI control interface has an electrically retractable display. The customer can order a steering wheel with a flattened rim at the bottom, multifunction buttons and paddles for manual shifting. Audi also offers sports seats in the front, which are part of the standard equipment in the Ambition equipment line. On request, sports seats in S line trim with integrated headrests are available.
Thanks to the long wheelbase, rear seat passengers can also enjoy a large space and comfortable boarding. The luggage compartment has a volume of 425 litres , which can be increased by folding down the backrests of the rear seats, into which a closable opening for the transport of long objects can be integrated on request. The luggage compartment lid opens automatically after unlocking. Other components of the infotainment systems include a module for receiving digital radio broadcasts (DAB+), an Audi Phone Box for convenient connection of a mobile phone to the car's antenna and a Bang & Olufsen audio system, whose 705 W amplifier powers 14 speakers creating surround sound in 5.1 format . LED light guides illuminate the speaker grilles in the front doors.
Audi Connect includes all technologies that connect the driver with the car, the Internet, infrastructure and other vehicles. Audi has increased the attractiveness of this system even more, because in the coverage areas the Internet connection is ensured via the extremely fast LTE standard. The LTE phone module replaced the previous UMTS module and enables download speeds of up to 100 MBit/s in the car. Audi Connect allows passengers to conveniently surf the Internet and handle e-mail via the integrated WLAN hotspot . It brings tailored Audi internet services to the car for drivers, ranging from navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View photo bases, through online Audi traffic information to the Audi Music Stream application for smartphones. The offer is completed by intelligence and information services.
Powerful Audi S3 Sedan
Just a few months after the launch of the new sedan, Audi will present the top model S3 Sedan . The 2.0 TFSI engine reaches a maximum power of 300 hp and a torque of 380 Nm. The high-performance four-cylinder engine combines advanced technologies with high efficiency – dual fuel injection, an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, the Audi Valvelift System and a rotary valve module for the control of the cooling system.
In conjunction with the S tronic transmission, the Audi S3 Sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The manual transmission version completes this exercise in 5.3 seconds. The car's top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The turbocharged four-cylinder has an average fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100 km, or 7.0 l/100 km (with S tronic transmission, or with mechanical transmission) – this corresponds to CO2 emissions of 159 g/km, or 162 g/km. The driving force is distributed between the front and rear axles by the fast-acting multi-disc inter-axle clutch of the quattro system.
The chassis lowers the body by 25 mm. Large disc brakes, 340 mm in diameter at the front, work behind the standard 18" wheels. Progressive steering with electric power steering has a variable ratio – in the center position, the steering is less steep, while when the steering wheel is turned a lot, the ratio is very steep. The Audi Drive Select driving dynamics control system is part of the standard equipment and the Audi Magnetic Ride adaptive damping is available as an option.
Appearance-wise, the top model is distinguished by modifications to the bumpers, Singleframe radiator grille , air intakes, exterior mirror covers, side sills and rear spoiler. Four chrome oval tailpipes of the exhaust system emerge from the diffuser. In the interior, the S3 Sedan offers sports seats, instruments with scales on a gray background and decorative trim with a brushed aluminum finish.
The new Audi A3 Sedan will be launched on the Czech market in autumn, the price has not yet been determined.
Source: Audi
