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With the release today of the first official images of the new A3 Sportback,
Audi has succeeded again in defining a practical and aspirational segment in the
premium compact class.
Characterised by the sporting elegance of a coupé and the versatility of a
five-door vehicle, the A3 Sportback bristles with sophisticated technology and
well-defined driving dynamics.
In Europe, first deliveries of the new A3 Sportback are planned for September
2004. Australian-specification vehicles are expected to be introduced around the
first quarter of 2005. Engine range, pricing and equipment for Australia has not
been defined.
With four and six-cylinder engines developing up to 184 kW, front-wheel or
quattro permanent four-wheel drive and – as an option – the revolutionary DSG
transmission, engine, drivetrain and chassis live up to the expectations raised
by the sporty exterior of this five-door vehicle – driving pleasure in a new
guise.
Audi’s new 2.0T FSI engine makes its world premiere in the new Sportback.
This extremely dynamic representative of the FSI engine family boasts a
four-cylinder unit with turbocharger, delivering 147 kW. Maximum torque of 280
Nm is available across a wide speed range from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. As a result,
the A3 2.0T FSI (with 6-speed manual gearbox) sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just
7.1 seconds, with a top speed of 234 km/h.
The Audi A3 Sportback deliberately carves its own niche in the compact class.
It offers the emphatically sporty qualities and the athletic styling of the
three-door A3 with which it shares its drivetrain, dynamic suspension and
wheelbase.
At the same time – as well as the addition of two rear doors – it offers even
more space and flexibility thanks to its tail end which is 68 millimetres longer
than its three-door counterpart.
The A3 Sportback is immediately recognisable at first glance, proudly
featuring Audi’s striking single-frame radiator grille which – after the
12-cylinder A8 and the new A6 – is now the distinctive mark of another vehicle
in the latest Audi generation. The marked tapering of the sides and the dynamic
shape of the clear-glass headlights give the face of the car an extremely
self-confident and forceful character for which Audi is known.
The silhouette of the vehicle, when viewed from the side, becomes flatter
towards the rear of the car in typical coupé fashion – a feature this model
shares with the styling of its three-door counterpart. The gently sloping roof
line incorporates the tail end, which is 68 millimetres longer, harmoniously
into the powerful overall proportions of the car as it sits low on the road. The
optional roof rails also emphasise the coupé-like silhouette of the A3
Sportback.
Powerfully contoured, the round wheel arches appear to be resting on the
foundations of the sill area which is separated from the dynamic line. Large
wheels of between 16 and 18 inches in size underline the impression of masculine
athleticism and make the dynamic potential of the new Audi A3 Sportback clearly
visible even whilst stationary.
The visual centre of gravity of the A3 Sportback is found at its powerful
rear end, creating the impression that the entire car is about to leap forward.
With its economical use of lines and graphically-divided surfaces, the rear-end
styling is as discreet as it is impressive.
A large glass sunroof known as “open sky” has been developed specifically for
the Sportback, giving occupants a clear view of the sky and can be opened wide
if required.
As on the three-door model, the visible tailpipes extending out of the single
or double-chamber exhaust system – depending on engine version – are an
indication of the car’s dynamism. And the rear lights high up at the back of the
car accentuate the trapezoidal design of the rear end particularly at night,
giving the new Audi A3 Sportback its powerful appearance from behind.
370 litres (1,120 litres with the rear seat back folded down) of space are
available for transporting all kinds of sports and leisure equipment and
anything else the family might need. Two golf bags can even be stowed sideways
in the luggage compartment. The asymmetrically-folding rear seat, a standard
feature, and the optional luggage compartment and storage package provides
plentiful scope for using this space exactly to suit the personal requirements
of every driver.
Audi A3 Sportback press information -
- Driving pleasure in a new guise
- Design
- Engine and transmission
- Chassis
- Equipment
The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered
for sale in Germany. We reserve the right to make changes. Errors and omissions
excepted.
Driving pleasure in a new guise
The Audi A3 Sportback
Audi is defining a new segment in the premium compact class. The Sportback is
characterised by the sporting elegance of a coupé and the versatility of a
five-door vehicle, sophisticated technology and well-defined driving dynamics.
With four and six-cylinder engines developing up to 184 kW (250 bhp),
front-wheel or quattro permanent four-wheel drive and – as an option – the
revolutionary DSG transmission, engine, drive train and chassis live up to the
expectations raised by the sporty exterior of this five-door vehicle – driving
pleasure in a new guise.
A new, extremely dynamic representative of the FSI engine family, which
really brings the special qualities of the new compact Audi to the fore, is
experiencing its world premiere in the Sportback: the 2.0T FSI, a four-cylinder
unit with turbocharger, delivers 147 kW (200 bhp). Its maximum torque of 280 Nm
is available across a wide speed range from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. As a result, the
A3 2.0T FSI (with 6-speed manual gearbox) is able to complete the sprint from 0
to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds, and continues on up to a top speed of 234 km/h.
The Audi Sportback is deliberately going its own, new way in the compact
class. It offers the emphatically sporty qualities and the athletic styling of
the three-door version with which it shares its drive train, dynamic suspension
and wheelbase.
At the same time – as well as two rear doors – it offers even more space and
variability thanks to its tail end which is a total of 68 millimetres longer
than on its three-door counterpart.
370 litres (1,120 litres with the rear seat back folded down) of space are
available for transporting all kinds of sports and leisure equipment and
anything else the family might need: even two golf bags can be stowed sideways
in the luggage compartment. The asymmetrically folding rear seat back, a
standard feature, and the optional luggage compartment and storage packages
provide plentiful scope for using this space exactly to suit the personal
requirements of every driver.
This also applies to the three trim line available: the Attraction model,
which is packed with character, the sporty Ambition and exclusive Ambiente
versions enable the customer to turn the A3 Sportback into his or her personal
dream car. The large-area glass sunroof known as “open sky”, which has been
developed especially for the Sportback, gives occupants a clear view of the sky
and can be opened wide if required.
Pre-sales of the Audi A3 Sportback start in June 2004 in Germany; the first
deliveries are planned for early September 2004.
Design
The A3 Sportback is immediately recognisable at first glance in the rear-view
mirror: the dominant feature of its front end is the striking single-frame
radiator grille which – after the 12-cylinder A8 and the new A6 – is now the
distinctive mark of another vehicle in the latest Audi generation. The marked
tapering of the sides and the dynamic shape of the clear-glass headlights give
the face of the car that extremely self-confident and forceful character for
which Audi is famous.
The silhouette of the A3 Sportback when viewed from the side becomes flatter
towards the rear of the car in typical coupé fashion – a feature this model
shares with the styling of its three-door counterpart. The gently rearward
sloping roof line incorporates the tail end, which is 68 millimetres longer,
harmoniously into the powerful overall proportions of the car as it sits low on
the road. The optional roof rails also emphasise the coupé-like silhouette of
the A3 Sportback effectively.
With their particularly powerful contours, the round wheel arches appear to
be resting on the foundations of the sill area, which is separated from the
dynamic line. Large wheels of between 16 and 18 inches in size underline the
impression of masculine athleticism and make the dynamic potential of the new
Audi A3 Sportback clearly visible even when stationary.
The visual centre of gravity of the A3 Sportback is thus to be found at its
powerful rear end, creating the impression that the entire car is about to leap
forward. With its economical use of lines and graphically divided surfaces, the
rear-end styling is as discreet as it is impressive.
As on the three-door model, the visible tailpipes extending out of the single
or double-chamber exhaust system – depending on engine version – are an
indication of the car’s dynamism. And the rear lights high up at the back of the
car accentuate the trapezoidal design of the rear end particularly at night,
giving the new Audi A3 Sportback its powerful appearance from behind.
Interior
The interior design of the Audi A3 Sportback is distinguished by two
features: sportiness and elegance. This impression is conveyed by the low seat
position, in typical sports car style, the high and wide centre console and the
clear, generous subdivision of the dashboard.
The new Audi generation of steering wheels is being introduced in the compact
class for the first time with the Sportback. These three and four-spoke steering
wheels can be recognised by their trapezoidal central element, the lines of
which allude to the design of the single-frame front grille.
The attractive appearance of the interior surfaces and each individual detail
is the result of excellent material quality and a perfect finish at the highest
level of craftsmanship. This high standard by no means benefits the passengers
alone, but is also reflected in the quality appearance of the luggage
compartment.
Superior ergonomic design is combined with equally outstanding aesthetic
qualities throughout the car's interior: typical examples are the round air
vents with aluminium surrounds, the rotary knobs on the automatic air
conditioning and the numerous aluminium trims, for the door and glove
compartment handles for instance.
The interior is outstanding not only for its quality, but also for the amount
of space it offers. Driver and passengers enjoy outstanding roominess in all
areas. Rear passengers also benefit from plenty of knee room and headroom. They
too have absolutely no trouble getting into the A3 Sportback, through the
wide-opening rear doors.
The luggage compartment has a capacity of 370 litres, 20 litres more than the
three-door Audi A3. This can be increased to as much as 1,120 litres by folding
down the rear seat back.
Engine and transmission
Offering a wide range of choice but dedicated throughout to sporting
performance – this philosophy characterises the range of engines and
transmissions offered for the new Audi A3 Sportback at launch. A further quality
shared by all engines is their full compliance with the EU4 standard, giving
owners of these cars in Germany, for example, a tax benefit of up to
€613 (diesel models) and
€306 (petrol models).
A new, extremely dynamic representative of the FSI engine family is
celebrating its world premiere in the A3 Sportback: the 2.0T FSI, a
four-cylinder engine with turbocharger, delivers 147 kW (200 bhp). Its maximum
torque of 280 Nm is available across a wide speed range from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm.
This new engine is also the first production unit worldwide to combine FSI
petrol direct injection with a turbocharger. This technology – which is also to
be found in the Le Mans-winning Audi R8 – enables a unique synthesis of high
performance, free-revving response and pulling power in all speed ranges, yet
excellent fuel economy.
The range of engines for Germany is as follows:
3.2 V6 developing 184 kW (250 bhp), 320 Nm
2.0T FSI developing 147 kW (200
bhp), 280 Nm (new)
2.0 FSI developing 110 kW (150 bhp), 200 Nm
1.6 FSI
developing 85 kW (115 bhp), 155 Nm
1.6 developing 75 kW (102 bhp), 148
Nm
2.0 TDI developing 103 kW (140 bhp), 320 Nm
1.9 TDI developing 77 kW
(105 bhp), 250 Nm.
Depending on the chosen engine, a 5 or 6-speed manual gearbox is fitted.
The sporty Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) is a unique alternative. This
pioneering form of power transmission – inspired by motor racing technology –
permits lightning-fast gear changes with uninterrupted traction thanks to its
electro-hydraulically controlled twin clutch, and thus sheer driving pleasure in
true sports car style.
The DSG combines the advantages of a conventional 6-speed manual gearbox with
the qualities of a modern automatic transmission, thus providing a drive concept
superior in every respect. The driver benefits from supreme agility and driving
pleasure combined with harmonious and dynamic acceleration without interrupting
the flow of power from the engine. This is combined with good economy thanks to
low fuel consumption, and convenient operation.
The DSG can be ordered for the most powerful versions of the A3 Sportback:
the 3.2, the 2.0T FSI and the 2.0 TDI.
The 6-speed tiptronic transmission is available as an option for the A3
Sportback 2.0 FSI and for the 1.6.
Still with no equivalent in the premium compact class: quattro permanent
four-wheel drive. Even the power developed by the highest-performance versions
of the A3 Sportback can be converted ideally into forward motion with this
system, which serves as the basis for dynamic driving and active safety at the
same time.
Dynamic suspension
A highly sophisticated suspension design is equally as important for the
excellent driving dynamics of the Audi A3 Sportback: the McPherson front
suspension, which has been further refined compared with the first A3
generation, and the innovative four-link independent rear suspension.
The suspension is designed for sporty and agile handling offering a high
standard of stability, and producing an excellent cornering performance and a
high level of comfort in conjunction with both front-wheel and quattro drive.
Wheels of between 16 and 18 inches in size (the 17-inch wheels are standard
on Ambition models) improve performance on the road and also add a sporty visual
touch. The power of the engines is reflected by the equally powerful brake
system with a large brake disc diameter.
Like the three-door Audi A3, the Sportback is also fitted with
electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance, a system
praised unanimously by the trade press. This combines optimum feedback from
steering movements with a low level of sensitivity to vibration from the road,
and also consumes far less energy than a conventional system.
Equipment
As a typical Audi, the A3 Sportback sets a benchmark with its premium
standard of equipment. This starts with the choice of equipment line:
Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente offer a wide diversity that allows plenty of
scope for individual creativity.
Apart from the different wheels and functional differences, these lines also
differ in terms of upholstery materials, steering wheels and inlays. Just one
example: whilst the inlays in Attraction models come in grained, matt-painted
plastic, those in the sporty Ambition versions have a black or blue piano
finish. Ambiente models have Vavona wood Bernstein inlays. Walnut or aluminium
inlays are available as options for all versions.
Standard items on Attraction models include electric front windows and
central locking with radio-operated remote control. The driver's seat has height
adjustment as another standard feature.
It goes without saying that safety features such as the electronic
stabilisation program (ESP), the new front seats with active head restraints,
front and side airbags for driver and front passenger and the sideguard head
airbag system are all a part of the A3 Sportback.
All A3 Sportback models are available in 15 different exterior colours
ranging from Arctic White to Brilliant Black, from Toucan Yellow to Deep Green
and Liquid Blue, with three colours coming as standard.
Over and above the various features offered by the three model lines, A3
Sportback drivers have the choice of many other options. Indeed, the sheer
quality and diversity of these options reflect the declared objective of the A3
Sportback to also offer the high standard of larger and more luxurious cars in
the compact segment. The following list is therefore only a selection of the
options available:
The sports suspension standard on Ambition models lowers the entire body by
15 millimetres and makes the suspension and damping particularly dynamic and
firm.
Various cast aluminium wheels measuring between 6.5x16 and 7.5x18 inches add
a sporty touch to the outside of the car – and not only as far as its looks are
concerned. And even in winter, A3 Sportback driver do not have to forego
attractive design, with the choice of two cast aluminium wheels and one steel
wheel measuring from 6x16 to 7.5x17 inches.
The optional roof rails – which are located above the door openings on the
side panel frame – effectively accentuate the coupé-like silhouette of the A3
Sportback.
Xenon headlights, an immediately visible feature offering improved
visibility, can now also be ordered in the compact class: both headlight range
and intensity are increased considerably as a result. This equipment features
also comprises a headlight cleaning system as well as automatic headlight range
control.
A combined light and rain sensor automatically activates the low-beam
headlights and, if necessary, the windscreen wipers in bad light and poor road
conditions.
The two-part open sky glass sunroof system lets more light and air into the
car. It allows the occupants of the A3 Sportback a generous view of the sky
above and optimises light and visibility in the interior. Separate blinds
prevent the inside from heating up excessively and protect against the glare of
the sun. The front glass segment can also be raised and slid back. The open sky
system is also possible on cars fitted with roof rails (open sky will be
available from early 2005).
Optional aluminium trims for the doors and centre console add an explicitly
sporty touch inside the A3 Sportback.
Side blinds are available to protect rear-seat passengers against the sun.
Two side airbags can also be ordered for the rear compartment. The front seats
can be electrically adjusted in all directions as an option.
Apart from a power socket in the boot, the optional luggage compartment
package comprises a net for fixing small items in a recess in the side luggage
compartment lining as well as a multi-purpose net for attaching loads to the
rear panel behind the seats or the floor of the boot.
The navigation system plus with DVD drive and acoustic route guidance offers
the driver additional convenience and even greater driving safety. The
ergonomically optimised architecture of keypad and display follows the same
logic as the successful Multi Media Interface configuration in the Audi A8.
Automatic air conditioning with sun sensor offers the driver and front
passenger individual temperature adjustment and comes in addition with an air
quality sensor which switches automatically to air recirculation as soon as the
quality of the outside air drops below a certain level.
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