New Audi A3: Full story
Full details on the all-new Audi A3 hatchback, which is the most technologically advanced Audi ever built
The third-generation Audi A3 is a technological tour de force, bringing gadgetry from the flagship A8 to the VW Golf-sized hatch.
This all-new model takes landmark sci-fi tech into the mainstream, setting a new benchmark for gadgets that will benefit buyers. It’s a real achievement – and the fact the tech appears in a premium hatch as well as a range-topping saloon is even more impressive.
The A3, which goes on sale in September, has the most capable infotainment system of any Audi hatchback. On top of the usual functions, such as sat-nav and phone controls, the new MDI set-up offers Google data including 3D Google Maps.
The optional Wi-Fi hotspot, with data accessed by your phone SIM card, enables up to eight devices to be hooked up to the A3. The system will allow full Internet access with real-time updates for, say, flight information and petrol station pricing. Further MDI capabilities include music streaming from either the 64GB hard drive or via the Web.
At the heart of the system is a 1.2GHZ dual-core processor, co-developed with Californian expert NVIDIA. The chip, located in the glovebox, can be updated when faster versions are devised: simply unplug and swap.
An app store is even in the pipeline. This will allow the system’s software to be updated remotely in the same way smartphone users can update software online. It also means faults can be diagnosed without a visit to the dealer. Another impressive feature is the touchwheel with handwriting recognition, which repeats out loud what you’ve written.
The centre console is equipped with yet another piece of clever tech: the Audi Phone Box. Drop your smartphone into the console and, without wires or physical connection, the A3 will amplify the signal for better reception and faster data streams. The powerful dual-core processor also allows the A3 to carry more Audi Driver Assistant technology.
Most of this has already been seen on the A6 and A8. Features include adaptive cruise control, Audi pre-sense collision avoidance plus blind-spot indicators. There is also a lane departure warning system that, for the first time, centres the car in its lane with minor steering adjustments.
Other stand-out features come courtesy of the VW Group’s new MQB platform. The A3 is the first car to use this, with benefits that include less wiring, so saving weight and cost in the process.
Weight reduction has been a major focus for the A3 from the start. Form-hardened steel is used in the floor, A and B-pillars and roof arches, shedding 18kg. The aluminium wheelarches and bonnet save 7kg and the new floor insulation is 600g lighter. Plastic rivets replace hundreds of metal screws, too, saving 4g per rivet.
The platform also gives the A3 a 23mm-longer wheelbase and 50mm-longer body, allowing the front axle to be pushed 40mm further forward, which will give better balance and dynamics.
Excellent cabin detail ranges from the multi-layered pieces of dashboard trim that give a 3D effect to air vents which offer spot and diffuse functions. The floor of the 365-litre boot can be latched up at an angle for easy access to the spare wheel well, and fixed flat at two heights to boost space.
The A3 will initially be offered with three engines – all revised versions of existing ones. Kicking off the range will be the 121bhp 1.4-litre TFSI. It will be joined by the 177bhp 1.8 TFSI (from the A5) and 147bhp 2.0 diesel TDI. All have seen weight reductions – with the 1.4-litre shedding 21kg – and are fitted with stop-start.
To begin with, the diesel and 1.8-litre TFSI get a seven-speed DSG box, with the 1.4-litre TFSI manual-only until later in the year. Quattro versions of the larger-engined A3 arrive by year end. The most efficient engine is the 2.0-litre TDI, with 68.9mpg and 106g/km of CO2. A 1.6 TDI, due in 2013, improves on this, with 74.3mpg and 99g/km. Plus, from early next year, the 1.4 TFSI will be offered with cylinder deactivation.
A plug-in hybrid is also being considered – it’s most likely to be mated to the 1.4 TFSI – while an electric version will appear in 2014 after the launch of the new Sportback, Cabriolet and the first-ever A3 saloon.
