Success 4.0: the new Audi A3 Sportback

Audi with the start of sales of the A3 in 1996 became a kind of "founder" of the premium segment of compact cars. The fourth generation of this successful car is just entering the market. Now it's even more sporty, digital and connected. Beneath the progressive exterior design of the new A3 Sportback lies a host of cutting-edge innovations. These are, for example: infotainment system, suspension and driver assistance systems.

Audi A3 Sportback

Feature: design and lighting

The new Audi A3 Sportback is characterized by its compact proportions and sporty design. The wide single-frame grille and large air intakes at the front underline the dynamic character of the premium compact car. The shoulder of the body smoothly transitions from the headlights to the taillights. The area at the bottom is concave, a new design element from Audi that emphasizes the wheel arches. Another innovation is the digital daytime running lights in the Matrix LED headlights. These lights are a matrix of three by five LED segments. It creates special light signatures that make the new Audi A3 instantly recognizable. The sporty and sophisticated design of the exterior continues into the interior. Eye-catching features include a new shift lever, aluminum or carbon trim panels, eye-catching interior door handles and a black-look dashboard. Seat covers made from recycled PET bottles are used for the first time in the new Audi A3 Sportback. It is decorated with stylish contrasting seams.

Digitized: controls and displays

The cab of the new A3 Sportback is completely driver-oriented. It has elements already well known from higher-end models, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen located in the center of the dash is also standard. The system recognizes handwritten letters, gives acoustic feedback, and can also work with natural speech. Standard also includes a fully digital instrument cluster and clock controlled from the multifunction steering wheel. The Audi virtual cockpit offers additional features such as a large navigation map display. The Plus version features a 12.3-inch display that can be viewed in three different modes, including a sport-specific view. The head-up display shows the most important information on the windshield right in front of the driver. This information can be displayed in a different color upon request.

Even better: infotainment system

The MMI control concept is based on the new third-generation modular infotainment platform. Its computing power is ten times greater than that of its predecessors. Its scope of work covers all communication tasks, including telephone, Audi connect services carried in the LTE Advanced standard, and the Wi-Fi hotspot integrated in the car.

Individual settings for air conditioning, seating positions, frequently selected navigation points or frequently used media can be combined into six different user profiles. DAB+ digital radio is standard on the new A3 Sportback, while internet radio or hybrid radio is available as an option. Navigation is now easier to use and navigation options are more flexible. For example, the navigation system offers traffic forecasts, high-resolution satellite images sourced from Google Earth, and detailed 3D models of many major European cities. Audi connect enriches attractions with photos, opening hours and user reviews. Audi connect also includes car-to-X services in some cities that help find free parking spaces on the street and, by interacting with traffic lights at intersections, allow the driver to adapt to the green wave. The A3 Sportback can be connected directly to your smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The same effect can be achieved with an Audi phone booth. The latter connects the device to a car antenna and charges it inductively.

Complex: engines

In Europe, the new Audi A3 Sportback will be available with three engine options. These will be: 1.5 TFSI with 110 kW (150 hp) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.4 - 5.8; average CO2 emissions in g/km: -145-131) and the 2.0 TDI version 85 kW (116 hp) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.7-4.2; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 122-111) or for the 110 kW (150 l .s.) (average fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.0-4.5; average CO2 emissions in g/km: -132-118). All powertrains impress with high torque and improved performance. All versions of the engine will start with front-wheel drive. Power will be sent to the wheels via a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic transmission, which will now feature a compact lever instead of a conventional shifter. The driver simply presses or pulls a switch to select the main functions of the automatic transmission. Later, Audi will gradually expand its range with additional engine versions, including an electrified version and a quattro version.

Delicate: suspension

The suspension of the new A3 Sportback – four-link at the rear for engines from 110 kW (150 hp) – is sporty and well balanced. It combines the pleasure of comfortable driving with good dynamics. A 10mm lower suspension with adaptive damping control is available on request. Each damper adjusts its performance individually to road conditions, road conditions and the settings of the Audi drive select driving dynamics system. When the car is fitted with a sports suspension – standard on the S line exterior, but optional on other combinations – the greatest emphasis is placed on agility. Tougher suspension and damper settings, as well as lowering the car by 15 millimeters, make it even safer on the road.

In the know: driver assistance systems

Equipped with Audi pre sense front and lane departure warning, the Audi A3 Sportback helps prevent accidents to other road users and offers a high level of safety as standard. Additional assistance systems such as lane change warnings as well as cross traffic alert and parking assistance are available as options. Adaptive Driving Assistant, familiar to customers from many top models, helps with longitudinal and lateral driving. Maintains speed and distance to the vehicle in front, and also helps to stay in the selected lane through gentle intervention in the electromechanical steering system. This improves driving comfort, especially on long journeys.

Optimization: the concept of space

The new Audi A3 Sportback offers more space and functionality inside while maintaining compact exterior dimensions. Compared to its predecessor, the current model has grown only a little more than three centimeters. Now its length is 4.34 meters, and the width is 1.82 meters (excluding mirrors). Its height is 1.43 m, and the wheelbase is 2.64 m - these dimensions remain unchanged. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 380 to 1200 liters, depending on the position of the rear seat, and the floor can be positioned at different levels. A power tailgate that can be closed and opened with a foot movement is available on request.

Special edition model

The market launch of the new Audi A3 Sportback will be accompanied by the sale of a special version of the model: the A3 Sportback version. This version will offer sophisticated accessories: on the outside, it can be recognized by additional elements in matt platinum gray, darkened matrix LED headlights and 18-inch titanium gray wheels. Inside, the car will feature the S line design line with redesigned sports seats with integrated headrests, aluminum trim panels and stainless steel pedals.

Photo: Audi