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Audi A3 and Audi A3 Sportback
Emotive design, exhilarating dynamics and that proverbial Audi quality: the Audi A3 is the premium-grade sports star in the compact class. Powerful four-cylinder engines and a six-cylinder unit delivering 184 kW (250 bhp), quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox (depending on version) combine with the elaborate suspension design to offer benchmark levels of sportiness.

The three-door version is joined by the five-door A3 Sportback, which is targeted at those customers seeking a synthesis of dynamic performance on the one hand and, on the other, ample spaciousness plus maximum day-to-day practicality. The Audi A3 Sportback takes all the sportiness of the three-door version and adds extra space and versatility – as well as the two rear doors – within a body measuring 4.29 metres in length.

Concept and design
The Audi A3 embodies the emotional formal idiom of the Audi brand in the compact class. The distinctive single-frame grille is the defining feature at the front end of both body variants. Two striking contours – the dynamic line above the sill and the shoulder line – shape the sides. These lines form an angle that opens slightly, accentuating the gentle wedge shape of the athletic silhouette. The coupé-like sweep of the roof line also helps to create the impression that the A3 is crouching on the road, ready to spring into action.

The styling of the Audi A3 Sportback differs in that it has a slightly longer overhang at the rear. Its C-posts are somewhat more upright than those on the three-door model; the optional roof rails, blending harmoniously into the contour, highlight its versatile nature. Passengers in the rear of the Audi A3 Sportback benefit from the generous headroom while the wide-opening doors make for easy access. There is also more space for luggage.

Sportiness, elegance and supreme build quality are the order of the day inside the Audi A3, which demonstrates how aesthetically pleasing flawless ergonomics can be. Customers can choose from three trim lines: the charismatic Attraction version, the dynamic Ambition line and the exclusive Ambiente variant.

In terms of safety, too, the A3 offers the highest standards. In Western Europe the sideguard head airbag system is fitted as standard – it covers practically the entire window area from the A-post to the C-post.

Drivetrain and chassis
Sporty, powerful and clean: this is the drivetrain line-up for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. All TDI models roll off the production line with particulate filters. There are five petrol and three diesel engines to choose from. Fuel consumption of the thrifty and potent diesel units ranges between the mere 4.5 l per 100 kilometres for the 1.9 TDI e with its low CO2 emissions of 119g/km and the maximum of just 6.4 l/100 km for the 2.0 TDI quattro.



The petrol engines
The entry-level petrol engine is the 1.6-litre four-cylinder version with an aluminium engine block and variable intake manifold; it has a power output of 75 kW (102 bhp) and musters up 148 Nm of torque. Next is the new 1.4 TFSI, generating 92 kW (125 bhp) at 5,000 rpm. The 1.4 TFSI puts its 200 Nm of peak torque on tap over an extraordinarily wide rev band stretching from 1,500 up to 4,000 rpm. Meanwhile, its petrol direct injection and turbocharging technology make it a highly economical engine too. The 1.8 TFSI develops 118 kW (160 bhp) and 250 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm.

Spearheading the four-cylinder units is the 2.0 TFSI, which delivers 147 kW (200 bhp) with the aid of its turbocharger and intercooler. Its tremendous torque of 280 Nm is available across a wide speed range from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. The combination of petrol direct injection and turbocharger creates a unique blend of free-revving response, pulling power and outstanding efficiency.

The V6 engine with a capacity of 3.2 litres powers the top model in the A3 range. It develops 184 kW (250 bhp) and offers a broad torque plateau, with a whole 320 Nm available between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm. The 3.2-litre engine is coupled to quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard to provide a consistently sporty driving experience.

The TDI engines
The 1.9 TDI e with standard-fit diesel particulate filter has an output of 77 kW (105 bhp) and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. It returns impressively frugal fuel consumption figures of just 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres whilst returning low CO2 emissions figures of 119g/km. Audi's expertise in the field of direct injection technology translates into ample propulsive power as well as excellent efficiency, and is the basis for high operating ranges from a single tank of fuel. To ensure that drivers are always able to make an economical gear selection, the new gearshift display provides extra information for driving in a fuel-efficient manner: based on the current engine load and rev speed, the display indicates whether the next gear would be the better choice as the situation demands. As far as fuel consumption is concerned, it is vital that the driver harnesses the vehicle's potential to the full. Even the engine electronics have been tuned for fuel-efficient motoring. And thanks to the beefy torque that the TDI powerplants are renowned for, the 1.9 TDI e also counts driveability, flexibility and comfort among its strengths.



The 1.9 TDI develops 77 kW (105 bhp) and transmits 250 Nm of torque to the crankshaft at 1,900 rpm. The 2.0 TDI delivers 103 kW (140 bhp) while the peak torque of 320 Nm can be summoned between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. The 125-kW (170-bhp) version of the two-litre TDI unit is the first engine from Audi to combine state-of-the-art piezo technology with pump-nozzle injection. Its maximum torque of 350 Nm is available between 1,750 rpm and 2,500 rpm.

The transmissions
The number of different ways in which the engines for the A3 can be combined with all manner of transmission types is without precedent in the compact class. Manual five-speed or six-speed gearboxes are available for all engine versions and most of them can be ordered with either tiptronic or the S tronic dual-clutch gearbox too, both of which feature six speeds. The innovative technology of the latter, inspired by the world of motor sport, permits lightning-fast gear changes.
quattro permanent four-wheel drive is standard on the 3.2 model and optionally available for the 2.0 TFSI and for both two-litre diesel units.

The chassis
The dynamic suspension of the A3 and A3 Sportback is designed for agile and sporty handling together with excellent stability. Its special technical features include the two subframes, on which all axle components are pivoted, and the sophisticated four-link rear suspension, which can absorb longitudinal and lateral forces separately. Four large-diameter disc brakes are fitted behind the wheels, which are up to 18 inches in size.

The Audi A3 and the A3 Sportback are equipped with highly sensitive electromechanical power steering. In conjunction with the ESP stabilisation system it comes to the driver's aid in critical situations by reducing resistance for steering impulses that stabilise the vehicle and increasing resistance to counteract incorrect steering manoeuvres.

The latest-generation ESP constantly analyses the driving situation and adjusts intervention thresholds to the prevailing conditions. In this way it can become active sooner when danger threatens and, on the other hand, avoid unnecessary action. The optional Audi hill hold assist system combines convenience and safety by briefly preventing the car from rolling back when performing a hill start.

Equipment
A particular feature in the premium compact class, which was established by the Audi A3, is the range of exclusive optional extras. The Audi A3 offers the navigation system plus, electric seat adjustment for the A3 Sportback and auxiliary heating for most models; for the A3 Sportback there is also the option of the panoramic glass sunroof, known as the open sky system. Xenon plus and the adaptive light cornering light function are both cutting-edge headlight technologies. The interior of every Audi A3 can be given a highly individual touch thanks to a wide range of materials and colours.

The Audi navigation system plus allows practically unlimited navigation throughout Western Europe and in some East European markets. Its operating principle follows the same clear logic as the Audi MMI. The radio's integral dual tuner ensures optimum reception and convenient station selection. The navigation system's DVD player is furthermore MP3-compatible, as are the concert and symphony audio systems. Pre-fittings for an iPod and a USB interface are likewise available factory fitted.



The A3 series at a glance

Audi A3 1.6:
Engine: displacement 1,595 cc, power output 75 kW (102 bhp) at 5,600 rpm, maximum torque 148 Nm at 3,800 rpm. Performance and fuel consumption (A3 with manual five-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 11.9 s, top speed 185 km/h, consumption (combined) 7.1 litres premium/100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual five-speed gearbox or six-speed tiptronic.

Audi A3 1.4 TFSI:
Engine: displacement 1,390 cc, power output 92 kW (125 bhp) at 5,000 rpm, maximum torque 200 Nm between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. Performance and fuel consumption (A3 with manual six-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 9.6 s, top speed 203 km/h, consumption (combined) 6.5 litres premium/100 km. Drive combination: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox.

Audi A3 1.8 TFSI:
Engine: displacement 1,798 cc, power output 118 kW (160 bhp) between 5,000 and 6,200 rpm, maximum torque 250 Nm between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. Performance and fuel consumption (A3 with six-speed S tronic): 0 – 100 km/h in 7.8 s, top speed 220 km/h, consumption (combined) 7.5 litres super plus/100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox or six-speed S tronic.

Audi A3 2.0 TFSI:
Engine: displacement 1984 cc, power output 147 kW (200 bhp) between 5,100 and 6,000 rpm, maximum torque 280 Nm between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. Performance and fuel consumption (A3 with front-wheel drive and S tronic): 0 – 100 km/h in 6.9 s, top speed 236 km/h, consumption (combined) 7.7 litres super plus/100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox or S tronic, quattro drive with manual six-speed gearbox.

Audi A3 3.2 quattro:
Engine: displacement 3,189 cc, power output 184 kW (250 bhp) at 6,300 rpm, maximum torque 320 Nm between 2,500 and 3,000 rpm. Performance and fuel consumption (A3 with S tronic): 0 – 100 km/h in 6.2 s, top speed 250 km/h (limited), consumption (combined) 9.5 litres super plus/100 km. Drive combinations: quattro drive with manual six-speed gearbox or S tronic.

Audi A3 1.9 TDI e:
Engine: displacement 1,896 cc, power output 77 kW (105 bhp) at 4,000 rpm, maximum torque 250 Nm at 1,900 rpm. Performance and fuel consumption (A3 with manual five-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 11.4 s, top speed 194 km/h, consumption (combined) 4.5 litres diesel/100 km. Drive combination: front-wheel drive with manual five-speed gearbox.

Audi A3 1.9 TDI:
Engine: displacement 1,896 cc, power output 77 kW (105 bhp) at 4,000 rpm, maximum torque 250 Nm at 1,900 rpm. Performance and fuel consumption (A3 with manual five-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 11.4 s, top speed 187 km/h, consumption (combined) 4.9 litres diesel/100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual five-speed gearbox or S tronic.

Audi A3 2.0 TDI (103 kW/140 bhp):
Engine: displacement 1,968 cc, power output 103 kW (140 bhp) at 4,000 rpm, maximum torque 320 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Performance and fuel consumption (A3 with front-wheel drive and S tronic): 0 – 100 km/h in 9.0 s, top speed 207 km/h, consumption (combined) 5.6 litres diesel/100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox or S tronic, quattro drive with manual six-speed gearbox.

Audi A3 2.0 TDI (125 kW/170 bhp):
Engine: displacement 1,968 cc, power output 125 kW (170 bhp) at 4,200 rpm, maximum torque 350 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Performance and fuel consumption (A3 with front-wheel drive and S tronic): 0 – 100 km/h in 7.8 s, top speed 222 km/h, consumption (combined) 5.9 litres diesel/100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox or S tronic, quattro drive with manual six-speed gearbox.

The equipment and data stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Fuel consumption figures refer to overall fuel consumption according to 1999/100/EC. Subject to amendment; errors and omissions excepted.

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