The latest Audi A3 appears in a new capacity at next week’s Paris Motor Show (September 29 to October 14) as the third generation five-door Sportback version makes its world public debut.
Carrying a premium of £620 over its three-door equivalent, the first phase of A3 Sportback models is now open for ordering priced from £19,825 OTR.
Equipment levels mirror the three-door A3 across the three SE, Sport and S line specification levels, but the more family-oriented Sportback also adds rear electric windows and rear door child locks.
Sport models upgrade to larger alloy wheels and incorporate the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system which enables the driver to choose from five modes dictating the car’s driving characteristics – Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency and Individual.
Stand-out features of the top S line specification include 18-inch alloy wheels, S line body styling, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lamps, an S line sports steering wheel and part-leather-upholstered sports seats embossed with the S line logo.
Audi will initially offer the new A3 Sportback with a choice of one TDI and two TFSI engines. Two diesel engines and one petrol unit will follow later. They combine multiple efficiency technologies – direct injection, turbocharging, innovative thermal management and the start-stop system. Fuel consumption has been reduced on average by around 10 per cent compared with the previous model.
The majority of engines in the new Audi A3 Sportback are paired with a manual six-speed gearbox, with the exception of the 1.8 TFSI which in the UK will initially be equipped exclusively with S tronic transmission. S tronic will be available as an option for all other engines.
With engines producing up to 180PS, the power is delivered to the front wheels, but quattro permanent all-wheel drive featuring a newly developed multi-plate clutch will become available as an option for the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI in the future.
The new Audi A3 Sportback is available to order now, and the first cars will reach customers here in March 2013.
Robert - 21/09/2012 13:56
Most people that don't know cars will find difficult to notice any changes from old to new. Audi spent a lot of time getting a top interior but the exterior is just a copy and paste from current model and A4/5/6. Myself will either extend the current lease on my A3 or try another car.