Audi: This is the sedan of the A3 🎥
In the second generation, the Audi A3 Sedan is networked all around - from infotainment and the digital cockpit to the assistance systems. New drive systems are designed to make driving more fun. Designers Jakob Hirzel and Stefan Vollmer present the design of the new A3 Sedan. Compared with the predecessor model, the A3 Sedan is more compact with an unchanged [...]
Designers Jakob Hirzel and Stefan Vollmer present the design of the new A3 sedan.
Compared with the predecessor model, the A3 sedan has grown by four centimeters to 4.50 meters in length with an unchanged wheelbase. Its width has increased by two centimeters to 1.82 meters and its height by one centimeter to 1.43 meters.
The result is increased headroom - a good two centimeters at the front thanks to the lower driver's seat - and slightly more elbow room. The trunk capacity of 425 liters is exactly the same as its predecessor.
Spoiler sets visual accent
Whereas in the A3 Sportback the body line above the sill in front of the rear wheel arch runs in a bend upward to the taillight, emphasizing the short rear end, in the sedan it stretches to the rear bumper. This emphasizes the length - 15 centimeters more than on the Sportback - and creates an elegant flank.
The roof line runs dynamically downwards from the B-pillar - like a coupe - and ends in a striking spoiler on the tailgate. This is optionally available in carbon fiber. This adds a visual accent and underscores the powerful appearance of the four-door model.
Diffuser favors aerodynamics
The higher rear end compared with the predecessor and the large diffuser favor aerodynamics. As a result, the new A3 sedan with the 2.0 TDI 150 hp achieves a cd value of 0.25, 0.04 cw points better than the first generation.
The driver always in focus
The cockpit of the A3 sedan focuses entirely on the driver. This starts with the interior design and ends with the display and control elements.
For example, the instrument panel with the central MMI touch display is slightly tilted toward the driver. It has a 10.1-inch diagonal and is intuitive to operate.
As standard, it includes handwriting recognition and natural language control, which optionally also draws on the capabilities of the cloud.
Modular infotainment system
The infotainment system in the new A3 sedan is MMI navigation plus, which uses the third-generation Modular Infotainment Toolkit. The MIB 3 has ten times the computing power of the predecessor model, networks the car at LTE Advanced speed, and brings passengers' smartphones online via WLAN hotspot.
The MMI navigation plus offers a wide range of Audi connect services as standard. These include online traffic information, news and additional information such as photos, opening times and user ratings for points of interest.
Networking the assistance systems
Networking between the A3 Sedan and smartphone also takes place via Audi smartphone interface, which embeds iOS and Android phones with Apple Car Play and Android Auto in the MMI, and via Audi phone box. The close networking also makes the driver assistance systems particularly powerful.
In the Audi pre sense front system, the camera behind the interior mirror works together with the front radar to prevent accidents or at least reduce their severity.
Also helpful in city traffic are the exit warning, the cross-traffic assistant and the surrounding cameras, which will follow shortly after the market launch.
More precisely tuned chassis
The chassis of the new A3 sedan is tuned for sporty harmony - even a touch more precise than in the predecessor model. This precision and responsiveness is due in part to the central vehicle dynamics controller, which ensures optimum interaction between all components relevant to lateral dynamics.
As an alternative to the standard setup, there is a sports suspension and a suspension with controlled dampers. The latter offers a wide spread between highly comfortable rolling and agile handling.
The driver can also experience different settings with the Audi drive select driving dynamics system - from comfort-oriented to distinctly dynamic to particularly fuel-efficient.
Gasoline and diesel with 150 hp
The A3 sedan will be launched with a TFSI engine and a TDI unit. The 35 TFSI, a 1.5-liter direct-injection engine, produces 150 hp and is available in two versions and with a fast-shifting seven-speed S tronic. The 2.0 TDI with 150 hp also works with the S tronic, whose gears are changed via a new switch using shift-by-wire technology.
In Switzerland, advance sales will start on April 23. The first deliveries will take place in July. The 35 TFSI with 150 hp S tronic is available from 40 150. The entry-level gasoline engine costs from 37 650 Swiss francs.
