PARIS: The latest Audi A3 Sportback is due to make its world public debut.
Audi promises the practical compact is able to offer more space for families and their luggage because of a longer wheelbase.
The wheelbase now measures 2,636mm, an increase of 58mm. This makes the five-door model 35mm longer between the axles than the three-door version.
The Audi ultra lightweight design principle has reduces the weight of the new A3 Sportback by 90kg compared with the previous version. Equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine, the five-door model has a kerb weight of just 1,205kg - a reversal of the weight spiral which makes the Sportback a class-leader in this respect.
The interior of the new A3 Sportback is marked by an elegant, clean and light design. A long arch runs below the windscreen reminiscent of the larger Audi models. The instrument panel with its curved front is lean and low.
Cloth seats are standard for SE and Sport models, while S line versions upgrade to a mixture of Biathlon cloth and leather. Options include Milano leather or a combination of leather and Alcantara. The Milano leather sport seats are covered with soft Velvet in the shoulder region.
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 in each case.
Highlights common to all also include alloy wheels, air conditioning (manual in the SE, dual zone with electronic control in Sport and S line), the MMI radio with its 11 millimetre-thin electrically folding screen, preparation for SD card navigation, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, a Driver Information System, the Bluetooth mobile phone interface with voice control and a multi-function steering wheel.
Sport models upgrade to larger alloy wheels and incorporate the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system
The luggage compartment offers 380 litres of space in the basic configuration, 10 litres more than its predecessor. This expands to 1,220 litres with the seats folded down. The cargo floor is flat and the opening between the wheel wells measures 100 centimetres.
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, 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 1.4 TSFI engine delivers 122PS and 200Nm of torque, with 0-100kph sprint done in 9.3s. Other engine sizes will follow such as 1.2 TSFI, 1.8 TSFI, 1.6TDI and 2.0 TDI. A more powerful 1.4 TFSI will also be introduced offering 140PS and 250Nm of torque.
The majority of engines will be paired with a manual six-speed gearbox, with the exception of the 1.8 TFSI which will get an S tronic transmission.
S tronic will be available as an option for all other engines. Depending on the version, the dual-clutch transmission shifts through six or seven gears.
Power is relayed to the front wheels through quattro permanent all-wheel drive (which is lighter than before) will become available as an option for the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI in the future.
The A3 Sportback will go on the stands at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.