2014 Audi A3 Sedan

The Audi A3 Sedan – Launch into a new market segment

• A3 available for the first time as an attractive sedan

• Highly efficient engines and innovative driver assistance systems

• S3 Sedan with 221 kW (300 hp); 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.9 seconds

With the launch of the A3 Sedan in spring 2013, Audi is entering the world's largest market segment, the class of compact sedans. The dynamic four-door car offers all of the strengths of the A3 model series - with low weight thanks to lightweight design, powerful and highly efficient engines and numerous high-end solutions for infotainment as well as driver assistance systems. The top model of the series is the S3 Sedan with 221 kW (300 hp).

Exterior design
The Audi A3 Sedan has a sporty stance on the road, and it is precise and highly expressive in every detail. Its design is a cross between the classic three-box concept and the coupé philosophy. The 'tornado line' design element forms a distinct light-refracting edge that runs over the entire side. The overhangs are short. The four-door car has a 2.64 meter (8.66 ft) long wheelbase and an overall length of 4.46 meters (14.63 ft).

Above the side sills, the dynamic line rises more sharply than on the other two A3 models. The side surfaces are more intensively curved, and the wheel arches are slightly more flared. With a width of 1.80 meters (5.91 ft), the A3 Sedan is eleven mm (0.43 in) wider than the A3 Sportback; its height (1.42 meters 4.66 ft) is still nine mm (0.35 in) lower than that of the Sportback.

The four-door car also expresses independent lines in the contour of its hood, in the bumpers, air intakes and its implementation of the singleframe grille. At the rear, the spoiler is integrated in the trunk lid, and the lights emphasize the car's horizontal lines with their broad and low cuts. LED technology is available as an option. Audi will also be offering full-LED headlights right at market launch - their innovative technology and distinctive appearance underscore the exceptional positioning of the Audi A3 Sedan.

Body


The strict dictate of lightweight design carries over into the interior and the engines as well. The four-cylinder engine weighs just over 100 kg (220.46 lb).

Powertrain

When the Audi A3 Sedan launches in Germany and Europe, the engine line-up will consist of three four-cylinder engines. Completely redesigned, the engines bring together efficiency technologies from Audi - direct fuel injection, turbocharging, innovative thermal management and the start-stop-system. The line-up of engines and transmissions will grow further, and will include two new basic engines.

The 2.0 TDI produces 110 kW (150 hp) and develops 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates the Audi A3 Sedan from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.7 seconds and takes it to a top speed of 220 km/h (136.70 mph). Its combined fuel consumption is 4.1 liters per 100 km (57.37 ÚS mpg) - for a CO2 equivalent of 108 grams per km (172.20 g/mile).

Key performance parameters of the 1.4 TFSI are 103 kW (140 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft). At low engine load, the COD (cylinder on demand) system deactivates two cylinders. The 1.4-liter engine gives the car a combined fuel consumption of just 4.7 liters fuel per 100 km (50.05 ÚS mpg); its CO2 emissions are 109 grams per km (175.42 g/mile). It takes just 8.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), and the car's top speed with this engine is 213 km/h (132.35 mph).

The 1.8 TFSI produces 132 kW (180 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. It utilizes an extensive package of high-end technologies, including dual injection into the combustion chambers and the induction manifold. It enables sporty performance, taking 7.3 seconds for the standard sprint to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and reaching a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). Its combined fuel consumption is 5.6 liters per 100 km (42.00 ÚS mpg), equivalent to 129 grams CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile).

Depending on the engine, either a manual six-speed transmission or the S tronic is used. The dual-clutch transmission shifts the gears without any noticeable break in propulsive power. It is controlled by either the selector lever or paddles on the steering wheel.

The D shifting map is laid out for maximum fuel efficiency, while the rev levels are somewhat higher in the sporty S mode. In cooperation with the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, the S tronic offers a free-wheeling function in its efficiency mode which further reduces fuel consumption.

Chassis

The pole position that the Audi A3 Sedan has enjoyed in its segment is largely due to its chassis engineering. Providing the foundation here is a finely balanced axle load distribution (60 percent front and 40 percent rear, varies somewhat for different engines). All engines are tilted twelve degrees towards the rear, while the front wheel suspensions are placed far forward.

The front suspension is a MacPherson design with A-arms and aluminum pivot bearings. It is joined to an aluminum subframe. The electromechanically assisted steering system operates sensitively and efficiently together with various assistance systems. In the four-link rear suspension, which utilizes a steel crossmember, the springs and shock absorbers are mounted separately. The sport suspensions for the Ambition line and S line lower the body by up to 25 mm (0.98 in).

The Audi A3 Sedan has 16- to 18-inch-wheels; quattro GmbH can also deliver wheels up to 19 inches in diameter. The front brake discs are internally ventilated.

Electronic stabilization control or ESC also includes an electronic differential lock. In fast driving through curves, it brakes the inside front wheel very slightly to minimize understeering and improve traction.

Interior

Starting with the MMI Radio system, the MMI operating system has an electrically extending screen. Its terminal is housed in the console of the center tunnel. The electromechanical parking brake is activated by a pushbutton. The steering wheel has either three or four spokes, depending on the version. The customer can also order the steering wheel with a flat bottom, multifunction keys and shift paddles. Audi can also install sport seats in the front as an option. They are standard in the Ambition line, where S sport seats with integrated head restraints are available as an option.

The interior colors - black, titan gray, pashmina beige and chestnut brown - are based on the specific equipment line. The two-tone Audi design selection lasso brown creates an exclusive color world. The S line sport package, which can be ordered for the A3 Sedan Ambition, immerses the interior space entirely in black. Available upholstery materials include fabric covers, a mix of fabric and artificial leather, Milano leather and a combination of Pearl nappa leather and Alcantara.

Thanks to the long wheelbase, rear passengers also enjoy ample space and comfortable entry. The cargo capacity of the trunk measures 425 liters (15.01 cubic feet). This capacity can be increased by folding down the rear seatbacks which come with a load-through hatch as an option. The trunk lid automatically swings upward after it is unlocked.

Infotainment and Audi connect

Like its siblings in the model series, the Audi A3 Sedan makes use of the new modular infotainment system (MIB). The top system is MMI Navigation plus with an SSD hard drive offering 64 GB of storage, a DVD drive and whole-word voice control. A high-resolution 7-inch-screen shows the map image in detailed 3D graphics. The MMI Navigation plus system interfaces to cell phones and mobile players via Bluetooth. The user terminal has a turn/push control designed as a 'touchwheel' with MMI touch - the touchwheel's top surface is a touch-sensitive pad for inputting letters, symbols and numbers.

Other infotainment components include a module for digital radio reception (DAB+), the Audi phone box for conveniently coupling a cell phone to the car antenna and the Bang & Olufsen sound system. Its 705 watt amplifier drives 14 loudspeakers in 5.1 surround sound, and LED light guides illuminate the woofer grilles in the front doors.

Audi connect covers all technologies that network the driver with the car, the Internet, infrastructure and other vehicles. Audi has made the system even more appealing - whenever possible the connection to the Internet is run over the super-fast LTE standard. The LTE telephone module replaces the previous ÚMTS module here, which enables a download rate of up to 100 MBit/s in the car.

Audi connect lets passengers conveniently surf and e-mail via an integrated WLAN hotspot. For the driver, it brings customized Internet services from Audi into the car. They range from navigation using images from Google Earth and Google Street View to Audi traffic information online and the smartphone app Audi music stream. News and information services complete the line-up. The online community services Facebook and Twitter are integrated in a vehicle-friendly way; along with a text-to-speech function, a practical text function is provided with prepared text units.

A new Audi connect service that is making its debut in the A3 Sedan is parking space information. It shows information on parking spaces, parking garages and underground garages near a destination selected by the driver. Whenever possible, the service indicates the number of available spaces and parking fees. The street address of the parking space can be used as a navigation destination.

Features

The new Audi A3 Sedan is launching with a generous set of standard features. The package of restraint systems includes a knee airbag for the driver. The DIS with color display in the Ambition and Ambiente lines includes an efficiency program, gearshift indicator and rest recommendation feature.

In addition, the Ambition line has a sport suspension, 17-inch-alloy wheels, sport seats and the Audi drive select system. The Ambiente line adds a cruise control system, interior LED lighting package and rear parking assistant. In addition to these standard features, Audi also offers other individual comfort and convenience options - such as a panoramic glass sunroof, convenience key, auxiliary heating and xenon-based adaptive lights. In conjunction with MMI Navigation plus, the lighting system utilizes route data to optimally illuminate the roadway depending on the driving situation.

Optional driver assistance systems also come from the premium class. The adaptive cruise control (ACC) maintains a desired distance between the A3 Sedan and the vehicle in front of it up to a speed of 150 km/h (93.21 mph); with the assistance package, which combines multiple systems, the control range is extended up to 200 km/h (124.27 mph). When combined with S tronic, ACC also offers a stop&go function for low speeds.

The rear radar sensor Audi side assist monitors lane changes, while Audi active lane assist helps the driver to keep within the lane by making slight corrections to the electromechanical steering as necessary. The video camera of Audi active lane assist is also used for traffic sign recognition. A high-end solution for convenient parking is park assist with display of the surroundings - it relieves the driver of steering work in parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers.

Another high-end option is the safety system Audi pre sense basic. Pre sense front is integrated in the adaptive cruise control system. In case of an imminent rear-end collision, the system warns the driver using a staged reaction strategy; if necessary, it can even initiate hard braking. In an emergency situation at speeds under 30 km/h (18.64 mph), Audi pre sense front can brake the A3 Sedan with nearly full braking power. If a crash occurs, the brake assist system avoids secondary collisions by ensuring that the car does not travel further in an uncontrolled manner.

Market

With the A3 Sedan, Audi is entering the world's strongest market segment, the class of compact sedans.

In Germany and many European countries, the four-door car will be available at dealers late summer 2013. The base price for the 1.4 TFSI is around 25,000 euros.

Source - Audi

Audi introduces the all-new technologically advanced 2015 Audi A3 and S3 sedans

• A3 Sedan brings new level of craftsmanship and attention to detail to the fast growing A segment
• Available with a number of powertrain options and advanced technology features
• A3 Sportback will return with A3 Sportback e-tron® Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) confirmed for the Ú.S. market
Audi of America, Inc. officially announced plans today for the arrival of the all-new 2015 Audi A3 sedan. (concept carz) Coming to showrooms in the first quarter of 2014, the Audi A3 sedan will bring to the A segment new innovative technologies and the detailed craftsmanship found in larger flagship Audi sedans. The A3 sedan offers versatile powertrains for a wide variety of entry-luxury customer tastes including a 1.8 TFSI®, 2.0 TFSI®, 2.0 TDI® clean diesel and the high performance S3 with a high-output 2.0 TFSI®.




'The Audi A3 will set the new benchmark among entry-level luxury sedans,' said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. 'This A3 line-up redefines the standards of its class in dynamics, efficiency, technology, craftsmanship and performance.'

With the first generation A3, Audi established a whole new market segment – the premium Sportback compact class vehicle. Its quality, equipment, dynamic capabilities and value were adopted from larger Audi vehicles with an extra measure of sportiness and utility inherent in the 5 door Sportback bodystyle. The third generation Audi A3 continues this tradition combined with the first production Audi e-tron vehicle.



Even the base model of the all-new premium Audi A3 comes equipped with standard features that include leather upholstery, Bluetooth® technology, rain sensing wipers, Audi pre sense basic and a panoramic glass sunroof.

In addition to the standard technologies, the Audi A3 sedan will feature new, segment first technologies. One key example is the implementation of the new NVIDIA graphics processing unit (GPÚ). The NVIDIA GPÚ generates complex three-dimensional images used in all online, voice control, media navigation and telephone functions. Fundamentally, the Tegra® graphics processor powers tablets and other mobile devices and is also used in 3D gaming and various medical applications. Another industry first includes the Audi phone box. The Audi phone box is a compartment located under the center armrest that boosts a mobile phone's cellular coverage by wirelessly coupling to a specialized antenna in the rear windshield.

Performance
The A3 sedan has been further enhanced thanks to numerous engineering improvements under the hood. The A3 model line offers four different engine variants including the 170 horsepower 1.8 TFSI, and 150 horsepower 2.0 TDI clean diesel, and a low and high-output 2.0 TFSI used in the A3 quattro and S3 quattro respectively. Horsepower figures for the 2.0 TFSI engines will be available closer to launch. All engines are mated to the standard 6-speed S tronic® transmission which provides the driver immense shifting flexibility and driving pleasure with smooth, dynamic acceleration and virtually no interruption to the power flow.

New to the A3, the Audi drive select allows the driver to adjust throttle response, shift points, and the electromechanical steering effort. Similar to other Audi models, Audi drive select has four settings that include Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual.

Chassis
The new platform allows the front wheels to move forward by roughly 1.5 inches (compared to the previous generation A3) to provide well-balanced proportions, supplemented by optimized interior space utilization, and an improved crash structure.

The front suspension is a MacPherson design with A-arms and aluminum pivot bearings. It is joined to an aluminum subframe. The electromechanically assisted steering system operates sensitively and efficiently together with various assistance systems, while reducing mechanical drag for greater efficiency. In the four-link rear suspension for the gasoline models, which utilizes a steel crossmember, the springs and shock absorbers are mounted separately.

The electronic stabilization control (ESC) also includes an electronic differential lock. When driving through curves, it can brake the inside front wheel very slightly to help minimize understeer and improve traction.

Exterior
The exterior has been completely redesigned and specifically tailored to meet the sedan preferences of the American market. The Audi A3 stretches 175.5 inches in length and has a 103.4 inch wheelbase. Combined with its 70 inch width and 55.7 inch height, its proportions are compact but very sporty and nearly resemble the original Audi A4 from 1994.

The signature Singleframe® grille and available full-LED headlights, another first for the A-segment, are some of the notable design changes included in the all-new Audi A3 sedan. (concept carz)

Interior
The athletic exterior of the A3 extends inside, where Audi maintains its leading role in automotive interior design and craftsmanship. The defining element is the 'wraparound' dash design, which incorporates an innovative three-dimensional inlay concept surrounding the driver and front passenger. The available LED interior lighting package highlights the immense craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every Audi A3 interior. This is accomplished by bathing the interior in a cool white LED light surrounding the center console, door panels, cupholders, and even the Bang & Olufsen Sound System when so equipped.

The A3 delivers the same prestige and high-quality materials found in Audi's flagship sedan, the A8 with standard leather seating surfaces and exceptional ergonomics. The MMI operating system has an electronically extending screen, its terminal housed in the console of the center dashboard. It features a 7-inch high resolution display screen with magnesium backing that is less than ½ inch thick. To further enhance the driving experience, the new MMI controls are conveniently positioned behind the gear shift. They now offer the first touch pad incorporated into the rotary MMI control wheel, which offers an intuitively and simple operation typical of the brand with the four rings. Now with the optional 705 watt 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System, all occupants in the A3 can enjoy the best in acoustics.

Driver Assistance
The Audi A3 now offers several advanced technology features which are new to the entry luxury segment, including the standard Audi pre sense basic system which helps detect when an emergency maneuver is being made and prepares the vehicle and its occupant restraint systems in advance of a possible collision. The Audi A3 also offers an optional driver assistance package, which includes Audi side assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go.

Audi connect®
The modular infotainment platform in the Audi A3 also brings several upgrades to the industry leading Audi connect® service. Audi's connected vehicle strategy targets features and services that enhance the driving experience for Audi drivers and their passengers by providing the benefits of access to information and content, when needed, through interfaces designed for the in-vehicle environment. Already, Audi is a leader with integrated high-speed mobile broadband in the vehicle. Now with 4G/LTE technology in the Audi A3, customers will be able to connect with a network capable of supporting data rates of up to 150 Mbit/s downstream and considerably faster response times. Úsing the existing Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 8 devices, passengers can now view high-definition videos and make video conference calls from the vehicle. Adding to the existing Google Earth™ 3D satellite imagery and intelligent POI search with Google Voice™ Local Search, the Audi A3 introduces a new Picture Navigation service. Here the driver can save photos of destinations, which are linked to geo-navigation data (GPS), in the 'photo box' of MMI Navigation plus. These may be the driver's own photos or scenes from Google Maps Street View. Photos can be imported via an SD card or a myAudi account. A new app integration interface over Wi-Fi for music streaming and other connected device apps, voice-controlled social media features, and a completely redesigned user MMI interface allows drivers and passengers to continue to enjoy a connected lifestyle while in the vehicle without handling devices.

Source - Audi