2013 Audi A3 Sportback S-Line

The new Audi A3 Sportback is long and lean. While the length (4,310 millimeters 14.14 ft), width (1,780 millimeters 5.84 ft) and height (1,425 millimeters 4.68 ft) are only slightly greater than on the previous model, the wheelbase is now significantly longer at 2,636 millimeters (8.65 ft), an increase of 58 millimeters (2.28 in). The overall design language of the new Audi A3 Sportback concentrates on the essentials, with each individual design element making a clear and confident aesthetic statement. The front end is low; the roof arch spans a dome that extends beyond the subtle roof spoiler to the muscular tail end. The ratio of metal surface area to windows is two-thirds to one-third – a typical proportion for Audi.

The design with the three side windows is taut, with every detail precise and expressive. The tautly curved surfaces, the sharp shoulder of the body and the relatively narrow, sharply inclined C-pillar give the new Audi A3 Sportback its typical character. The sharply defined tornado line articulates the flank below the windows and evokes a powerful shoulder. The dynamic line above the side sills runs upward toward the rear. The large, precisely defined wheel wells and the subtle roof spoiler underscore the sporty aspirations of the new Audi A3 Sportback. The same applies to the exterior mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, which like with a sports car are mounted on the doors.

The distinguishing element of the front end is the distinctive, Stone Gray single-frame grille with the angled upper corners. Its horizontal slats and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. A slender, chrome-plated frame surrounds the grille. Large air intakes up front hint at the supreme power of the engines.

The flat headlights are works of art of the highest technical precision and give the new Audi A3 Sportback a determined gaze. They are styled in a wedge shape, and their lower edges are contoured in a slight wave. In the optional xenon plus modules, the LED daytime running lights form clear, visually uniform contours of lights at the upper and lower edges, which suggest the shape of an eyebrow. The turn signal lights are at the pointed corner of the headlight behind the 'wing' - a narrow, chrome-plated fin that is a typical Audi feature.

As an option, Audi can supply the new A3 Sportback with the high-beam assistant, and - in conjunction with xenon plus headlights - with adaptive light. It integrates a special curve, cornering and intersection light function and can be supplemented by variable headlight range control. It works together with the front-facing camera to adjust the light-dark boundary of the headlights automatically in response to approaching vehicles or the vehicles ahead. Full LED headlights will be offered somewhat later.

The rear is sculptured, and the split rear lights underscore its width. Audi offers LED rear lights in combination with the xenon plus headlights; LED light conductors appear to form a continuous arch. The adaptive brake light, which pulses at high frequency during hard braking, is standard. A sharp crease sets off the diffuser. Depending on the engine, the exhaust system terminates in one or two tailpipes on the left side of the car. On the Ambition and Ambiente they are chrome-plated.

The S line exterior package further sharpens the look of the premium compact car. The single-frame grille is painted in a high-gloss black, honeycomb-look screens with fog lights fill the large air inlets, which are bordered by powerful edges. Suggested air inlets that extend towards the wheels create distinctive visual accents. The sills have distinctive add-on strips. The roof spoiler has been lengthened, the bumper has an additional edge, the platinum gray diffuser includes a honeycomb-pattern insert, and the tailpipes of the exhaust system are chrome-plated.

There are twelve paint colors from which to choose. The solid finishes are called Amalfi White, Brilliant Red and Brilliant Black. The metallic finishes are Beluga Brown, Dakota Gray, Ice Silver, Glacier White, Monsoon Gray, Scuba Blue and Shiraz Red. The pearl-effect finishes Phantom Black and Misano Red round out the selection. The optional high-gloss package offers small highlights in the area of the side windows (standard with the Ambiente line).

An all-around talent – the new Audi A3 Sportback

Sporty, versatile and functional – Audi presents the new A3 Sportback. The compact five-door model with the spacious luggage compartment is groundbreakingly light thanks to ultra lightweight technology. The engines are powerful and highly efficient. The infotainment with the intuitive connect technology and the driver assistance systems available in the new A3 Sportback set new standards in the premium compact segment. The overall design language concentrates on the essentials, with each individual design element making a confident aesthetic statement.

A lightweight car is a prerequisite for sportiness and efficiency. ultra lightweight technology from Audi reduces the weight of the new Audi A3 Sportback by as much as 90 kilograms (198.42 lb) compared with the previous version. Equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine, the five-door model has a curb weight (without driver) of just 1,205 kilograms (2,656.57 lb). Hot-shaped steels are used in the occupant cell of the new A3 Sportback to reduce the weight. The complete occupant cell is 37 kilograms (81.57 lb) lighter overall than in the previous model. Significant weight reductions were also achieved in the interior and with the engines. Audi, worldwide pioneer in lightweight construction, has reversed the weight spiral and once again set a new record.

The body of the new Audi A3 Sportback is long and lean. While the length (4,310 millimeters 14.14 ft), width (1,780 millimeters 5.84 ft) and height (1,425 millimeters 4.68 ft) of the new model are only slightly greater than on the previous model, the wheelbase is now significantly longer at 2,636 millimeters (8.65 ft), an increase of 58 millimeters (2.28 in).

The front end is low; the roof arch spans a dome that extends beyond the subtle roof spoiler to the muscular tail end. The design with the three side windows is taut, with every detail precise and expressive. The large wheel wells underscore the sporty aspirations of the new Audi A3 Sportback.

The distinctive, Stone Gray single-frame grille with the angled upper corners is the distinguishing element at the front of the vehicle. Its horizontal slats and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. The flat headlights are works of art and give the new Audi A3 Sportback a determined gaze. Full LED headlights will be offered at a later time.

The interior of the new A3 Sportback is elegant, airy and cleanly designed. It carries over the dynamics of the exterior. The instrument panel with its curving front is slim and low. Together with the center console oriented toward the driver, it appears to float slightly.

Large, round air nozzles in jet design, the elegant user interface panel for the climate control system and sculpturally styled trim set the tone – with their polish they bring the quality of the full-size class into the new A3 Sportback. The seats and steering wheels are new developments, and the car's user controls are clear and intuitive – as they are in every Audi. The compact five-door model offers a generous luggage capacity of between 380 and 1,220 liters (13.42 and 43.08 cu ft).

Audi connect: networking with the surroundings
Customized online services, which the brand offers under Audi connect, network drivers to the Internet and rapidly supply the driver with key information – in an easy-to-comprehend format. The connection to the Internet is established via Audi connect, an extension of the MMI navigation plus system. Passengers can surf and e-mail freely with up to eight mobile devices via the integrated WLAN hotspot.

The system delivers Internet services tailored for the driver to the car – from navigation with Google Earth images and Google Maps Street View to Audi online traffic information to services such as Facebook and Twitter. Audi connect recently added flight and train information, and the City Events service provides information on current happenings. Audi connect offers drivers for the first time the ability to have e-mail read aloud and to dictate text messages (SMS).

Audi is bringing its assistance systems from the full-size class to the premium compact segment for convenience and a superior driving experience. They range from adaptive cruise control to Audi side assist and Audi active lane assist to the safety system Audi pre sense basic. The driver information system with rest recommendation is standard in the Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines.

The new Audi A3 Sportback is launching with two TDI and two TFSI engines, all of which are new developments. Their engine displacements range from 1.4 to 2.0 liters and their power from 77 kW (105 hp) to 132 kW (180 hp). Technologies from the modular efficiency platform help to reduce their fuel consumption by an average of nine percent compared with the previous model. Additional diesel and gasoline engines will follow later, as will the TCNG engine, which can be operated on Audi e-gas or natural gas.

The new A3 Sportback also underscores its technological leadership role in power transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) At its launch, the 1.8 TFSI is being offered with a seven-speed S tronic; in combination with the vehicle dynamics system Audi drive select, it offers a free-wheeling function that reduces fuel consumption. The 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TDI are paired with a manual six-speed transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) quattro permanent all-wheel drive will follow shortly.

The chassis and the long wheelbase (2,636 millimeters 8.65 ft) of the new Audi A3 Sportback combine sporty driving enjoyment with high levels of comfort and impressive stability. The power steering system with sensitive response and direct gearing has an efficient electromechanical drive. The ESC stabilization control system integrates an electronic limited slip differential – this makes handling even smoother and safer in fast driving through curves.

The optional system Audi drive select (standard with Ambition) lets the driver vary the operating of engine management, the power steering system and S tronic in different modes. The system also incorporates Audi magnetic ride, adaptive or standard cruise control, adaptive light and the air conditioning system. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter, and a sport suspension can be ordered in two different versions.

The new Audi A3 Sportback will begin appearing in German dealerships in February 2013, with prices starting at €23,400. The 1.2 TFSI will be available somewhat later for a base price of €22,500. Customers can choose between the trim lines Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente. There is also large number of sporty and comfortable options, such as adaptive light of the panoramic glass roof.

Interior

The clean ergonomics are a classic Audi strength. The MMI operating system with the power-retractable monitor is available with the MMI radio and above. The center tunnel console, framed on both sides by knee pads in the style of the TT sports car, presents a clean, well-organized look. Thanks to the new electromechanical parking brake, there is no longer any brake lever; this has created space for the terminal of the optional MMI user interface. The armrest is adjustable in length and height.

The driver seats at an elegant steering wheel. Depending on the version, it has three or four spokes, a flat-bottomed rim, multifunction buttons and shift paddles. The large dial instruments can be easily read at a glance. The driver information system, which is available with an optional color monitor, displays useful data on a 3.5-inch display. These include such things as the current radio station or song title, speed, outside temperature and the time, as well as information from the navigation and driver assistance systems if present. The on-board computer provides information on fuel consumption, average speed and the time and distance driven. Furthermore, the integrated efficiency program supports an economical driving style.

The newly developed front seats offer countless adjustment possibilities for optimal support. Audi also offers optional sport seats (standard with Ambition), which can also be adjusted to the driver's body size. Another comfort and safety feature is the high-adjustable seat belt. S sport seats with integrated head restraints will be offered somewhat later as part of the S line sport package.

The new Audi A3 Sportback also offers several millimeters more head and leg room than the previous model. Thanks to the 58-millimeter (2.28 in) increase in wheelbase, it also offers enough head, elbow, knee and foot room in the rear. The L-shaped rear head restraints provide for good rear visibility.

The interior of the new A3 Sportback conveys the luxurious look and feel of the full-size class. The sculpted inlays are just one of the highlights. Audi offers a choice of Aluminum Mistral or 3D glass-look inlays (standard with Ambiente) as options. The top-of-the-line version is manufactured using a complex process. The transparent film that is drawn over the base part is imprinted with a pattern of tiny triangles five times. A layer of transparent polycarbonate amplifies the 3D visual effect and at the same time gives the trim an extraordinary glass-like look.

The four large, round air nozzles in classic jet design are a typical Audi feature that simultaneously reflects technological aesthetics. Each of the air nozzles consists of over 30 individual parts, and tolerances of just a few hundredths of a millimeter are allowable. Their air flow is adjusted by pulling on the central axis – this varies the air flow from broadly dispersed or draft-free to a focused stream. When the rings are turned, they make the sound of technical precision – a fine, precisely-defined click.

The A3 Sportback comes standard with a manual air conditioning system. The control unit for the optional deluxe automatic air conditioning is mounted on a panel in Piano-finish black. The instrument cluster fascia is also black. Úpon request, many of the controls feature an aluminum-look finish. The optional interior lighting package (standard with Ambiente) accents the interior with additional highlights: Small LED lights are placed in the headlining, front and rear, in the make-up mirrors, doors, and foot areas, at the cup holder, in the glove box and on the exterior mirrors.

Interior colors are adapted to the respective trim line. Attraction is the modern, Ambition the sporty and Ambiente the luxurious, comfort-oriented line. In the A3 Sportback Attraction, the interior is bathed in black or titanium gray; the interior of the sporty Ambition line is either all black or black with additional silver, blue or yellow contrasting elements.

The two-tone Audi design selection capri orange is available as an exclusive option for Ambition. This exclusive design from the Audi designers features a youthful color combination. The colors pashmina beige and chestnut brown are available with the luxurious Ambiente trim line.

Additional distinctions are made in the materials that are used. Cloth seats are standard with the Attraction and Ambition lines; Ambiente comes standard with a mix of cloth and synthetic leather. Milano leather in black, pashmina beige, gray, brown and capri orange (Ambition only) or a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara in black or gray are available as options. When Milano leather is selected in conjunction with sport seats, the shoulder area is upholstered in Velvet leather. Special processing gives it a rugged, slightly rough surface similar to that of suede.

The S line sport package, which is available for the A3 Sportback Ambition, completely immerses the interior in black – even the headlining. Seat upholstery options are available in various materials – ranging from a cloth/leather combination to Fine Nappa leather; S line logos are embossed on the front seatbacks. Silver seams accentuate the styling, while the same color is used in contrasting seams for the borders of the floor mats; the decorative trim strips are made of matt brushed aluminum. Besides the S line sport suspension, a gear knob in perforated leather and a three-spoke leather-covered sport steering wheel – optionally with a flattened ring – emphasize the dynamic atmosphere.

The luggage compartment of the new Audi A3 Sportback has a capacity of 380 liters (13.42 cu ft) in its standard configuration and 1,220 liters (43.08 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. The cargo floor is flat, and the opening between the wheel wells measures 1,000 millimeters (39.37 in). The cargo floor can be inserted on two levels, and the supports on which it rests are marked with small LED lights. The rear seat can be folded down in a 60:40 split or as a whole. Practical bag hooks and lashing eyes in the cargo compartment are standard.

As options for the new A3 Sportback, Audi offers a load-through hatch, a ski and snowboard sack, a reversible floor mat and a storage and luggage compartment package. For the interior, this package offers nets on the backs of the front seats and in the front passenger area, a 12-volt outlet and a storage bin for safety vests under the middle rear seat.

For the luggage compartment, it offers a 12-volt outlet, a multi-fixing point for shopping bags, a luggage net and a compartment with net on the left side.

Multimedia systems


Audi's leadership in automotive electrical and electronic systems can also be fully experienced in the new A3 Sportback – the premium compact offers a comprehensive system of infotainment components. The heart of the mobile communications electronics is a groundbreaking innovation: the modular infotainment platform (MIB). This concept enables very fast innovation cycles in development.

The new Audi A3 Sportback comes standard with the Audi radio with a 2.5-inch monochrome display and a CD drive that also plays MP3 and WMA files. Its head unit can be lowered into the instrument panel, and an Aux-in port makes it possible to connect auxiliary devices. The Audi radio drives four loudspeakers with 80 watts of output power.

The next step up - the MMI radio - adds a control terminal on the center tunnel console and the power-retractable 5.8-inch monitor. This can be supplemented with the optional connectivity package, which includes the Audi music interface for the integration of a mobile player, a Bluetooth interface, navigation system preparation and an additional SDXC card reader. If the customer later buys an SD card with navigation data or chooses the navigation package from the very beginning, the MMI radio becomes a navigation system.

The new central computer of the MIB is located in the glove compartment of the A3 Sportback. It comprises two units - the radio car control unit and the MMX board (MMX = Multi-Media eXtension). One of the plug-in module's key components is the fast T-20 graphics process from market leader Nvidia's Tegra 2 series. The chip, which generates complex 3D images, is used in all online, voice control, media, navigation and telephone functions. The screen with the high-resolution monitor (5.8 or 7.0-inch diagonal) extends from the instrument panel when the system is started.

The MMI terminal is used to control the numerous functions. Audi is also presenting important innovations for the control terminal on the center tunnel console. The hard keys for navigation, telephone, radio and media have been rearranged and are now implemented as toggle switches. The volume control includes a skip function.

MMI navigation plus
The top version available in the new Audi A3 Sportback is the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch – a media center with 64 GB of storage capacity, DVD drive and whole-word voice control. The high-resolution 7-inch monitor displays the map with detailed 3D graphics. Mobile phones and auxiliary devices can be paired with MMI navigation plus through the integrated Bluetooth interface.

The power-retractable 7.0-inch monitor extending from the instrument panel has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels for razor-sharp images with brilliant colors. Efficient LEDs provide the backlight. The cover glass is bonded directly to the surface of the TFT screen by means of a special lamination process, leaving no air gap between the display glass and the cover glass. Just eleven millimeters thin and painted in glossy black, its lightweight magnesium housing gives it an elegant, premium look.

The large rotary pushbutton has been consolidated with the touchpad called MMI touch to form the touch wheel. The top of the control wheel is a touch-sensitive field. The MMI touch, which is a solution from the Audi full-size class, works with handwriting recognition. The driver writes letters or numbers he or she wishes to input for navigation or a phone call on the touch-sensitive screen by fingertip on the pad; the system then provides acoustic feedback after each character. MMI touch will be of special interest to Asian customers, because it can process tens of thousands of characters.

A voice control system is available as an alternative to manual user control at the MMI terminal. The driver can use it to input the name of the city and street in a single command and to control the telephone, Audi connect services and music playback.

The user menus in the A3 Sportback have a new layout. In the media area, for instance, the player and media center are clearly separated; song titles, albums and artists can be located directly via free text search. The point-of-interest search for the navigation system has been simplified. The map can be used to access online traffic information, Google Earth images and the 360 degree view offered by Google Maps Street View. The point-of-interest search and the new Picturebook Navigation functions can also be activated there. Many telephone functions have been improved. The services Weather, Refuelling Stop, Travel Information, News Online, City Events, Flight and Train Information, Facebook and Twitter have been consolidated under the Audi connect menu.

Attractive modules round out the diverse range of multimedia systems available. These include a module for digital radio reception and the Audi phone box, which connects the cell phone to the vehicle's antenna. The Audi sound system, in which a six-channel amplifier drives ten loudspeakers including a center speaker and subwoofer, is available with the MMI radio and above.

Delivering even more audio enjoyment is the Bang & Olufsen Sound System, the most sophisticated sound system in the premium compact class. Its key component is an amplifier with 705 watts of output power that is mounted in the center of the cabin. It drives 14 active loudspeakers over 15 channels. The system uses a microphone to record intrusive noise in the cabin in order to adjust the sound accordingly. In combination with MMI navigation plus, the sound is also output in 5.1 format. The two woofers in the doors also offer visual highlights – running along their upper edges is an arc-shaped trim strip of anodized aluminum, in which the logo of the Danish hi-fi specialist is laser-engraved. Located between the trim strip and the loudspeaker screen is an ultra-narrow light conductor which radiates white LED light.

Audi connect


The vision of networked mobility becomes reality in the new Audi A3 Sportback. All of the technologies that connect the driver to the car, the Internet, the infrastructure and other vehicles are consolidated under the term 'Audi connect.' This takes the comfort and the pleasure in a car to a new level. The hardware component is the optional feature Audi connect.

Audi connect, an extension of MMI navigation plus, connects to the Internet via ÚMTS. The integrated WLAN hotspot allows passengers to freely surf and send e-mails on up to eight mobile devices. The system delivers Internet services tailored for the driver to the car – from navigation with Google Earth images and Google Maps Street View to Audi music stream to Audi traffic information online or online services such as Facebook and Twitter. Audi connect also provides flight and train information, and the City Events service provides information on current happenings. Audi will be implementing the new LTE standard in the near future, which accelerates Internet access to as much as 100 Mbit/s. This benefits the Audi connect services and will also enable new applications, such as HD video streaming, online games etc. via the WLAN hotspot in the vehicle.

The services Facebook, Twitter and news online, as well as navigation destinations and the image sources for the new Picturebook Navigation can be configured using an active myAudi account linked to the vehicle. This allows the services to be adapted to each person's individual requirements.

The online community services Facebook and Twitter have been integrated into Audi connect in a car-friendly way. Joining the text-to-speech function is a practical text function: For example, preconfigured text modules can be sent to customers, business partners, family members and friends. These can also include data such as the current location, if desired.

News online (individual) - this offering from Audi connect delivers the content of renowned national and international news desks in the predefined language via the MMI navigation plus.

The standard information sources (ATP, Tagesschau, Deutsche Welle) can be supplemented with custom news sources configured via RSS feeds.

The Audi connect Refuelling Stop service lists gas stations nearby or at another location, such as the destination city. The search results, which also take into account the type of fuel required by the vehicle, can be sorted according to price or distance.

The E-mail service transmits incoming messages from the mobile phone to the vehicle via Bluetooth. The driver can choose to have the content read aloud, after which the e-mail is marked as 'Read.'

The Messages service enables the driver to send text messages (SMS) quickly and easily using voice control without ever having to pick up the cell phone. Following the command 'Dictate text message to name from the address book,' the desired text is spoken and the text recognized is displayed on the MMI navigation plus monitor prior to sending so that it can be corrected, if necessary.

Another new service from Audi connect is Picturebook Navigation. The driver stores photos of destinations linked with geopositioning data in a 'picture book' on a server. These can be the driver's own photos or images from Google Maps Street View or the Internet community. The driver can then use the images to put together a route. This service is particularly attractive for vacations. The photos are loaded into the picture box either via SD card or via a myAudi account linked to the vehicle.

Audi is making great strides in advancing the networking of its vehicles. New technologies, e.g. in seamless usage of widely diverse media, are increasingly making cars bearing the four rings more of an experiential space. Audi is building up its own IT capacities in a large way. Over the mid-term, the brand is focusing on Car-to-X communication, i.e. information exchange with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure. This will open up many new opportunities for making driving even more safe, relaxed and economical.

Driver assistance systems

The driver can adjust the distance and the control dynamics in four levels. If the assistance package (which consolidates multiple systems including the parking system plus with selective display and Audi active lane assist), the speed range at which ACC is active extends up to 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The stop & go function in combination with the S tronic complements the ACC. This function can brake the new A3 Sportback to a stop when a vehicle in front is stopping, and it can automatically resume driving if the stopped phase lasts less than three seconds.

Audi active lane assist becomes active at a speed of 65 km/h (40.39 mph). A video camera in the interior mirror identifies the lane markings on the road surface. If the new Audi A3 Sportback approaches one of them without using the turn signal, the system helps the driver to steer back into the lane. The MMI control system is used to specify how quickly this assistance system should intervene as well as whether the steering wheel should vibrate in conjunction with this. If early correction is activated, the system helps to return the car to the center of the lane by intervening slightly in the electromechanical steering.

The optional Audi side assist helps the driver to change lanes at speeds of 30 km/h (18.64 mph) and above. Two radar sensors in the rear monitor the area to the side of and behind the car at a distance of about 70 meters (230 ft). If Audi side assist considers a vehicle detected in the blind spot or approaching rapidly from the rear to be critical for a lane change, it signals this by illuminating the indicator in the respective exterior mirror. If the driver activates the turn signal in such a situation, the indicator blinks brightly and rapidly several times – a very prominent warning signal.

The camera-based traffic sign recognition system recognizes speed limits, including conditional speed limits (when wet, between certain times, only for trailers), and presents these as an additional item in the display of the driver information system. The output of the traffic sign recognition system can be configured using the multifunction steering wheel.

Also integrated into the driver information system is the rest recommendation function, which analyzes the driver's steering motions among other things at speeds between 65 and 200 km/h (40.39 and 124.27 mph). If the analysis reveals indications that the driver's attentiveness is declining, the system recommends a rest by illuminating an indicator in the driver information system and sounding an acoustic signal. The rest recommendation can be deactivated.

Audi offers various options that make parking easy. When maneuvering in reverse, the rear parking system measures the distance to obstacles behind the car with four ultrasonic sensors. Parking system plus with selective display utilizes four additional sensors to detect such obstacles as vertical posts in front of and behind the new A3 Sportback. They are shown in the driver information system display, on the MMI monitor and in critical situations are also indicated acoustically.

The high-end solution is park assist with selective display – it can back the new A3 Sportback into parking spaces. To find a parking space, it measures spots along the side of the road when traveling at moderate speeds – up to 40 km/h (24.85 mph) when parallel parking and up to 20 km/h (12.43 mph) when perpendicular parking. A notification appears in the driver information system display when the system finds a suitable spot.

If the driver now puts the car into reverse, the system takes control of the electromechanical steering. The driver must continue to accelerate, shift gears and brake. When parallel parking, it suffices if the space is roughly 0.8 meters (2.62 ft) longer than the vehicle. When perpendicular parking, 0.7 meters (2.30 ft) of additional width is sufficient. Park assist will maneuver forward and backward multiple times, if necessary. It offers similar support when pulling out of parallel parking spots. In this case, 0.5 meters (1.64 ft) is sufficient. The park assist and the parking system plus can be supplemented with a reversing camera, which is integrated inconspicuously into the handle of the tailgate.

One technology with which the new A3 Sportback is setting new standards in the compact segment is the optional safety system Audi pre sense basic. If it detects an unstable driving state via the sensors of the electronic stabilization control (ESC), it pretensions the front seatbelts. If the A3 Sportback begins to skid, the system closes the windows and the optional sunroof.

The function pre sense front is integrated into the adaptive cruise control (ACC). In case of an impending collision, the system warns the driver in stages, depending on the severity of the situation. The first stage involves output of visual and acoustic signals, and the second is a warning jolt in the braking system - a brief braking pulse. If the driver now steps on the pedal, the system supports the intended braking so that a collision can be avoided.

However, if the driver remains passive, the ACC initiates braking at partial braking power to reduce the speed at impact. In an emergency, and at speeds of less than 30 km/h (18.64 mph), the system can autonomously slow the new A3 Sportback with nearly full braking power, regardless of whether the vehicle in front of the A3 is in motion or stationary. At speeds of less than 20 km/h, this function can avoid an accident altogether in some situations; in this case, the collision speed and the severity of the accident can be reduced substantially.

If a collision occurs nevertheless, a new subsystem is activated: the multicollision brake assistant. It helps to ensure that the vehicle does not continue rolling uncontrolled, while at the same time the cabin lights and the hazard lights are switched on. If the car is equipped with Audi connect, an emergency call is made automatically.

Lighting technology

Precisely designed, powerful halogen headlights with clear glass covers ensure that the new Audi A3 Sportback comes standard with good visibility in the dark. The A3 Sportback is optionally available with xenon plus headlights. The automatic headlight range control helps to prevent blinding oncoming traffic. The integrated daytime running lights form a narrow, visually homogenous contour of light at the top and inside edges of the highlights, like an eyebrow.

If equipped with xenon plus headlights, the rear lights also use state-of-the-art LED technology. The three-dimensional floating effect of the curved LED light guide is an element of Audi's new design language. The turn signal, which also uses LED technology, closes the contour as a strip at the top edge. The adaptive brake light, which pulses during hard braking, is standard.

The xenon-plus-based Audi adaptive light pivots intelligently into curves. If linked to the navigation system, it also includes special functions for urban, interurban, highway, intersections and tourist attraction lighting (for switching from driving on the right to driving on the left). In combination with variable headlight range control, the light-dark boundary of the headlights is adjusted automatically and steplessly. This provides substantially improved visibility and safety at night.

A first in the premium compact class are the optional LED headlights, which previously have only been available in full-size models. The LED technology illuminates the road with a light similar to daylight while at the same time consuming less energy and offering a longer service life than conventional lighting systems. The low beams of the new Audi A3 Sportback are generated in two free-form reflectors with a total of nine high-performance LED chips. Ten high-performance LEDs in the matt aluminum trim provide the high beams. Depending on the features chosen, the high beams are switched on automatically and LED cornering lights illuminate tight corners. Interurban, highway and tourist attraction lighting round out the lighting convenience functions. The all-weather lights enhance safety in fog or snow.

The optional lighting package provides for pleasant, non-glare lighting in the interior of the A3 Sportback. LED technology is used at the inside door handles, in the front and rear foot wells and at the cup holders. The ambient light, which shines from the roof module to the center console and also illuminates the inside surfaces of the doors, provides for improved orientation. The touch wheel of the MMI navigation plus is also illuminated via a light guide.

Source - Audi