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 engines of the new Audi A3 Sportback have shed a significant amount of weight as well. The engines of the new A3 have shed a lot of weight as well. The 1.8 TFSI, for example, weighs just a little over 130 kilograms (286.60 lb), while the 1.4 TFSI weighs in at just 107 kilograms (235.89 lb) – 21 kilograms (46.30 lb) less than the previous engine. With a weight difference of 15 kilograms (33.07 lb), the aluminum crankcase accounts for the largest share of reductions, but progress has also been made in many small engine details – e.g. in the new aluminum pistons and the hollow-bored connecting rod pins.
In the 1.8 TFSI, the thin-wall technology of the crankcase reduces weight by 2.4 kilograms (5.29 lb). In the 2.0 TDI, the balance shafts are mounted in the engine block, which accounts for three kilograms (6.61 lb) of savings, while modified sound dampers in the exhaust system save an additional two kilograms (4.41 lb). Weight was trimmed from the exhaust system in all engine versions.
In the chassis, the new one-piece aluminum subframe and aluminum pivot bearings (depending on the engine) reduced the weight of the front suspension system by about six kilograms (13.23 lb). The optional 18-inch alloy wheels are no heavier than the 17-inch wheels; they are produced by a complex flow-forming technology. In this process, the rim well is rolled out over a cylinder under high pressure and at high temperature. The system shapes the wheel blank in a single work step, during which the material also becomes stronger. This permits thinner wall thicknesses so that the wheel is both lighter and stronger.
Audi is initially offering the new A3 Sportback with a choice of 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). Additional diesel and gasoline engines will follow somewhat later, as will the TCNG engine, which can be operated on Audi e-gas or natural gas. The bivalent TCNG engine can be operated on gasoline, natural gas or Audi e-gas. All of the engines follow the Audi engine philosophy of downsizing, in which displacement is replaced by forced induction for strong performance and low fuel consumption. Fuel consumption has been reduced on average by around nine percent compared with the previous model.
At market launch of the new A3 Sportback, Audi is pairing the 1.4 TFSI and the 2.0 TDI with a manual six-speed transmission. It shifts easily and precisely over short paths and is distinguished by high efficiency. As in all Audi transmissions, the gear spread is large – the lower gears have relatively short gear ratios, while the last gear is comparatively long to reduce engine revs. The S tronic is available as an option with all engines. Depending on the version, the dual-clutch transmissions shifts extremely quickly and nearly imperceptibly through six or seven gears.
The new Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI comes standard with a seven-speed S tronic; it unites the comfort of a classic automatic with the dynamic performance and efficiency of a manual transmission. The driver can operate the S tronic via the selector lever or with the optional paddles on the steering wheel. Shift points are somewhat higher in the automatic S mode, whereas D mode prioritizes taller gear ratios. When combined with the Audi drive select dynamics system (standard in Ambition), the S tronic includes a free-wheeling function in efficiency mode that further reduces fuel consumption.
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.
Photo Credit: © Audi
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