© Audi AG
Audi’s A3 is probably one of the most successful and vastly preferred models form the company’s entire compact cars’ portfolio. With the first car rolling out of the assembly back in 1996, now the German carmaker officially launches A3’s 4th generation. Sportier, agile and full with innovative tech stack, the fresh A3 Sportback is ready to offer its prospective owners comfort and joy during a ride. Two are the key characteristics that define A3 Sportback – its compact size and dynamic design.
The latter is strongly involved in the prominent wide Singleframe front grille and massive air vents. The masculine outlines of the car are significantly enhanced by a newly applied design feature – a wide line that stretches across the car’s bodywork from the headlamps to the rear lights. What this line does is to emphasize the width of the A3 Sportbacks’ fenders.
Another important feature, that comes with the new generation of A3, are the DRLs, integrated into the fresh Matrix-LED headlights. It is because of them, that the stylish Sportback owes its recognition on the busy roads. The dynamic character of the exterior is carried over in the cabin via premium materials and precision in detail, as well as through a large package of integrated smart technologies.
The vehicle is also the very first A3 model to feature an upholstery of recycled plastic bottles – a step towards the company’s policy of sustainability.
© Audi AG
A set of intricately placed decorative carbon fiber and aluminum elements additionally enhances the elegant and sophisticated interior craftsmanship. The cockpit of A3 Sportback is entirely focused on the driver’s experience and emotions behind the wheel. That’s why designers have decided to apply the already tested as a success instrumental panel with a 10.1-in touchscreen display (borrowed directly from the brand’s premium vehicle line).
Position in the center of the instrumental panel, the display offers easy and fast access to a variety of A3 functionalities. An interesting and quite useful feature of it its ability to recognize and execute manually entered commands and the possibility to be controlled via voice. The instrumental panel, itself, offers easy access to its interface and options via few mechanical buttons, integrated into the steering wheel.
Depending on the chosen trim package, the size of the display can increase up to 12.3-in and offer the comfort of three different interfaces.
© Audi AG
For those, who want to possess and experience the maximum of A3 Sportback, among the functionalities of the car is a Heads-up display through which the most important vehicle parameters are projected directly on the windscreen – in front of the driver’s eyes.
In terms of innovative technologies, the new A3 Sportback can be proud of its incredible infotainment system and connectivity. The latter is mostly visible via a large number of services offered. Among them are the Car-to-x-services, Audi phone box, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
What’s even more, Audi has announced their plans soon to surprise its customers with a remote lock/unlock of the car – via Audi Connect application. Also, the car’s systems can memorize up to 6 different users’ profiles with their personalized settings in terms of the AC, seat position and frequently used media.
© Audi AG
An important detail is a fact that the present navigation is an upgraded version of the one used in the previous editions of A3 – offering live information about the current traffic, high-resolution image from Google Earth satellite and 3D models of a large number of European cities. Under the bonnet, Audi A3 Sportback comes with a variety of engines to choose from.
For Europe, the compact automobile offers three options – a 1.5 TFSI (150 hp) and a 2.0 TDI with either 116 or 150 hp. Initially, the cars will be available with an FWD system. There are two options for transmissions – a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed S Tronic. The new A3 Sportback’s agility, stability, and impeccable performance is a direct result of the implementation of a revised suspension.
Additionally, the automobile is offered with an adaptive damping system that can lower the car with 10 mm.
What this system does is to adapt to each one of the dampers according to the road conditions and situations, as well as the selected drive mode. There’s also an option for configuration with a specially developed sport suspension, while additionally enhances the car’s road performance.
As every modern vehicle, A3 Sportback’s new generation offers the comfort of a huge variety of assisting systems. Among them are Lane departure warning, lane change, and Exit warning assistance and adaptive cruise control.
In terms of its dimensions, the new A3 Sportback has a length of 4,34 m and a width of 1.82 m, a height of 1.43 m and a wheelbase of 2.64 m. The boot is 380 liters but it can expand up to 1,200 liters when the rear seats are folded.
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