The new third-generation Audi A3 Sportback has arrived in Australia, priced from $35,600.
Andrew Doyle, Audi Australia’s managing director, says the new A3 Sportback is of tremendous strategic importance to the company.
“The new A3 range will be a key sales driver for Audi as we head toward our goal of becoming the number one premium brand in Australia. But the Sportback is just the starting point: over the next few years we will see the much-anticipated A3 sedan, the S3 models, the all-new A3 Cabriolet and of course our first plug-in hybrid, the A3 e-tron.”
The entry-level model in the new A3 Sportback range is 85 kg lighter than its predecessor and is powered by a 1.4 TFSI turbocharged petrol engine that produces 90kW and 200Nm. The 1.4 TFSI accelerates to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds, with fuel economy of 5.0 litres per 100km.
The top petrol engine in the range is the 1.8 TFSI, which produces 132 kW and 250 Nm. Maximum torque is available from just 1250 rpm, and remains constant up to 5000 rpm. As a result, the 1.8 TFSI reaches 100 km/h in only 7.3 seconds, with exceptional fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100km.
The 2.0 TDI turbocharged diesel engine also offers strong performance, peaking at 110kW and 320 Nm. As expected of an Audi diesel engine, acceleration is a strong point. The 2.0 TDI model powers to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds, returning outstanding fuel economy of 4.5 litres per 100km.
All four models use the sporty – yet highly efficient – S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Shifting in just a few milliseconds, the S tronic transmission delivers a combination of sporty performance and smooth driving qualities.
Audi has also reversed the weight spiral with the new A3 Sportback. Audi ultra lightweight technology reduces weight by as much as 90 kilograms, compared with the previous model. Equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine, the five-door model has a kerb weight of just 1225 kilograms.
Hot-shaped high-tensile steels are used in the occupant cell of the new A3 Sportback and the bonnet and front guards are made of aluminium. The complete occupant cell is 37 kilograms lighter overall than in the previous model. Further weight reductions were achieved throughout the interior and in the engines.
The new Audi A3 Sportback has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and the entry-level 1.4 TFSI model has also been awarded a five-star rating in the Australian government’s green vehicle guide ratings.
Pricing (manufacturer list pricing (MLP – excludes dealer delivery and statutory charges)
Attraction specification level
A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S tronic 90kW 200Nm $35,600
A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI S tronic 77kW 250Nm $36,500
Ambition specification level
A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI S tronic 132kW 250Nm $42,500
A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI S tronic 110kW 320Nm $42,500
There are also high-value option packages available, from $2000, for both specifications, and a ‘technik’ package for both models at $2990.
Comfort packages (for both models) are $2200, with assistance packages at $1800
The S line sports package (Ambition models only) is $4200
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