The Second-generation Audi A3
Audi has launched the second generation of the A3, positioning it as a premium compact model with a distinct sporting character, highly advanced technologies and what is claimed to be the most dynamic design of any car in its class.
With a wheelbase lengthened by 65 mm and 30 mm of additional body width, but lower by 10 mm in overall height, the proportions of the new A3 approach those of a classic coupe.
The striking features of the new A3’s front-end styling are the marked inward taper of the sides and the dynamic shaping of the clear-glass headlights, the upper edges of which draw the eye toward the centre of the car and give the front end, with its characteristic Audi double grille, a confident, forceful character.
The rear end of the body is notable for a significant reduction in joint lines and a clear, graphic division of the surface areas. This is an evolution in the formal idiom that nonetheless confirms its relationship with the previous award-winning model. A bold visual element at the rear are the exposed exhaust tailpipes – either single or double, depending on the engine.
The interior design also expresses sporting character and elegance, a feeling enhanced by a lower seated position than in the previous model and by many other visible details such as the circular aluminium-look ventilation outlets, the high centre console with ergonomically ideal gear lever position and the sports-car-style floor-mounted accelerator pedal. The instrument cluster is compact in its dimensions, with the clear layout of a chronometer.
The definite growth in space available for all the occupants is a major step forward in the new-generation model. Those seated at the rear profit in particular from much-improved knee room and width at shoulder level.
The new A3 has three new engine options compared to the previous generation. The Audi engineers have increased the size of the highly popular TDI engine to 2.0 litres; in addition, this engine now has four valves per cylinder. The engine range runs from 1.9 litres (turbodiesel) to a 177 kW/241 bhp 3.2-litre V6 which will be available in the middle of this year.
Depending on the engine, a 5-speed or 6-speed manual-shift gearbox is fitted and tiptronic is a further option. As an alternative to the manual gearbox, the most powerful petrol and TDI versions can be ordered with the new direct shift sports gearbox DSG. This innovative transmission, inspired by motor racing technology, has twin automated clutches that permit exceptionally rapid gear changes with no break in the flow of power from the engine – and thus pure sports-car style driving pleasure. The drivetrains are either FWD or Quattro.
The chassis has MacPherson strut layout at the front and a new four-link independent suspension at the rear. The anti-roll bars are directly attached to the suspension strut in order to minimise body movement around the longitudinal axis.
Electro-mechanical steering with the amount of power assistance dependent on road speed is a new feature on the A3. It combines optimum feedback from steering movements with a low level of sensitivity to vibration caused by the road. Needless to say, power loss is lower with such a system.
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At this time, it is unknown what the model line up Euromobil Sdn Bhd, the new Audi distributor for Malaysia, will have although it is believed that the company will be concentrating on the more affordable smaller models initially. The new A3 thus looks like a strong candidate for that list and perhaps we will see it on our roads before long.
