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April 2, 2015
On-Site Report from Paris | Audi
Audi
Audi A3 Sportback World Premiere
The Audi A3, which had its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show,A3will go head-to-head with the newly redesigned Mercedes-BenzA-Classand the BMW1 Serieswhich offers a rich lineup of model variations including 5-door, 3-door, xDrive all-wheel drive, and M Performance models. With the addition of the 5-door "A3 Sportback" to the "A3" lineup, the three major players in the compact premium segment are now all present.
Text by OTANI TatsuyaPhotographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
A Sophistication Distinct from the Golf
The 5-door hatchback model of the third-generation Audi A3, the Audi A3 Sportback, unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show, has debuted at the Paris Salon.
The exterior design follows that of the 3-door version announced earlier, but while the wheelbase was common at 2,578mm for both the 3-door and 5-door models in the second generation A3, the third generation sees a 35mm difference, with 2,601mm for the 3-door and 2,636mm for the 5-door. Comparing the new and old A3 Sportback models, the wheelbase has been extended by a remarkable 58mm, so the rear legroom is sure to have increased.
The design approach, which eschews ostentation to express quality and precision within simplicity, is shared with the VolkswagenGolf 7However, the A3 Sportback clearly emphasizes a higher level of luxury and exudes a certain "allure." This distinction highlights the difference between Volkswagen, which maintains its position as a "people's car" despite its meticulous craftsmanship, and Audi, which has now grown into an undeniable premium brand.
This difference in positioning between Audi and Volkswagen is also reflected in the interior design. While the Golf 7 offers no complaints in terms of quality alone, the A3 Sportback is more flamboyant, and the materials used are also more luxurious. The difference between the two cars is immediately apparent upon direct comparison.
The use of hot-formed steel and ultra-high-strength steel to achieve a lightweight body, known as "Audi ultra,"Audi ultrais also employed in the new A3 Sportback, resulting in a weight reduction of 90kg compared to the previous generation.
Currently, the lineup includes three engine types: the gasoline 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI, and the diesel 1.6 TDI. The 1.2 TFSI and 2.0 TDI will be added later.
Of these, the 1.4 TFSI is available in two versions with 122ps and 140ps. The 140ps version features cylinder deactivation technology, achieving fuel efficiency of 21.3 km/l and a top speed of 213 km/h according to European measurement standards.
Audi's Future Engine Technology: "e-gas"
Furthermore, a CNG (compressed natural gas) version of the A3 Sportback will be added in 2013. The "A3 Sportback TCNG," which can run on both CNG and gasoline, can achieve a virtual CO2 emission of just 30g/km when using "e-gas" produced from Audi's CNG generation plant, currently undergoing demonstration testing.
The technology for generating methane gas using wind power was recently presented at the Audi Advanced Technology Workshop, and we will introduce it in more detail later.
In addition, the A3 Sportback offers a range of optional features, including the "Audi connect" internet connectivity, driver assistance systems to help prevent accidents, and LED headlights.
The new Audi A3 Sportback is expected to be launched in Japan in 2013.