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December 4, 2014
Audi A3 Welcomes a New Sedan Variant | Audi
Audi A3 Sedan
Audi's Smallest Saloon Arrives
Audi has introduced the "A3 Sedan," the third body type in the A3 family,New York International Auto Showwhich was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. It is Audi's most compact saloon model.
Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)
Details Differ from the Hatchback
As its name suggests, the "Audi A3 Sedan" is a model based on the hatchback "A3," but styled as an authentic four-door, three-box saloon. Its body dimensions are 4,460 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,420 mm in height.A3 SportbackCompared to the "A3 Sportback," it is 11 mm wider and 9 mm lower. The weight, touted for its lightness, is 1,250 kg for the model equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine. The trunk capacity is 425 liters, with an optional pass-through mechanism available.
Visually, the character line along the body side, known as the "tornado line," and the curvature of the bonnet differ slightly from the hatchback model, giving the overall appearance2011 concept modela sharper design, similar to the 2011 concept model. The subtly upturned edge of the trunk lid forms a spoiler, a feature common to other Audi saloons such as theA4.
For the German and European markets, three types of four-cylinder engines will be available. All engines are equipped with Audi's latest technologies for environmental compatibility: direct fuel injection, turbocharging, thermal management systems, and a start-stop system (idle stop).
The 2.0 TDI, producing a maximum output of 100 kW (150 hp) and peak torque of 320 Nm, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h. Fuel consumption is 4.1 L/100 km (approximately 24.4 km/L), with CO2 emissions a low 107 g/km, characteristic of a diesel engine.
The main engine, the 1.4 TFSI, is a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with a turbocharger, delivering a maximum output of 103 kW (140 hp) and peak torque of 250 Nm. It features a function called COD (Cylinder On Demand), which deactivates two cylinders when engine load is low to further enhance efficiency. Consequently, fuel consumption is a mere 4.7 L/100 km (approximately 21.3 km/L), with CO2 emissions at 109 g/km. Despite this efficiency, it boasts performance figures of 0-100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 217 km/h.
The most powerful 1.8 TFSI engine has a maximum output of 132 kW (180 hp) and peak torque of 250 Nm. This engine employs dual injection, which allows fuel to be injected into both the combustion chamber and the intake manifold, achieving sporty driving performance. It offers a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.3 seconds, a top speed of 235 km/h, with fuel consumption rated at 5.6 L/100 km (approximately 17.9 km/L) and CO2 emissions at 129 g/km.
The transmissions paired with these engines are either a 6-speed manual or the dual-clutch "S tronic." With the S tronic, paddle shifters can be optionally fitted behind the steering wheel.
The vehicle's weight distribution is 60% front and 40% rear. The engine under the bonnet is tilted 12 degrees backward. The front suspension is MacPherson strut, and the rear is a four-link setup. Sport suspension, which lowers the ride height by 25 mm, is available for sporty lines such as the S line. Additionally, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) includes an electronic differential lock. This function minimizes understeer and enhances traction by lightly braking the inner wheel during high-speed cornering.
On higher-grade models, adaptive cruise control capable of following the vehicle ahead up to 150 km/h is available as an option. Furthermore, an optional package extends this capability up to 200 km/h. If equipped with the S tronic transmission, this system also supports automatic stopping and restarting in low-speed traffic such as in congestion.
Audi pre sense basic is also available as an option. This system utilizes the adaptive cruise control sensors to monitor the vehicle's surroundings. If it determines that a collision cannot be avoided while driving below 30 km/h, it automatically applies full braking at maximum efficiency. In the event of a collision, it continues to apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a swift stop, preventing secondary impacts. Other safety features include a driver's knee airbag and radar-based lane keeping assist.
Similar to the A3 and A3 Sportback, the infotainment system features the MIB (Modular Infotainment Platform). The top-tier system includes a 7-inch display, MMI navigation, a 64GB SSD storage, a DVD drive, and voice control. The MMI controller button can be pressed and rotated, and its surface also functions as a touchpad,touchpad surface on the buttonallowing users to navigate functions and input numbers by tracing with their finger.
The A3 Sedan is scheduled for delivery starting this summer in Germany and Europe. Pricing begins at 25,000 euros for the model equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine.
Additionally, Audi has announced a high-performance version, theS3 Sedan, alongside the A3 Sedan's announcement.



