Audi's New Lightweight Compact Sedan

The "A3 Sedan" and "S3 Sedan" newly introduced by Audi Japan are, as their names suggest, based on the "A3" and "A3 Sportback," with a coupe-like roofline and a trunk added to create a sedan. They were given a world premiere at the March 2013New York Auto Show, with deliveries starting in Europe over the summer. It is also fresh in our memory that theTokyo Motor Showwas exhibited in advance.S3 Sedan

The A3 Sedan's body dimensions are 4,465mm in length, 1,795mm in width, and 1,405mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,635mm. Compared to the "A3 Sportback" introduced last September, it is 140mm longer. Additionally, theMercedes-BenzCLA"CLA," considered a direct rival, measures 4,685mm in length, 1,780mm in width, and 1,430mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700mm. There is a 65mm difference in wheelbase and a 220mm difference in length, making the CLA about one size larger.

Audi's lightweight technology, "Audi Ultra," is employed in the body, utilizing high-strength steel and aluminum extensively to achieve a weight of just 1,330kg for the lightest model. This is 140kg lighter than the lightest model of the CLA, the "CLA 180."


The trunk capacity is 440 liters. Furthermore, by folding down the rear seats, a capacity of up to 880 liters can be secured.

The lineup introduced in Japan consists of four grades, similar to the A3 Sportback.

The entry-grade model is the "1.4 TFSI," equipped with a 1.4-liter TFSI engine producing a maximum output of 122ps. The "1.4 TFSI COD" uses the same displacement but boasts improved output and incorporates cylinder deactivation technology ("Cylinder On Demand") to enhance fuel efficiency. This model produces a maximum output of 140ps while achieving a fuel economy of 20.0 km/l in the JC08 mode, which is 1.0 km/l better than the aforementioned 1.4 TFSI. It also features sports suspension. The transmission for these two models is a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch, and the drive system is FF.

The higher-end model within the A3 Sedan range is the "1.8 TFSI quattro." The 1.8-liter direct-injection turbo engine mounted at the front produces a maximum output of 180ps and a maximum torque of 280Nm. Power is delivered to all four wheels via Audi's renowned quattro system through a 6-speed S tronic transmission. The suspension is also sports suspension, lowered by 10mm.

S3 Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in Just 5.3 Seconds

The "S3 Sedan," bearing the S model designation and positioned as the most sporty variant, is equipped with a 2.0-liter TFSI engine. It delivers a maximum output of 280ps and a substantial maximum torque of 380Nm from 1,800rpm, boasting an acceleration of 0-100km/h in a mere 5.3 seconds. The suspension has also been tuned specifically for the S3, with the ride height lowered by 25mm compared to the A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI.

Standard equipment across all models includes adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation braking, andAudiparking system as an option. For multimedia, the 7.0-inch MMI navigation system, which was first introduced in Japan with the A3 Sportback and enables internet connectivity via MMI and in-car internet access through Audi connect, is available as an option for the A3 Sedan and standard on the S3 Sedan. Furthermore, for those seeking enhanced audio, a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14 speakers and 705W is also available.

Sales for all models commenced on January 14th, with deliveries for the S3 Sedan scheduled to begin in May. Prices including 5% consumption tax are as follows: the entry-level A3 Sedan "1.4 TFSI" is 3.25 million yen, the "1.4 TFSI COD" with cylinder deactivation and sports suspension is 3.64 million yen, and the "1.8 TFSI quattro" with a 1.8-liter TFSI engine and all-wheel drive is 4.10 million yen. The S3 Sedan is priced at 5.61 million yen.

Audi A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI | Audi A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI
Body Dimensions | Length 4,465 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,405 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,555 / 1,525 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 145 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.1 meters
Trunk Capacity (VDA) | 425 liters
Weight | 1,330 kg
Engine | 1,394cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Compression Ratio | 10.0 : 1
Bore x Stroke | 74.5 x 80.0 mm
Maximum Output | 90kW (122ps) / 5,000-6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 200Nm (20.4kgm) / 1,400-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Automatic (S tronic)
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | 4-link
Tires | 205/55R16
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 19.5 km/ℓ
Price | 3.25 million yen

Audi A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI Cylinder On Demand | Audi A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI COD
Body Dimensions | Length 4,465 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,390 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,550 / 1,520 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 130 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.1 meters
Trunk Capacity (VDA) | 425 liters
Weight | 1,340 kg
Engine | 1,394cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Compression Ratio | 10.0 : 1
Bore x Stroke | 74.5 x 80.0 mm
Maximum Output | 103 kW (140 ps) / 4,500-6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 250 Nm (25.5kgm) / 1,500-3,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Automatic (S tronic)
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | 4-link
Tires | 225/45R17
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 20.0 km/ℓ
Price | 3.64 million yen

Audi A3 Sedan 1.8 TFSI quattro | Audi A3 Sedan 1.8 TFSI quattro
Body Dimensions | Length 4,465 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,390 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,550 / 1,520 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 130 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.1 meters
Trunk Capacity (VDA) | 390 liters
Weight | 1,470 kg
Engine | 1,798cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Compression Ratio | 9.6 : 1
Bore x Stroke | 82.5 x 84.1 mm
Maximum Output | 132 kW (180 ps) / 4,500-6,200 rpm
Maximum Torque | 280 Nm (28.6kgm) / 1,350-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic (S tronic)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | 4-link
Tires | 225/45R17
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 14.8 km/ℓ
Price | 4.10 million yen

Audi S3 Sedan | Audi S3 Sedan
Body Dimensions | Length 4,470 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,380 mm
Wheelbase | 2,630 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,545 / 1,515 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 120 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.1 meters
Trunk Capacity (VDA) | 390 liters
Weight | 1,520 kg
Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Compression Ratio | 9.6 : 1
Bore x Stroke | 82.5 x 92.8 mm
Maximum Output | 206 kW (280 ps) / 5,100-6,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 380 Nm (38.8 kgm) / 1,800-5,100 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic (S tronic)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | 4-link
Tires | 225/40R18
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Ventilated Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 14.4 km/ℓ
Price | 5.61 million yen

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