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April 30, 2020
Audi's Compact Sedan, the New A3 Sedan, Debuts | Audi
Audi A3 Sedan
The New Audi A3 Sedan Debuts
EDITOR’S EYE
The body is a size larger than the previous generation.
The exterior features a flowing side line and a coupe-like roofline.
The cockpit boasts significant advancements in digitalization and connectivity.
On April 21, Audi announced the A3 Sedan, a compact saloon that has evolved into its second generation through a full model change. Pre-orders will begin in Europe at the end of April, with deliveries scheduled to start in the summer.
Engines: 1.5-liter Direct-Injection Gasoline Turbo and 2.0-liter Diesel Turbo
The new A3 Sedan measures 4,500mm in length, 1,820mm in width, and 1,430mm in height, making it 40mm longer, 20mm wider, and 10mm taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase remains unchanged.
The engine lineup includes the 35 TFSI, a 1.5-liter direct-injection gasoline turbo producing a maximum output of 110kW (150ps), and the 2.0 TDI, a 2.0-liter diesel turbo also producing 110kW (150ps). The 35 TFSI is paired with a newly developed 6-speed manual transmission (fuel consumption in combined mode: 5.0–4.7 L/100km, CO2 emissions: 114–108 g/km) or a 7-speed S tronic (combined: 4.9–4.7 L/100km, 113–107 g/km). The 2.0 TDI is mated to a 7-speed S tronic (combined: 3.9–3.6 L/100km, 101–96 g/km).
The exterior is characterized by a large Singleframe grille, flowing side lines, and a coupe-like roof.
The lower edges of the headlights are designed in a trapezoidal shape that extends downwards. The top-tier models feature digital daytime running lights composed of 15 LEDs, each operating independently to create a unique light signature.
Unlike the Sportback model, where the body line along the sill rose towards the rear wheel arch, the sedan's line extends to the rear bumper, emphasizing its longer overall length. The concave surface below the shoulder line enhances the presence of the quattro blisters and sills. The roofline, connecting the B-pillar to the spoiler on the trunk lid, is reminiscent of a coupe.
The rear end is higher than the previous generation, and the adoption of a large diffuser improves aerodynamics. Furthermore, the new electronically controlled air intake with two louver modules located behind the front Singleframe grille contributes to this, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.25 for the 2.0 TDI, a 0.04 improvement over the previous model.
Digitalized Interior
The interior focuses on digitalization. The instrument panel, slightly angled towards the driver, is equipped with a 10.1-inch MMI touch display. It features handwriting recognition and a voice control system that understands everyday conversation.
The digital instrument cluster is 10.25 inches in the base model and expands to 12.3 inches when equipped with the Audi virtual cockpit plus, offering three different views including digital displays and sporty graphics with dynamic layouts.
The top-tier MMI navigation plus utilizes the third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB3), providing ten times the processing power of the previous generation. It supports LTE Advanced and functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot, connecting occupants' smartphones to the internet.
Additionally, users can access supplementary information from Audi Connect services, including online traffic data, news, photos, store opening hours, and user reviews for points of interest (POI).
Personalization features are also enhanced, allowing up to six users to save individual settings for seat position, climate control, and media. The Amazon Alexa voice assistant service is expected to be available from mid-year.
Advanced networking capabilities also enhance the driver assistance systems. The Audi pre sense front system uses a camera in the rearview mirror in conjunction with front radar to prevent accidents or mitigate the severity of collisions.
Pricing starts at €29,800 for the 35 TFSI base model with 110kW. The gasoline entry-level model, to be added shortly after launch, is expected to be priced at €27,700.
