Tag: 8V A3

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Audi

2013 Audi S3 Sportback revealed

2013 Audi S3 Sportback

In case you haven’t noticed the Geneva Motor Show is just around the corner; the bright lights and smoke machines will be switched on in early March. That means manufacturers are releasing pics and text on the models they’ll be putting on the stage. This time it’s Audi showing us their new S3 Sportback.

We’ve already seen the new 8V A3 in three-door hatch, five-door Sportback and S3 (three-door) form, so there’s no surprises with what we see here.

However, for those who may be interested in buying a new S3 pay attention, because this is the only model we’ll be seeing in Australia. It is expected to be in local showrooms sometime after October.

Since the introduction of the 8P S3 Sportback in 2008 three-door sales have dropped to a trickle and so it has been canned in Australia, which is a shame.

Making use of the Volkswagen Group’s adaptable MQB platform has allowed Audi to shed 70kg from the S3 Sportback; it now weighs 1445kg. And with the new 2.0 TFSI motor producing 221kW/380Nm it can reach 100km/h in 5.0 seconds when coupled to a 6-speed S tronic transmission.

A 6-speed manual box is available, although we’re not sure if that will be the case in Australia, and takes an extra 0.5 seconds to reach 100km/h. Which is rather interesting given that’s roughly the same as the time required for the heavier, less powerful 8P model. Hmm.

We think the A3 range has one of the best interiors of the new baby Germans (see BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A Class), which is par for the course really. What Audi will be hoping for with the range-topping S3 is that they can start making inroads into BMW’s reputation for dynamics, without losing ground to the A Class.

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Audi

Next-gen Audi RS3 expected in 2014

2013 Audi S3 (8V)

The position of the new Audi S3 at the top of the 8V A3 model tree is expected to be shorter than usual with word filtering through that the new RS3 is on track for a 2014 debut.

Audi usually saves its cooking RS models for late in the model-cycle, but according to Stephan Reil, Quattro GmbH boss, the next RS3 will go on sale around 12 months after the S3. Pleasingly, Reil also said: “‘Let’s just say you will be seeing more of the five-cylinder engine.”

We wonder if Audi will be liberate any more power from the 2.5 litre turbo five, or if they’ll maintain the current 250kW/450Nm? At the very least we think they should offer the same 265kW/465Nm found in the TT RS Plus.

The best news about the new RS3? Well, after a few discussions with passers by at the motor show last week, we’re now quietly confident it will be offered for sale in Australia.

[Source: What Car?]

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Audi

2013 Audi A3 Sportback revealed

2013 Audi A3 Sportback

Ahead of its debut in Paris next week Audi has released pictures and information for its new A3 Sportback, codenamed 8V. Based on the three-door A3, first seen at Geneva in March, the Sportback has made good use of its MQB platform and rides on a wheelbase which has been extended by 35mm. Overall the wheelbase is 58mm longer than the previous 8P Sportback.

As is often the way with teutonic styling the look of the new Sportback is very much a case of evolution from the model it replaces. Generally speaking we really like the way the new A3 looks and nothing has changed with the addition of the Sportback to the range. The few nips and tucks applied by Audi’s designers have resulted in a small, but noticeable progression, that is more modern and should help keep the A3 at the top of the entry-level prestige market.

Audi has managed to reduce weight across the Sportback range by as much as 90kg compared to the old model. In real terms, a Sportback with 1.4 TFSI tips the scales at 1205kg.

The A3 Sportback is presented here in S-Line trim and when you get inside the addition of a thick steering wheel with perforated leather should be a nice improvement from the previous gen. We’re not entirely sure the cross stitching on the seats is the world’s best decision, but reckon we’ll need to see it in person before making a final judgement.

With the rear seats up the Sportback offers 380 litres of luggage space, which expands to 1220 litres when the seats have been folded down.

As well as the improved interior space offered by the MQB architecture, handling should be enhanced now that the front axle has been pushed forward by 40mm. All engines are mounted in the usual front-wheel drive transverse fashion, but have been tilted backwards by 12° with the exhaust facing the bulkhead. A better balanced chassis being the aim here.

Of course, much of the rest of the Sportback is sourced from the A3 hatchback and you can read more detail on the Sportback in Audi’s press release below. We’ll also be back to add more pictures.

The A3 Sportback will hit European dealerships in February next year and we expect the Australian launch won’t be too far behind.

UPDATE: Additional text from Audi Australia has been added at the end of the press release. Mid-2013 is the word for the first local deliveries.

UPDATE 21 Sep: A new video and 39 extra pics have been added below.

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Audi Motor Shows

Geneva 2012: Audi A3

2013 Audi A3

Audi has released images and details on its all-new A3 model, codenamed 8V. As is the case with most of the major German marques the new model is a clear evolution of the car it replaces. In general terms we think the new A3 looks pretty good and expect it will do well for Audi.

So far we’ve only got images of the 3-door hatchback to show you. We received unofficial word a while back that it’s unlikely Audi will offer the 3-door for sale in Australia. That includes the range-topping S3 as well. We expect to see details from Audi on the 5-door Sportback before the year is out.

It’s also worth noting that Audi has been a bit cheeky with these pics by fitting most of the cars shown with the optional S-line bodykit. Check out the studio pics of the white TDI model towards the end of the gallery below to see what a ‘plain Jane’ A3 will look like.

New technology from the larger cars in the Audi range has filtered down to the A3, which includes things like adaptive cruise control, side assist, active lane assist and traffic sign detection, among others. Full LED headlamps will also be made available as an option at a later date. For now if you want trick lights you’ll just have to make do with bi-xenons and LED tail lights.

The interior of the new A3 is a nice step from the previous 8P model and some of the ergonomic issues of that model have been addressed in the all-new A3. The now dated infotainment system is in desperate need of an upgrade too, so the features in the new A3 will be most welcome.

Although, it’s not what the new A3 has gained that is most impressive, but rather what it has lost. By following this maxim: “The right material in the right place for optimal function,” Audi has shed 80kg from the previous model. An entry level A3 now weighs 1175kg, which is quite good really. The bonnet and front wings are aluminium while a mixture of steel forming techniques has been used to make the rest of the body. Remember, this is the first model to be built on Volkswagen’s new MQB platform so we can expect many more cars from the Volkswagen Group to be lighter in the future as well.

Audi has announced three engines to begin with: a 90kW 1.4 TFSI, a 132kW 1.8 TFSI and a 105kW 2.0 TDI. A 7-speed S tronic is standard equipment in the 1.8 TFSI, while the other models come with a 6-speed manual, although the S tronic can be optioned. As the model range increases so will the engine line up.

The third-generation A3 goes on sale later this year in European markets. Our guess is you’ll be seeing the new A3 in Australian showrooms early next year, following an appearance at the Australian International Motor Show in October. If we hear anything different from Audi Australia we’ll let you know.

There’s a raft of information for you after the break, along with over 50 images. Oh, it looks like those leaked pics were the real deal too.

UPDATE 7 March: On the new A3, Audi Australia says, “Australian launch date, pricing, and specification is not yet available.”

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