With the launch of the new A3 Sedan in the Philippines last July 25, Audi is entering the world’s largest market segment, the class of compact sedans.
The dynamic four-door car offers all of the strengths of the A3 model series with low weight, thanks to lightweight design, powerful and highly efficient engines, and numerous high-end solutions for infotainment as well as driver assistance systems. The top model of the series is the S3 Sedan with 280 horsepower.
Exterior design
The Audi A3 Sedan has a sporty stance on the road, and it is precise and highly expressive in every detail. Its design is a cross between the classic three-box concept and the coupé philosophy. The “tornado line” design element forms a distinct light-refracting edge that runs over the entire side. The overhangs are short. The four-door car has a 2.64-meter long wheelbase and an overall length of 4.46 m.
Above the side sills, the dynamic line rises more sharply than on the other two A3 models. The side surfaces are more intensively curved and the wheel arches are slightly more flared.
The four-door car also expresses independent lines in the contour of its hood, in the bumpers, air intakes and its implementation of the single frame grille. At the rear, the spoiler is integrated in the trunk lid and the lights emphasize the car’s horizontal lines with their broad and low cuts. LED technology is available as an option. Audi will also be offering full-LED headlights right at market launch—their innovative technology and distinctive appearance underscore the exceptional positioning of the A3 Sedan.
Powertrain
When the Audi A3 Sedan launches in the Philippines, the engine lineup includes the 1.8 TSFI and the 2.0 TDI. Completely redesigned, the engines bring together efficiency technologies from Audi—direct fuel injection, turbocharging, innovative thermal management.
The 2.0 TDI produces 150 hp and develops 320 Newton-meters of torque. It accelerates the A3 Sedan from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 8.4 seconds and takes it to a top speed of 219 kph. Its combined fuel consumption is 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
The 1.8 TFSI produces 180 hp and 250 Nm of torque. It utilizes an extensive package of high-end technologies, including dual injection into the combustion chambers and the induction manifold. It enables sporty performance, taking 7.3 seconds for the standard sprint to 100 kph and reaching a top speed of 242 kph. Its combined fuel consumption is 5.6 liters per 100 km.
In both engines, the S tronic transmission is used. The dual-clutch transmission shifts the gears without any noticeable break in propulsive power. It is controlled by either the selector lever or paddles on the steering wheel.
The D shifting map is laid out for maximum fuel efficiency, while the rev levels are somewhat higher in the sporty S mode. In cooperation with the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, the S tronic offers a free-wheeling function in its efficiency mode, further reducing fuel consumption.
The Audi A3 has recently been awarded the 2014 World Car of the Year. This is the second overall title for Audi in the 10-year history of the World Car of the Year Awards (the Audi A6 won the inaugural overall title in 2005).
World-beater
The third generation of the Audi A3 is now officially confirmed as a world-beater. It overcame the challenge of 23 other cars to win the prestigious World Car of the Year title. The A3 was voted as the winner by an international jury panel comprising 69 top-level automotive journalists from 22 countries around the world.
Audi Philippines head Benedicto Coyiuto said: “We are delighted that the Audi A3 has been voted the 2014 World Car of the Year. The A3 showcases Audi’s technical competence in all aspects of car making such as lightweight technology, drivetrain, mobile infotainment and driver assistance systems. This major award win is a great achievement and I am proud to present it to the Philippine market.”
With the A3 Sedan, Audi is entering the world’s strongest market segment, the class of compact sedans.
For information on the available Audi models in the Philippines, visit any of the Audi showrooms in Greenhills, Alabang and Global City or contact 7270381 – 85.
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