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The Audi A3 and A3 Sportback, the premium
compact models from Audi, are raising their profile this summer with a
raft of technical and visual improvements. Innovative technologies in
such options as the unique S tronic dual-clutch transmission with seven
speeds as well as the Audi magnetic ride suspension control system
create a mature handling and ride. Its sharper, more striking exterior
design lends even greater expression to the A3 family. Additional
equipment such as the advanced Audi parking systems also add to the
appeal of the latest models. The Audi S3 developing 195 kW (265 hp) now
also becomes available as a 5 door Sportback version, a new top model
that completes the comprehensive range. The first examples will arrive
in the UK this summer.
Powerful drive: the engines
For the UK market, the new generation
A3 and A3 Sportback engine range comprises seven different engines –
four petrol and three diesel versions. Five of them are pioneering
four-cylinder direct injection units with turbocharging. Their
abbreviations TFSI and TDI encapsulate the strengths of Audi's engine
technology – performance, high torque, dynamism, refinement and
efficiency. Both two-litre diesel engines have been extensively
re-engineered – a new common rail injection system now assures
ultra-refined running, efficiency and excellent acoustics.
The
diesel with an output of 77 kW (105 hp) is the power unit of the
extremely efficient 1.9 TDI e version which, thanks to special
fine-tuning measures, clocks up 100 kilometers on a mere 4.5 liters of
diesel (52.27 mpg). Thanks to the efficiency measures, the
other engines likewise offer reduced fuel consumption by as much as 15
percent. The 1.8 TFSI and the technically closely related 2.0 TFSI have
been frictionally optimised and have new cylinder bores, pistons and oil
pumps to increase efficiency.
High tech from Audi: the new
transmissions
The range of transmissions has been
extended and become even more appealing. Almost all engine versions are
supplied as standard with six-speed manual transmission. The 1.6 and 1.9
TDI are fitted with the five-speed manual transmission.. The high-tech
dual-clutch S tronic transmission, now available on most engines,
changes gears with exceptional speed and smoothness. The driver can set
it to operate in a fully automatic mode or change gear manually – either
at the selector lever or with the standard shift paddles on the leather
sport steering wheel.
The S tronic on the 2.0 TFSI and both
2.0 TDI diesel versions has six speeds, whereas the 1.6, the 1.4 TFSI
and the 1.8 TFSI petrol engines feature a newly developed seven-speed S
tronic. Both its clutches are dry-running – an innovative approach. This
means that they do not need a separate oil supply, further adding to
their already impressive efficiency. The seven gears are closely spaced
for a rapid response, though the top ratio is sufficiently high-geared
to reduce the engine speed, cutting fuel consumption as a result.
The enhanced Audi A3, A3 Sportback and
the two S3 versions are set to arrive in the UK market; this summer.
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