New Audi A3 sedan revealed
Audi has revealed its second-generation A3 sedan, which is now on sale in many markets with new styling, driver assistance technologies and mild hybrid engines.
Priced from €29,800 for the launch models, the new, booted A3 joins the recently revealed five-door Sportback and is slightly longer, wider and taller than before, bringing increased head and elbow room while boot space remains the same at 425 litres.
Launch line-up features three engines: two 1.5-litre TFSI petrols and one 2.0-litre TDI. The petrols include the 150hp 35 TFSI, which incorporates cylinder-on-demand technology and is available with a new six-speed manual transmission (combined fuel consumption of 5.0-4.7l/100km with 114-108g/km).
The 1.5-litre TFSI is also available with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, married up with a seven-speed S tronic that now uses shift-by-wire technology (combined fuel consumption 4.9-4.7l/100km and 113-107g/km).
The 2.0-litre diesel also offers 150hp and, paired up with the seven-speed S tronic, returns an official 3.9-3.6l/100km with CO2 emissions of 101-96g/km.
Shortly after the market launch, an entry-level gasoline engine will follow with a list price of €27,700.
A complete exterior redesign introduces full Matrix LED units in the top-spec versions with new digital daytime running lights comprising 15 LED segments.
The cabin includes a central 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen and a 10.25-inch fully digital cockpit display while models with the the Audi virtual cockpit plus get wider 12.3-inch screen. A head-up display is available on request.
The top infotainment system is the MMI Navigation plus system, powered by the third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3), which provides passengers with internet access via a Wi-Fi hotspot and also offers a range of web-based Audi Connect services as standard. The Amazon Alexa voice assistant will also become available later this year.
Car-to-X services, already a feature of the new Volkswagen Golf, will also be available, keeping vehicles updated with reports of hazards or speed limits.
A smartphone interface is also available, and integrates iOS and Android phones with Apple Car Play and Android Auto in the MMI, as well as via the Audi phone box.
Deliveries will begin in the summer.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
