The third generation of the compact family hatchback from the German marquee was finally presented at the Geneva Motor Show and made quite an impressive first impression on its audience. Audi features almost all available devices in its more expensive models like A6, A7 and A8. The idea is to make the A3 a class leader in the luxury hatchback category. Audi initially plans to launch a 3- and 5-door hatchback variant, with plans to launch a station wagon in Europe and a sedan in the US in the near future. Let’s take a look at some of the improvements made to A3.
Starting with the engine:
Audi A3 engines are offered in petrol and diesel versions, with petrol engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 liters and diesel engines offered in capacities ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 litres. That’s fine and dandy, you might be wondering what’s new in all that, well the auto start/stop feature along with fuel saving tips right on your instrument panel. More on the engine and its key aspects like mileage, CO2 emissions and transmission will be discussed later, let’s save the best parts for last.
Protection and security:
For your safety and the safety of the vehicle, Audi has introduced adjustable front and rear head restraints, fog lights, front halogen lights, keyless central locking, front and side airbags, built-in immobilizer and standard car jack plus tool kit.
New cockpit interface:
In the cabin you’ll find Audi’s own MMI interface, but this time they’ve removed their reliance on Windows-based systems, in the wake of virus and malware threats. It now has a patented system, QNX. Thanks to this new system, Bluetooth integration and a seamless MMI touch panel interface have become highlights of the new A3. Add the impressively stylish pop-up LCD panel and you have a complete entertainment system.
Coming back to the engine and its performance, the diesels have stolen the show, the fanciest producing just 109g CO2/km, coming with a 5-speed manual gearbox and priced at 19,555. The smaller Audi A3 petrol engine, on the other hand, will set you back £17,400 and produces a not-so-impressive 127g CO2/km. Although initial price comparisons may make the petrol A3 a better choice, when running costs and reduced taxes are considered for an average of 5 years of use, then the diesel Audi A3 emerges as the logical choice. A 2.0-liter diesel offers 42 MPG on the highway, while a similar gasoline engine gets only 28 MPG.
