Audi brand today officially introduced the European version of the new generation A3 sedan, although this version is most in demand in China and the USA. Technically, it is identical to the hatchback that debuted in early March.
Last year was unsuccessful for the Audi A3, the demand for cars of this family fell in all key markets: in Europe, up to 124,422 units. (-13% compared with the results of 2018), in China up to 84,600 pcs. (-8%), in the USA up to 10 418 pcs. (-43%).
The Chinese version of the new A3 sedan appeared in unofficial pictures in early April, and it, as usual, has the letter L in the designation, indicating a more spacious interior than the European version.
In terms of dimensions, the European compact sedan nevertheless came close to the mid-size A4 of the first generation: length increased by 4 cm to 4.5 m, width – by 2 cm to 1.82 m, height – by 1 cm to 1.43 m. the base has not changed and is the same 2636 mm, the trunk volume also has not changed – 425 liters. In the passenger compartment, an additional 2 cm of free space appeared over the driver’s head thanks to a lower-mounted seat.
However, dimensional differences are not as noticeable as visual ones. The interior of the three-wheeler completely replaced the design concept: the previous laconicism was replaced by a heap of large angular geometric shapes and two “TVs” – one, 10.25 or 12.3-inch shows devices, the second, 10.1-inch is responsible for multimedia functions . There is no rotational-push joystick on the central tunnel – if you please, poke your finger at the screen. Instead of the normal AKP selector, there’s a dull “flash drive”, like all related models on the MQB Evo platform (VW Golf and Seat Leon). We don’t know much about the new Audi A3, but its upholstery is made with recycled bottles
Appearance can be estimated from the photographs, pay attention to the excessive detailing of the front end, embossed sidewalls with Audi branded emblems, fake nets in the rear bumper and chrome squiggles on it, they imitate exhaust pipes. The manufacturer claims that the aerodynamic drag coefficient of the sedan with a change of generations decreased by 0.04 to 0.25, but this value is true only for the version with a 2.0-liter 150-horsepower turbodiesel, and what’s the rest with aerodynamics is unknown …And the first will be the last: the new Audi A3 is partially declassified
Now to the engines. The aforementioned 2.0 TDI engine will be available in 116 or 150 hp versions. There is only one gasoline unit so far – 1.5 TFSI (150 hp) with an expensive turbocharger with variable geometry, it comes complete with the latest eco-friendly 6-speed “mechanics” MQ281. For a surcharge, a 7-speed S tronic “robot” with two clutches and a hybrid 48-volt appendage are offered: the starter-generator connected to the ICE crankshaft gives an additional 50 Nm during acceleration and allows reducing fuel consumption by about 0.4 l / 100 km. With the hybrid add-on, the basic “turbo-engine” 1.0 TFSI (110 hp) will also be offered, which will appear on the A3 later. Ahead are also the debuts of all-wheel drive, sports and plug-in hybrid modifications.
The multi-link rear suspension is intended only for “three-wheelers” with power from 150 hp, that is, the most affordable versions will be content with a budget semi-independent suspension with a transverse torsion beam. As an alternative to the standard spring suspension, an adaptive or sports one is offered, with a 15 mm low ground clearance.
In the UK, sales of the sedan will begin in April, in continental Europe – in the summer, as quarantine restrictions are lifted.