Audi demonstrates its technical competence in all aspects of carmaking with the A3. Consistent lightweight design has brought the curb weight of the compact A3 as a 1.4 TFSI down to just 1,175 kg (2,590.4 lb) – the best value in its class. In the body, the primary factors in achieving this weight reduction are the use of form-hardened steels in the occupant cell and aluminum add-on parts – the engine hood and fenders. An international panel of journalists voted the A3 World Car of the Year 2014.
Audi A3 Design and interior
The three-door model has a sporty and powerful look, and the optional LED headlights underscore its exceptional position in the compact car segment. The Audi A3 interior impresses with the superior quality of its materials and workmanship, and intuitive ergonomics. A special highlight is the MMI monitor, which extends electrically and is a mere 11 mm (0.4 in) thick. The operating terminal is placed on the console of the center tunnel. The top-of-the-line version, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, features another innovation – the top of the round rotary pushbutton is a touchpad.
Audi A3 Drive system
The engine lineup for the Audi A3 offers the choice of four TFSI and four TDI engines. The A3 1.6 TDI ultra has a combined fuel consumption of just 3.4 liters of diesel per 100 km (69.2 US mpg), which equates to CO2 emissions of 85 grams per km (136.8 g/mi). The highly efficient engines include the 2.0 TDI, the 1.2 TFSI and the 1.4 TFSI ultra – with cylinder on demand (COD) technology it only emits 105 grams of CO2 per km (169.0 g/mi).
Engine lineup
- 1.2 TFSI with 81 kW (110 hp)
- 1.4 TFSI with 92 kW (125 hp)
- 1.4 TFSI COD ultra with 110 kW (150 hp)
- 1.8 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI quattro with 132 kW (180 hp)
- 1.6 TDI with 81 kW (110 hp)
- 1.6 TDI ultra with 81 kW (110 hp)
- 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI quattro with 110 kW (150 hp)
- 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI quattro with 135 kW (184 hp)
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.7 – 3.4 (35.1 – 69.2 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 154 – 89 (247.8 – 143.2 g/mi)
(Figures vary depending on engine/transmission/wheels/tires)
Audi combines all front-wheel drive engines except the 1.6 TDI ultra with a six-speed manual transmission or an S tronic. The dual clutch transmission is standard in the 1.8 TFSI quattro.
Chassis
The chassis of the Audi A3 is designed for sporty driving fun with good comfort. The very responsive power steering system features an electromechanical drive for high efficiency. In front-wheel drive models, Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) includes an electronic limited slip differential to make handling even smoother and safer at the vehicle’s cornering limits. The optional Audi drive select system (standard in the Ambition trim line) lets the driver modify the settings of key technology modules over several levels. A sport suspension is available in two versions
Equipment and trim
Audi offers the A3 in the trim lines Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente. In addition, many sporty and convenient options are offered, ranging from adaptive light to a panoramic sunroof. The A3 also demonstrates its leading role when it comes to driver assistance systems. Technologies include radar-assisted adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist, the camera-based traffic sign recognition, park assist and the Audi pre sense safety system.
Audi connect
The A3 features some pioneering solutions in mobile infotainment that are available as options. In conjunction with the Audi connect module, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch brings the brand’s customized online services into the cockpit. They are transmitted via the fast LTE standard. The Audi phone box provides a convenient way to connect cell phones to the car; the sound system from Bang & Olufsen offers hi-fi enjoyment.
Audi A3 Sportback
The body of the Audi A3 Sportback has been extended for a sporty wheelbase that is 35 millimeters (1.4 in) longer than that of the three-door model. This compact five-door model offers a cargo capacity of 380 to 1,220 liters (13.4 to 43.1 cu ft). The engine lineup includes a wide range of highly efficient TFSI and TDI units. Their engine displacements range from 1.2 to 2.0 liters and their power from 81 kW (110 hp) to 135 kW (184 hp). quattro permanent all-wheel drive is available starting at 110 kW (150 hp).
Audi A3 Sportback Engine lineup
- 1.2 TFSI with 81 kW (110 hp)
- 1.4 TFSI with 92 kW (125 hp)
- 1.4 TFSI COD ultra with 110 kW (150 hp)
- 1.8 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI quattro with 132 kW (180 hp)
- 1.6 TDI with 81 kW (110 hp)
- 1.6 TDI ultra with 81 kW (110 hp)
- 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI quattro with 110 kW (150 hp)
- 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI quattro with 135 kW (184 hp)
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.7 – 3.4 (35.1 – 69.2 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 154 – 89 (247.8 – 143.2 g/mi)
(Figures vary depending on engine/transmission/wheels/tires)
The A3 Sportback offers the same power transmission and chassis technologies as the A3. The same is true for the interior design, driver assistance systems, infotainment and connectivity.
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, the first Audi model with a plug-in hybrid drive, pairs a 1.4 TFSI, which outputs 110 kW (150 hp) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque, with an electric motor that produces 75 kW and 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft). The system power of 150 kW (204 hp) enables sporty driving performance – the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes only 7.6 seconds, and the car’s top speed is 222 km/h (137.9 mph).
Based on the applicable NEDC standard, the fuel consumption of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron with 16-inch tires is just 1.5 liters per 100 km (156.8 US mpg) with CO2 emissions of 35 g/km (56.3 g/mi). The lithium-ion battery, which produces 8.8 kWh of energy, enables an electric driving range of up to 50 kilometers (31.1 mi); the TFSI adds an additional 890 kilometers (553.0 mi) to this maximum. From a 380-volt, 3-phase electrical outlet, it takes slightly over two hours to charge the battery fully.
A decoupler controls the interplay between the combustion engine, electric motor and seven-speed S tronic. The Audi A3 Sportback can be driven up to 130 km/h (80.8 mph) all-electrically; it can combine the two drives to optimize either efficiency or power, and it features energy recuperation and a coasting function. In addition, drivers can choose from several hybrid programs and modes, and special displays inform them of what is happening.
As an optional service, German customers of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron can switch over to Audi Energy as their residential utility company. 100 percent of the electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants in Germany, Austria and Switzerland – so when customers drive the plug-in hybrid model in electric mode, the car not only offers zero local emissions, it also offers zero global emissions. Customers also find this appealing. The A3 Sportback e-tron was voted winner of the eCar Award by readers of the magazines Auto Bild and Auto Test in fall 2014.
Fuel consumption according to ECE standard in l/100 km: 1.7 – 1.5 (138.4 – 156.8 US mpg);
Combined electrical consumption in kWh/100 km: 12.4 – 11.4
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 39 – 35 (62.8 – 56.3 g/mi)
(Figures vary depending on engine/transmission/wheels/tires)
Audi A3 Sportback g-tron
Audi is taking another big step towards sustainable future mobility with the A3 Sportback g-tron. The five-door premium compact model can use climate-friendly Audi e-gas as an alternative to fossil natural gas. The two tanks located under the luggage compartment floor each store around 7 kilograms (15.4 lb) of gas at a maximum pressure of 200 bar. They reduce luggage space only marginally and are constructed from a composite material, making them very light.
Equipped with a 1.4 TFSI engine producing 81 kW (110 hp), the A3 Sportback g‑tron sets standards for efficiency and economy. Fuel costs to the customer are roughly four euros per 100 kilometers (62.1 mi). Thanks to the four-cylinder engine’s configuration for bivalent fuels, its range is over 400 km (248.5 mi) in the NEDC cycle with natural gas fuel. When powered by gasoline, driving range is extended an additional 900 km (559.2 mi).
The Audi A3 Sportback g-tron, which comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed S tronic, has a combined fuel consumption of less than 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lb) of natural gas or Audi e-gas per 100 km (62.1 mi). This is the sustainable own-brand fuel produced in the Audi e-gas project in Werlte, in Germany’s Emsland district – the fuel is methane which is synthetically produced from CO2 and water using green electricity. In pure e-gas mode, the five-door premium compact is entirely CO2 neutral. Customers can refuel using an e-gas card, which serves as an accounting instrument.
CNG consumption in kg/100 kilometers: 3.6 – 3.3;
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.5 – 5.1 (42.8 – 46.1 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (CNG): 98 – 89 (157.7 – 143.2 g/mi);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km (gasoline): 128 – 117 (206.0 – 188.3 g/mi)
(Figures vary depending on engine/transmission/wheels/tires)
Audi A3 Sedan
The Audi A3 Sedan is the sporty notch-back model in the premium compact segment; its design merges the classic three-box concept with the dynamics of a coupe. The 425-liter (15.0 cu ft) cargo space (with quattro drive: 390 liters [13.8 cu ft]) can be expanded by folding down the rear seat backs. Equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine, the four-door model has a curb weight of just 1,215 kg (2,678.6 lb).
Audi delivers the A3 Sedan with powerful and highly efficient TFSI and TDI engines; their power ranges from 81 kW (110 hp) to 135 kW (184 hp). In the 1.4 TFSI with 110 kW (150 hp), cylinder on demand (COD) technology deactivates two of the cylinders at low load.
Audi A3 Sedan Engine lineup
- 1.4 TFSI with 92 kW (125 hp)
- 1.4 TFSI COD ultra with 110 kW (150 hp)
- 1.8 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI quattro with 132 kW (180 hp)
- 1.6 TDI with 81 kW (110 hp)
- 1.6 TDI ultra with 81 kW (110 hp)
- 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI quattro with 110 kW (150 hp)
- 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI quattro with 135 kW (184 hp)
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.7 – 3.5 (35.1 – 67.2 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 154 – 92 (247.8 – 148.1 g/mi)
(Figures vary depending on engine/transmission/wheels/tires)
A six-speed manual gearbox or an S tronic transmits engine torque to either the front wheels or to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The extensive list of optional equipment also includes the innovative LED headlights.
Audi A3 Cabriolet
The Audi A3 Cabriolet is distinguished by its sporty and elegant proportions and low weight. Like every Audi convertible, it has a lightweight cloth top. An acoustic top with very effective noise insulation is available as an option. Its electrohydraulic drive raises or lowers the top in 19 seconds, even at speeds up to 50 km/h (31.1 mph). In the opened position, the soft top rests in a tray that hardly affects the cargo capacity of the trunk, which is 280 liters (9.9 cu ft) or 245 liters (8.7 cu ft) with quattro drive. An active rollover protection system protects occupants in the event of a rollover accident.
Audi can deliver the A3 with one of six engines: three TFSI engines and three TDI units. Their power range extends from 81 kW (110 hp) to 135 kW (184 hp). The 1.4 TFSI is a particularly efficient gasoline engine, thanks to its cylinder on demand (COD) technology. quattro permanent all-wheel drive can be selected with the 1.8 TFSI and the two 2.0 TDI engines.
Audi A3 Cabriolet Engine lineup
- 1.4 TFSI with 92 kW (125 hp)
- 1.4 TFSI COD ultra with 110 kW (150 hp)
- 1.8 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI quattro with 132 kW (180 hp)
- 1.6 TDI with 81 kW (110 hp)
- 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI quattro with 110 kW (150 hp)
- 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI quattro with 135 kW (184 hp)
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.8 – 3.9 (34.6 – 60.3 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 158 – 104 (254.3 – 167.4 g/mi)
(Figures vary depending on engine/transmission/wheels/tires)
Another option for convertible driving is headroom heating at the front seats; and when the optional leather seat covers are ordered, they come with a special color pigmentation that resists heating in sunlight. Fold-down rear seat backrests are standard in the Audi A3 Cabriolet.
The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.
