Audi A3 series expands with new sedan version

THE Audi A3 Sedan extends the Audi product portfolio in the fastest growing segment with its compelling presence as an overall vehicle concept.

With impressive handling qualities and equipment, the Audi A3 Sedan combines sportiness, emotion and progressiveness, making it a typical representative of the Audi A3 model line. The dynamic four-door offers all of the strengths of the A3 range, including lightweight design and powerful, highly efficient, engines. The Audi A3 Sedan is the third instalment to the highly successful Audi A3 range.

Audi South Africa launched the new generation Audi A3 in 3-door guise in November 2012, and has since sold 1 200 units of this particular model in its first 11 months. The Audi A3 Sportback followed in April last year and, as the volume model in the range, has sold 1 739 units as at the end of October.

The Audi S3 3-door was launched to the South African market in October last year with the Audi S3 Sportback following closely behind, adding a sporty halo model to the A3 range.

The addition of the Audi A3 and S3 Sedan allows the brand to extend its offering in the highly competitive A-segment of the market, and will further enhance this offering with the launch of the new Audi A3 Cabriolet in the first half of 2014. The Audi A3 Sedan has a sporty stance on the road and it is precise and expressive in every detail. Its design is a cross between the classic three-box concept and the coupé philosophy. The “tornado line” design element forms a distinct light-refracting edge that runs over the entire side. The four-door has a 2,64 metre long wheelbase and an overall length of 4,46 metres.

Above the side sills, the dynamic line rises more sharply than on the other two A3 models.

The side surfaces are more intensively curved, and the wheel arches are slightly more flared. With a width of 1,80 meters the A3 Sedan is eleven millimetres wider than the A3 Sportback and its height of 1,42 metres is nine millimetres lower than that of the Sportback.

Audi has delivered an all-new car to the market, as the Audi A3 Sedan does not share any body panels with its A3 siblings. The four-door also expresses independent lines in the contour of its hood, in the bumpers, air intakes and the single frame grille.

In the rear, the spoiler is integrated in the boot lid, and the lights emphasize the car’s horizontal lines with their broad and low cuts.

The engine line-up will consist of two petrol engines, the 1.4T FSI and the 1.8T FSI, and one diesel engine, called the 2.0 TDI, all in SE specification. Completely redesigned, the engines bring together efficiency technologies from Audi like direct fuel injection, turbocharging, innovative thermal management and the start-stop-system. The 1.4T FSI engine produces 92kW and 200Nm of torque (90kW for the S tronic), while the more powerful 1.8T FSI engine produces 132kW and 250Nm.

The diesel engine offers 110kW of power with 350Nm of torque. All three engines will be offered in a choice of manual or S tronic.

Due to the long wheelbase, rear passengers also enjoy ample space and comfortable entry.

The cargo capacity measures 425 litres which can be increased to 880 litres by folding down the rear seats.

Folding rear seats are available as standard across the range.

Pricing for the Audi A3 Sedan as at January 2014, including all taxes and the standard five year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan:

• Audi A3 Sedan 1.4T FSI SE manual: R 323 500;

• Audi A3 Sedan 1.4T FSI SE S tronic: R 340 500;

• Audi A3 Sedan 1.8T FSI SE manual: R 341 500;

• Audi A3 Sedan 1.8T FSI SE S tronic: R 358 500;

• Audi A3 Sedan 2.0 TDI SE manual: R 355 500, and

• Audi A3 Sedan 2.0TDI SE S tronic: R 372 500.

The Audi S3 Sedan is due for local introduction mid-year. Further details on pricing and specification of this model will be released closer to its introduction.