Following the hatchback A3 of the fourth generation, which premiered at the beginning of March, Audi presented a sedan version of the model. At the time of the market launch, planned in Europe for the summer of this year, the novelty will be available with two gasoline and one diesel engine, as well as three suspension options.
As with the hatchback, the wheelbase of the Audi A3 sedan after the generation change remained the same (2637 millimeters). However, the external dimensions have changed: the total length has increased by 40 millimeters, the width by 20 millimeters, and the height by 10 millimeters. The front seats “went” down, which, together with the increase in size, made it possible to achieve an increase of 20 millimeters above the head and a little more freedom in the elbows. The volume of the trunk has not changed and is the same at 425 liters.
Visually, the A3 sedan repeats the hatchback. The dominant appearance is the hexagonal Singleframe grille, complemented by matrix headlights with pixel running lights (only in top trim levels). They consist of 15 LED segments working independently of each other, thanks to which the unique light signature of each of the Audi A3 variants is formed.
The coefficient of aerodynamic resistance of the model is 0.25, which is 0.04 less than that of the previous generation car. This is achieved due to the installation of two movable shutters in the radiator grille, a completely flat bottom, optimization of the shape of the side mirrors, and the introduction of a system of active cooling of the braking mechanisms.
The third-generation MMI “multimedia” is installed in the sedan’s cabin, which works ten times faster than the previous one. All kinds of online services, advanced navigation that receives hints from the “swarm intelligence” system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay protocols, as well as a smartphone application (Android) with which you can close/open the car and start the engine are available to buyers. Moreover, the on-board system provides six profiles, each with its own settings. The standard equipment of the sedan A3 includes automatic braking systems and adaptive cruise control is offered for an additional fee.
Several suspension options are available for the new Audi A3 sedan. In the basic version, it is passive. If desired, you can order an understated sports version or electronically controlled adaptive shock absorbers. The drive is still only the front.
The range of engines of the model includes a gasoline 1.5 TFSI (150 horsepower and 250 Nm), combined with a six-speed “mechanics” or “robot” S Tronic. Moreover, in the second case, the motor is supplemented with a 48-volt hybrid superstructure and a cylinder shutdown system at low loads. In addition, there is a 2.0 TDI diesel (150 hp and 360 Nm) with “preselective”. Later, a sedan with a younger gasoline unit will enter the market.
