New Audi A3 Sportback sets the technology benchmark

The Audi A3 Sportback success story continues, with the September introduction of two new models that raise the bar for the kind of technology buyers can expect to find at the compact premium end of the market.

Now with both the options of quattro all-wheel-drive, and fuel-saving Cylinder on Demand (COD) technology that shuts down two of the 1.4 TFSI’s four cylinders when under light load, the new A3 Sportback continues to set the benchmark, by which its rivals are judged.

Filtering down from Audi’s top end performance cars like the S8, S7, S6 and RS 6 models, all featuring Audi’s new 4.0 TFSI V8 engine, the new 1.4 TFSI variant’s Cylinder on Demand (COD) technology truly delivers on its promise of outstanding fuel economy. By deactivating the second and third cylinders at low to intermediate loads and while coasting, it returns a combined average fuel consumption of 4.7 litres per 100km.

For a minimal price premium over the entry-level 90 kW A3 Sportback model, this new 1.4 TFSI COD model develops 103kW at 5000rpm and a healthy 250Nm from 1500-3500rpm. This fuel-sipping new variant therefore offers strong, yet frugal performance, with low consumption and still reaches 100km/h from a standstill in 8.4 seconds – all for an MLP of $37,900*.

Like earlier variants of the new A3 Sportback range, a seven-speed S tronic transmission is standard with this 1.4 TFSI. Shifting in just a few milliseconds, the S tronic transmission delivers the perfect combination of sporty performance and smooth driving qualities.

For the first time in this generation of A3 Sportback, Audi is launching a model with quattro all-wheel drive technology, in combination with a six-speed S tronic transmission. The hydraulically-actuated and electronically-controlled quattro drivetrain, which can send the power from the front to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds, weighs significantly less than the previous unit. During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels.

If traction decreases there, the clutch can variably transfer torque to the rear axle within a few milliseconds by pressing the sets of plates together under control.

This ensures that the new A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI quattro outshines all its rivals in the variable road conditions that are unique to Australia. It is also the only compact, premium car in the segment to offer all-wheel drive.

This new model is the fastest in the current A3 Sportback range, powered by a 1.8 TFSI engine that produces 132kW and 280Nm – some 30Nm more than the same engine in the front-wheel drive model. Acceleration is brisk, sprinting from 0-100km in just 6.8 seconds, while fuel economy is still frugal, at just 6.6 litres per 100km.

Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Andrew Doyle, says the company is pleased with the performance of the new A3 which was launched in late May 2013.

“Even with the challenging market conditions in the premium compact segment, the A3 Sportback has performed well. We believe it sets the benchmark for quality, and for technological advancement, and these two new variants clearly cement our position as a leader, even in the compact segment.

“The new 1.4 TFSI COD model even boasts the lowest fuel consumption and emissions of any petrol-powered model in its class, which is a further demonstration of Audi’s technological leadership in this segment,” said Mr Doyle.