Third generation of German marquee’s compact family hatchback was finally unveiled at Geneva Motor Show and it made a rather impressive first impression on its audience. Audi is bringing forth almost all the gadgets available in its more expensive models like A6, A7 and A8. The idea is to make A3 a class leader in luxury hatchback category. Initially Audi is planning on launching a 3 and 5 door variant of hatchback, with plans of launching estate in Europe and Saloon in USA, in near future. Let’s have a look at some of the improvements introduced in A3.
Starting With Engine:
Audi A3 engines are offered both in petrol and diesel versions, petrol engines range from 1.2 to 1.8 litre and diesel engines are offered in capacities ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 litre. That’s fine and dandy, you might be asking what’s new in all that, well auto start-stop function coupled with fuel saving tips right in your dash panel. More about engine and its key aspects like mileage, CO2 emissions and transmission will be discussed later, lets save best parts for the very end.
Safety And Security:
For your safety and vehicle’s security, Audi has introduced front and rear adjustable head restraints, fog lights, halogen front lamps, keyless central locking, front and side air bags, built in immobilizer and standard car jack plus tool kit.
New Cockpit Interface:
At cockpit you will find Audi’s very own MMI interface but this time they have removed its dependency from Windows based systems, in wake of virus and malware threats. It now boasts a proprietary system, QNX. Thanks to this new system, Bluetooth integration and a seamless MMI touch pad interface have become highlights of the new A3. Add in the impressive, sleek pop up LCD panel and you get a complete entertainment system.
Coming back to engine and its performance, diesel engines have stole the show, the sleekest one produces just 109g of CO2/ km, comes with a 5 speed manual gearbox and a price tag of 19,555. Smallest Audi A3 petrol engine on the other hand, will set you back 17,400 and produces a not so impressive 127g CO2/ km. Though initial price comparisons may make petrol powered A3 a better choice but when you consider lowered running and tax costs for average 5 years of use, then Audi A3 diesel emerges as the logical choice. A 2.0 litre diesel touts 42 MPG on motorways whereas a similar petrol engine yields only 28 MPG.
