It's hard outside. The downsizing effect in action: if you take photos of all the sedans of the company from the same angle, then, scrolling through the pictures on the computer, you will create a complete feeling of zooming in on the same car. However, this does not harm the new “four-door”.
It is not easy to find fault with the design conservatism chosen in Ingolstadt. From the point of view of corporate style and harmony, everything is verified to the last stroke.
And looking at the spectacular strokes of the LED headlights, the sharp edges of the side stampings and the enticingly retracted short “stern” with a boldly raised spoiler, it’s worth recognizing that the lower and wider sedan looks much sportier and faster than its “tailless” counterparts in the third series.
Despite the single modular MQB platform and the same base length, the Audi A3 Sedan does not have a single common body part with the hatchback, with the exception of optics. That is why the silhouette of the car looks like a single entity from bumper to bumper.
The first signs of "compression" become noticeable already in the immediate vicinity of the car: the small size of the sedan is emphasized not only by a short trunk, but also by short doors with small windows and compact mirrors.
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Does the A3 feel like the brand's smallest sedan? Undoubtedly. Those sitting in front do not leave the “feeling of the elbow”, although there is no talk of tightness. The interior, completely repeating the decoration of the A3 hatchback, envelops the driver and passenger from all sides. But the quality of finishing materials is a full-fledged premium class.
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The good quality with which each individual detail is worked out, the selection and filigree joining of diverse surfaces, the accuracy with which all this is assembled, and do not cause thoughts that they could save money somewhere. Even the ashtray gives the impression of an expensive accessory. But in order to realize all this, you have to “probe” into the interior of the A3 Sedan, pressing, scrolling, turning and pressing on the individual components of the interior. Because there is nothing special to look at: the underlined minimalism is diluted only by the display emerging from the bowels of the panel and stylish airflow deflectors.
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The traditional and illustrative instrument panel has been freshened up mainly due to smaller font and indicators of engine temperature and fuel level recessed into the dials. But the marking of the speedometer up to 280 km / h is a clear flattery to the owner of the car. The speed of even the most powerful 300-horsepower version of the S3 Sedan is limited to 250 km / h. There is no radio in the usual sense on the Audi A3. The radio can be turned on through the simplified MMI system menu, and to play USB media or discs, you will have to refer to the list of additional options.
In the cabin, which feels like a cockpit, you expect pronounced sportiness from the front seats in absentia. But she is not. Unobtrusive seat profiles are simply comfortable. If you want a tighter hug, you will have to order the optional S-line with more developed lateral support.
Expect a comfortable landing on the second row is not worth it. But a person of average height is unlikely to have to complain. The rear seats are not back-to-back, but rather exactly enough so that they don’t rest against anything, but also don’t make unnecessary movements. For additional benefits, such as an armrest, you will have to pay extra again.
The trunk of the A3 sedan is average for the volume class: 425 liters, taking into account the "dump" under the floor. The hatchback A3, for example, has only 380. The main competitor Mercedes-Benz CLA has noticeably more - 470 liters.
But I recommend paying extra 127,300 rubles for a 1.8 engine only if there is an acute discrepancy between temperament and the capabilities of the base engine. If spent on additional options or more expensive equipment, this money will bring more joy.
Despite the very modest 1.4 liters and 122 horsepower, the A3 Sedan rides very well. An old friend, the turbocharged TFSI engine, is efficient over a very wide rev range. Pulls great, accelerates confidently. The first "hundred" is cut off after 9.3 seconds. The capabilities of the motor are slightly diluted by the robotic transmission S-Tronic (aka DSG), the settings of which are focused on smooth switching. Yes, and the weakened sensitivity of the accelerator adjusts to smooth starts.
Switching the box to Sport mode is not fiction. The car, as if shaken, begins to follow the orders of the right leg much more accurately and clearly, encouraging the driver to fully appreciate the talent of German minders. The reverse side of the “torn” ride is the expected jolts of the seven-speed “robot” when switching down.
But the behavior of the car on the road does not raise any questions. In many respects, this is a consequence of the installation of an independent rear suspension on all Russian modifications of the Audi A3 Sedan (for the so-platform Golf, Octavia and Leon, only powerful versions have a multi-link). As a result - the perfect balance of smoothness and energy intensity. Add here the neutral settings of the steering wheel with a pleasant effort in rotation, and it becomes clear that you can tirelessly drive hundreds of kilometers behind the wheel of the A3.
High-speed passage of turns on ice with half-melted muddy-snow porridge shows only the merits of a perfectly tuned stabilization system. Even with a dangerous overspeed, the electronics promptly, clearly, and at the same time without disturbing the driver at all, directed the car back to the trajectory.
Without the "collar" - a predictable, but significant drift "out" of the turn. Operational correction by thrust and steering wheel reveals the imperfection of the last mechanism setting. The emphasis on comfort in the driver's feelings has noticeably dulled the information content. Communication with the road "on the steering wheel" at critical moments is not transparent.
So it's better not to turn off anything and enjoy the comfort. For the active production of adrenaline in Ingolstadt, only S-line modifications were provided. But there is another, more driving brand in Germany ...
What is the result? The Audi A3 turned out to be an interesting “four-door”. Even in the basic version, the car has a good technical “stuffing”, excellent interior design and good design in the body type beloved by Russians. "Four rings" on the key fob for the indicated money give the A3 Sedan every chance to turn into a "people's premium".
She seriously set out to compete with other top competitors from the German estate in the compact segment of family cars, for which, on the occasion, the company's engineers developed and created a new body to satisfy the growing tastes of consumers in Europe, America and Asia. The "donor" of the new body, and the car as a whole, was the well-known hatch, A3. It was possible to make a five-door sedan out of it, an original, beautiful car with a sporty appearance and a rich interior view - 2015 A3. Let's meet and clap!
In order to clearly define the boundaries of comparison with other cars of a similar type, configuration and dimensions, marketers from Ingolstadt position the new sedan as (the main competitors of which are the recently appeared Gran Coupe). What is the difference between Audi and the other two models? According to the automaker, they will become one of the most technically advanced products produced by the company in recent years. And all this splendor will be packed into a compact, sporty-looking body. It doesn’t sound bad, the only thing left is to find out what the car has to offer upon closer inspection, for which we will conduct a review.
Audi unveiled its 2015 A3 sedan to the public at the 2013 New York Auto Show. The four-door A3 is built on the new MQB platform, in Russian it will sound like the “Modular Transverse Matrix”.
What are the advantages and innovativeness of such a platform? To begin with, the third generation Audi A3 became the first car based on the MQB platform. Secondly, when using this technical solution, there are many advantages. The mass of the car will decrease, safety will increase, and during the production of the platform, it is possible to easily change the wheelbase and track width.
Further, unlike all other models of the manufacturer, such as the A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8, which use a longitudinal engine layout, the A3 is located transversely on the new platform. As a result, the center of mass has moved behind the front axle.
A3 Sedan Attraction 1.8 TFSI 180 HP and automatic S tronic;
As well as the diesel Audi A3 2.0 TDI with 143 hp.
A more powerful variant, a 220hp 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder engine. An engine of this power will be installed exclusively on the most expensive configurations with all-wheel drive and a six-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch gearbox.
And the top one is 300 strong S3, for those who are itching.)
All engines have cast iron blocks with aluminum cylinder heads.
Front suspension independent MacPherson. A-arms with aluminum knuckles. The suspension is mounted on an aluminum subframe.
rear- independent, spring, multi-link with a steel transverse beam.
Power steering- electromechanical.
Disc brakes respectively on all wheels. When choosing a configuration with sports 19-inch discs, ventilated brake discs are placed on the front axle. Parking brake - electromechanical.
17-inch light-alloy aluminum wheels are shod with 225/45R17 tires. Which speaks of the sportiness of the car, plus the road is well kept. As an addition, you can put 18 and 19 inch wheels with tires - 235 / 35R19.
Salon at the new Audi, generally a separate play. Not only is the list of additional equipment delightful (more on that below), but three types of interior trim add optimism. Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige and even the base model gets leather upholstery, a large panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, Bluetooth and other nice touches.
Audi side assist, changeover assistance system;
Audi active lane assist- an electronic assistant that allows the car to stay in its lane;
Traffic sign recognition system;
Parking assistant, or rather autopilot for parking;
Audi pre sense basic, as on new Mercedes cars, in the event of an inevitable collision, it makes emergency braking a fraction of a second before the impact, which reduces its force;
Also, do not forget about the adaptive cruise control (ACC), useful and modern options, as well as a system Stop&Go(quite a controversial system, but it also has a place to be).
Audi A3 Sedan interior.
It seems to me that writing about him and describing his advantages and disadvantages is not a thankful task and, moreover, unnecessary. It would be much more appropriate to show a selection of his photographs, shall we say, in detail. Accuracy, thoughtful choice of materials, beauty, practicality and conciseness. The modern approach and life require rigor and quality in everything, inside the Audi gives this feeling!
In 2012, the third generation appeared Audi A3 in a hatchback. A year later, in 2013, the world was shown Audi A3 sedan. The most interesting thing, but the first two generations of the sedan did not have in its row. Today, the Audi A3 is offered in 3-door and 5-door hatchback, sedan and even convertible body styles. All these cars are sold in Russia. It is also worth noting the charged version of S3, which is also freely sold.
The choice of the buyer is offered a fairly wide range of engines, front or all-wheel drive. As a gearbox, either a 6-speed manual or a robotic S-Tronic automatic machine. The third generation Audi A3 is built on a common platform with the VW Golf.
Where is the Audi A3 made? Quite an interesting question. Today, the A3 model is assembled in China, Germany and Hungary. Audi A3 (3-door hatch), A3 Sportback (5-door hatch) and a convertible are officially imported to Russia from Germany from a factory in the city of Ingolstadt. But the A3 sedan is assembled exclusively in Hungary.
The exterior of the car is as harmonious as possible and fully corresponds to the general corporate style of Audi. The S3 versions have more aggressive bumpers, larger wheels and lower ground clearance. In any case, the appearance of the car will please anyone. Signature trapezoidal large grille, powerful optics, smooth and clear body lines. One feels the “breed” of a premium car. Photos of the Audi A3 sedan Further. By the way, it is in this body that the car is most in demand in our country.
Photo Audi A3
IN Audi A3 interior All elements of the interior fit perfectly. A minimum of buttons, dense expensive plastic around, comfortable seats. Aluminum finish. For a fee, you can order a multimedia system with a color monitor, which is located above the center console. In general, the number of options that can be ordered when buying a car is huge. For example, you can get a multifunctional steering wheel with stereo control, adaptive cruise control and other benefits of civilization.
Photo salon Audi A3
Of course, the main advantage of the A3 sedan is the increased trunk. In a sedan, the trunk holds 425 liters. In the Sportback (aka hatchback), this volume is 380 liters. Below photo of the trunk of an Audi A3 sedan.
Audi A3 trunk photo
Specifications Audi A3
Technical characteristics of the Audi A3, this is a rather extensive topic. For example, as a power unit, you can choose gasoline turbo engines from the TFSI series with a displacement of 1.2, 1.4, 1.8 liters with a capacity of 110, 125, 180 horsepower, respectively, plus a 2.0 turbodiesel with a capacity of 143 hp.
The "charged" versions of the S3 are 2-liter petrol turbo, 300 hp, plus quattro all-wheel drive. This allows you to accelerate the car to the first hundred in 5 seconds!
Conventional A3s have both full (combined with more powerful engines) and front-wheel drive. We have already written about the transmission above. This is a 6-speed manual, or a robotic S-Tronic automatic with 6 or 7 gears.
Front suspension A3 independent type MacPherson strut. At the rear, there is also a fully independent suspension with aluminum wishbones. The new modular MQB platform allowed the car to increase the track and wheelbase, making the body even lighter and stronger. Further detailed dimensions of both the sedan and the Sportback version.
Dimensions, weight, volumes, clearance Audi A3
- Length - 4456 mm (sedan), 4237 (3-door hatch), 4310 (5-door hatch)
- Width - 1796 mm (sedan), 1777 (3-door hatch), 1785 (5-door hatch)
- Height - 1416 mm (sedan), 1421 (3-door hatch), 1425 (5-door hatch)
- Curb weight - from 1310 kg (sedan), 1225 (3-door hatch), 1255 (5-door hatch)
- Gross weight - 1785 kg (sedan), 1710 (3-door hatch), 1740 (5-door hatch)
- Wheelbase - 2637 mm (sedan), 2601 (3-door hatch), 2636 (5-door hatch)
- Wheel track - 1555/1526 mm (sedan), 1542/1514 (3-door hatch), 1535/1506 (5-door hatch)
- Trunk volume - 425 liters (sedan), 365 (3-door hatch), 380 (5-door hatch)
- Fuel tank volume - 50 liters
- Ground clearance or clearance - 140 mm
The dimensions of the wheelbase, height, width, track for each A3 body are different. Actually, usually the same model has the same parameters in all bodies, the difference is only in the length and volume of the luggage compartment. Why, then, with the Audi A3 such a spread in all sizes of bodies. The reason is the advanced modular MQB platform, which allows you to increase or decrease the size characteristics when creating any modification of the base body.
By the way, we almost forgot to indicate the dimensions of the A3 in the back of a convertible. Length - 4421mm, wheelbase - 2595mm, width - 1793mm, height - 1409mm, front and rear wheel track - 1555/1526mm. Trunk volume is 320 liters.
Video Audi A3
Video crash test Euro NCAP, where the Audi A3 received 5 stars for safety.
Test drive video and a detailed review of the A3 from Avtovesti journalists.
Prices and equipment Audi A3
Writing about the prices of a car that is imported from Europe is a thankless task. If we take into account the constantly changing exchange rate of the ruble and the price tags in car dealerships for such cars. We can point to the current prices at the moment, but it is already known that in a week this cost will increase by an average of 5%. At least this was announced in the Russian representative office of Audi.
So, the basic price tag for the Audi A3 sedan today is 1,278,000 rubles. For that money, you get a front-wheel drive car with a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine with 125 hp. and a 6-speed S Tronic automatic transmission. All-wheel drive quattro 1.8 TFSI costs 1,526,000 rubles. The diesel equipment of the A3 sedan has a price of 1,520,000 rubles.
The price of a 3-door A3 hatchback starts at 1,125,000 rubles, although as a power unit a 1.2-liter turbo engine with a capacity of 110 hp is used. and 6-speed manual. The Sportback version with a 5-door body costs the same. As a box and engine are the same units. By the way, the version with quattro all-wheel drive and a powerful 1.8-liter engine (180 hp) already costs 1,521,000 rubles. The diesel version with a 2 liter unit (143 hp) has a price tag of 1,515,000 rubles.
Prices for a "charged" Audi S3 with a capacity of 300 hp and all-wheel drive start from 2,244,000 rubles. A convertible can be taken for 1,613,000 rubles, the same convertible, but with the letter S3, costs much more than 2 million.
The official premiere of the Audi A3 in a five-door hatchback body with the Sportback prefix took place in November 2012 as part of the Paris Motor Show. Against the background of the three-door, the car distinguished itself not only by the presence of two additional doors, but also by a number of other significant improvements.
In April 2016, the "German" appeared before the public in an updated guise - the modernization "refreshed" the appearance, introduced a lot of technical innovations and significantly expanded the list of available options.
To begin with, about the external dimensions - the Audi A3 Sportback in all respects leaves behind the usual "troika". The length of the hatchback is 4313 mm, height - 1426 mm, and width - 1785 mm (including mirrors - 1966 mm). The wheelbase is 34 mm higher than the parameters of the three-door model and totals 2637 mm. But the ground clearance has not changed - 140 mm. On the road, the car relies on 16-inch "rollers" with steel discs, which can be replaced by wheels with a diameter of 17 or 18 inches.
The front of the Audi A3 Sportback is identical to that of the standard model. But on the side there are significant differences, the main of which is the presence of two additional doors. The silhouette of the car due to the longer wheelbase looks squat, dynamic and muscular. In addition, one can note the high window line and the roof harmoniously falling towards the stern.
The rear part of the “sporty” Audi A3 is somewhat different from that of the three-door version, in particular, a different shape of the tailgate, larger taillights with LED filling, as well as a bumper with bright ribs, a diffuser and two integrated exhaust pipes.
Inside, the five-door "troika" completely copies the interior of the regular Audi A3. This means that the hatchback flaunts modern design, excellent ergonomics and high-quality finishing materials.
The front seats of the Sportback have a comfortable shape, a good profile and a wide range of adjustments. In general, everything is like on a three-door model.
But the second row of seats is a completely different matter. The wheelbase increased by 34 mm contributed to a significant increase in the amount of space for rear passengers. There is enough space for riders both above the head and in the legs. Yes, and two additional doors provide more convenient access to the rear of the cabin.
The boot volume of the Audi A3 Sportback in standard condition is 380 litres. The seats recline flush with the floor in a ratio of 60:40, which increases usable space to 1220 liters. The shape of the luggage compartment is correct, no interior elements make it difficult to transport luggage, and the floor can be adjusted in height.
Specifications. In the Russian market for a five-door hatch, there are two gasoline four-cylinder TFSI engines equipped with a turbocharger, a 16-valve timing and direct fuel supply.
- The base version is a 1.4-liter unit that produces 150 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 250 Nm of peak thrust at 1500-3500 rpm. It is accompanied exclusively by a front-wheel drive transmission, but is offered with both a 6-speed "mechanics" and a 7-speed "robot" S tronic.
- An alternative choice is a 2.0-liter engine, the potential of which fits into 190 “mares” at 4200-6000 rpm and 320 Nm of peak thrust at 1500-4200 rpm. By default, together with it, a “robot” with seven ranges and drive wheels of the front axle is installed, and a quattro all-wheel drive system is available for a fee.
Depending on the version, the five-door accelerates to the first “hundred” after 6.2-8.2 seconds, gains a maximum of 220-236 km / h and consumes no more than 4.6-5.7 liters in mixed mode.
The Audi A3 Sportback is based on the MQB modular platform, the suspension design is the same as on the three-door “troika”, similar brake mechanisms and an electromechanical power steering are used.
Options and prices. In Russia, the "Sportback" Audi A3 2016-2017 model year is sold at a price of 1,629,000 rubles, for which you get a front-wheel drive car on the "mechanics".
The basic equipment of the hatch includes six airbags, bi-xenon headlights, a multimedia system, a start / stop system, ABS, ESP, air conditioning, 16-inch wheel disks, heated front seats, music and much more.
A five-door with a “top-end” engine cannot be bought cheaper than 1,830,000 rubles, and for an all-wheel drive version, you will have to pay a minimum of 1,914,000 rubles.
