The new Audi A3 Sportback arrives in Australia
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ZETLAND, AUSTRALIA – May 24, 2013: The new third-generation Audi A3 Sportback has arrived in Australia, starting at $35,600. Sophisticated design, strong performance, frugal efficiency, advanced features from the luxury class and outstanding quality all combine to ensure that the A3 Sportback is a true Audi.
Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Andrew Doyle, said the new A3 Sportback is of tremendous strategic importance to the company.
“We are immensely proud of the extraordinary new Audi A3 Sportback. It demonstrates the very best of what Audi is capable of.
“The new A3 Sportback offers the luxury, features and quality of a much larger car in a concentrated package. We created the premium compact segment in 1996 with the very first A3, and since then, almost 18,000 Australian customers have chosen to own one. With the all-new Audi A3, we will lead the segment once again.”
“The all-new A3 range will be a key sales driver for Audi as we head toward our goal of becoming the number one premium brand in Australia. But the Sportback is just the starting point: over the next few years we will see the much-anticipated A3 sedan, the S3 models, the all-new A3 Cabriolet and of course our first plug-in hybrid, the A3 e-tron.”
Starting at $35,600, the entry-level model in the new A3 Sportback range is 85 kg lighter than its predecessor and is powered by a 1.4 TFSI turbocharged petrol engine that produces 90kW and 200Nm. The 1.4 TFSI accelerates to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds, with frugal fuel economy of 5.0 litres per 100km.
The top petrol engine in the range is the powerful 1.8 TFSI, which produces a hefty 132 kW and 250 Nm. Maximum torque is available from just 1,250 rpm, and remains constant up to 5,000 rpm. As a result, the 1.8 TFSI reaches 100 km/h in only 7.3 seconds, with exceptional fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100km.
The 2.0 TDI turbocharged diesel engine also offers strong performance, peaking at 110kW and 320 Nm. As expected of an Audi diesel engine, acceleration is a strong point. The 2.0 TDI model powers to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds, returning outstanding fuel economy of 4.5 litres per 100km.
All four models use the sporty – yet highly efficient – S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Shifting in just a few milliseconds, the S tronic transmission delivers the perfect combination of sporty performance and smooth driving qualities.
Audi has also reversed the weight spiral with the new A3 Sportback. Audi ultra lightweight technology reduces weight by as much as 90 kilograms, compared with the previous model. Equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine, the five-door model has a kerb weight of just 1,225 kilograms. Hot-shaped high-tensile steels are used in the occupant cell of the new A3 Sportback and the bonnet and front guards are made of aluminium. The complete occupant cell is 37 kilograms lighter overall than in the previous model. Further weight reductions were achieved throughout the interior and in the engines.
The new Audi A3 Sportback has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and the entry-level 1.4 TFSI model has also been awarded a five-star rating in the Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide ratings.
One of the strengths of the Audi A3 Sportback is its broad appeal. Young, ambitious singles as well as young couples are all attracted the design, functionality and versatility of the A3 Sportback, with most in the 30-49 age group. Nevertheless, the A3 Sportback is also highly desirable among young adults who have not yet left the family home, aged under 29, along with ‘empty nesters’ aged over 60. One theme is clear throughout all these target groups: discerning buyers want to differentiate themselves by their choice of vehicle.
Equipment and Pricing – highlights at a glance
The A3
Sportback offers a very high level of standard equipment in keeping with
its premium positioning – highlights include:
Attraction trim level (1.4 TFSI and 1.6 TDI)
