The Audi A3 Sportback is the latest addition to the A3 premium compact class that was established in 1996.
The Audi A3 Sportback made its world début today with a premiere through Audi’s online platforms. The Audi A3 Sportback gets a sleek design and carries many innovations and features from the full-size class that include the infotainment, suspension, and driver assist systems.
Design
The Audi A3 Sportback features a body with compact proportions and a sporty design. The car can be distinguished with the wide single-frame, large air inlets at the front and mainly, the Matrix LED headlights that consist of a pixel array made up of LED segments in a three-by-five arrangement that create special light signatures.
Interior
The interior of the Audi A3 Sportback gets a new drive-shifter, a choice of aluminium or carbon inlays, strikingly designed door openers, and an instrument panel with a black-panel look. Something new and innovative is the seat upholstery that is made from recycled PET bottles, further enhanced with stylish contrasting stitching are being used for the first time.
The cockpit of the A3 Sportback is fully focused on the driver and includes a 10.1-inch touch display as standard, which is integrated into the centre of the instrument panel and operated via the multifunction steering wheel. The plus version gets a screen that measures 12.3 inches and offers three different views, including graphics with a sporty appeal. A heads-up display that projects important information on to the windshield in colour can also be installed upon request.
Engine
The new Audi A3 Sportback is being launched in Europe with a choice of three engine versions – a 1.5-litre TFSI (turbocharged fuel-stratified injection) petrol engine making 150 hp, and a 2.0-litre TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) diesel in two configurations; delivering either 116 hp or 150 hp. The engine versions at start of production will be combined with front-wheel drive. Power will be transmitted by a six-speed manual transmission or the quick-shifting seven-speed S tronic automatic, the selector lever of which is now designed as a compact shifter. In the near future, Audi plan to include further engine options that include electrified drive systems and versions with quattro drive.
Suspension:
The suspension setup of the Audi A3 Sportback consists of a four-link rear axle that Audi claim combine pleasant ride comfort with good dynamics. Upon request, the suspension is available with adaptive damper control, which simultaneously lowers the body by 10 mm. Each damper permanently adapts to the road condition, the driving situation and the settings in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system to deliver a highly comfortable roll motion and agile handling.
Pricing
Sales of the Audi A3 Sportback start in many European countries in March 2020 and the first vehicles are said to be delivered to customers at the beginning of May. The 1.5-litre TFSI starts at €28,900 (Rs 23.5 lakh approx). The market launch will be accompanied by a special-edition model: the A3 Sportback edition one with exclusive features. No word yet about a launch in India but we will have to wait to find out.
