The driver seats at an elegant steering wheel. Depending on the version, it has three or four spokes, a flat-bottomed rim, multifunction buttons and shift paddles. The large dial instruments can be easily read at a glance. The newly developed front seats offer outstanding body guidance and support. Sport seats are available as an option (standard with Ambition).
Thanks to the 58 millimeters (2.28 in) by which the wheelbase has grown, the A3 Sportback offers ample rear seat space and easy access for three adults. The A3 Sportback also offers several millimeters more head and leg room than its predecessor.
The interior of the new A3 Sportback conveys the luxurious look and feel of the full-size class. The sculpted inlays are just one of the highlights. Audi offers a choice of Aluminum Mistral or the 3D-design “Optic” inlays (standard with Ambiente) as options. This top-of-the-line version is manufactured in a complex process to produce a glass-like appearance with intense depth.
The four large, round air nozzles in a jet design are additional examples of the aesthetics of technology. The stream of air can be adjusted between a diffuse and a targeted flow by tapping and pulling on the center axis.
The control unit for the optional deluxe automatic air conditioning is mounted on a black, piano-finish fascia. The instrument cluster fascia is also black. Many control elements are optionally available in an aluminum-look finish, and the interior lighting package (standard with Ambiente) includes subtle LED lights.
The colors in the interior are matched to the trim line. In the A3 Sportback Attraction, the interior is black or titanium gray; the interior of the sporty Ambition line is either all black or black with additional silver, blue or yellow contrasting elements. The two-color Audi design selection capri orange, an exclusive suggestion of the Audi designers, provides access to the world of youthful colors. The colors pashmina beige and chestnut brown are available with the luxurious Ambiente trim line.
The materials provide for further differentiation. Cloth seats are standard with the Attraction and Ambition lines; Ambiente comes standard with a mix of cloth and synthetic leather. Options include Milano leather or a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara. The Milano leather sport seats are covered with soft Velvet leather in the shoulder region.
The S line sport package, which is available for the A3 Sportback Ambition, completely immerses the interior in black. The sport seats are covered with a combination of Biathlon cloth and leather. Accents are provided by silver seams and piping on the floor mats, while the inlays are made of matt brushed aluminum or high-gloss 3D-design black. A shift lever with perforated leather and a special leather sport steering wheel round out the package.
The luggage compartment offers 380 liters (13.42 cu ft) of space in the basic configuration. The capacity expands to 1,220 liters (43.08 cu ft) with the seats folded down. The cargo floor is flat. The opening between the wheel wells measures 100 centimeters (39.37 in). The cargo floor can be inserted on two levels, and the supports on which it rests are marked with small LED lights. The rear seat can be folded down in a 60:40 split or as a whole. Hooks for bags and tie-down rings are standard. Options include a reversible mat, a storage and luggage compartment package, a pass-through opening and a ski and snowboard bag.
Engines.
Audi is initially offering the new A3 Sportback with a choice of one TDI and two TFSI engines. Two diesel engines and one gasoline unit will follow somewhat later. They combine multiple efficiency technologies – direct injection, turbocharging, innovative thermal management and the start-stop system. Fuel consumption has been reduced on average by around 10 percent compared with the previous model.
The 1.6 TDI is the most efficient engine in the model lineup. The compact diesel, which is characterized by minimal internal friction, consumes on average just 3.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (61.90 US mpg) when paired with the manual transmission. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 99 g/km (159.33 g/mile). The 1.6-liter engine accelerates the Audi A3 Sportback from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 10.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 194 km/h (120.55 mph).
The newly developed 2.0 TDI, with balance shafts that now rotate in the crankcase, is available in two versions. Performance data for the front-wheel-drive A3 Sportback equipped with the 110 kW (150 hp) engine producing 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) are 8.4 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and a top speed of 213 km/h (132.55 mph). Average fuel consumption is just 4.6 liters per 100 km (51.13 mph), corresponding to CO2 emissions of 120 grams per kilometer (193.12 g/mile).
The more powerful version of the 2.0 TDI offers 135 kW (184 hp) and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque. The key data (with manual transmission and front-wheel drive): zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.4 seconds, top speed of 232 km/h (144.16 mph), average fuel consumption of 4.3 liters per 100 km (54.70 US mpg) and 111 grams CO2 per km (178.64 g/mile).
