Powerful brakes provide the stopping power; the front discs are internally vented. The ESC electronic stabilization control includes the electronic limited slip differential, which helps the driver when cornering. If a wheel on one of the axles spins, the electronic limited slip differential brakes it slightly, causing the car to turn slightly into the corner. The electromechanical parking brake can be supplemented with a hill hold assist function.
Audi drive select (standard with Ambition) makes driving the new A3 Sportback an even more versatile and inspiring experience. The driver decides with the push of a button whether the accelerator, the power steering and the optional S tronic operate in comfort, automatic, dynamic, individual or efficiency mode.
In the latter mode, the optional deluxe automatic air conditioning, adaptive light and adaptive cruise control also operate in a mode targeted to optimize fuel consumption.
Another optional technology controlled via Audi drive select is the electromagnetic damper control system Audi magnetic ride. The system offers a comfortable and a sporty characteristic. Its control unit continuously adjusts the damping forces in milliseconds depending on road conditions and the driver’s style. The body sits 15 millimeters (0.59 in) lower with this system.
Infotainment.
The new Audi A3 Sportback presents a groundbreaking innovation in mobile communications electronics – the modular infotainment platform (MIB). The concept behind it enables very fast innovation cycles in development.
The central computer of the new MMI includes the MMX board (MMX: Multi-Media eXtension). One of the plug-in module’s key components is the fast T-20 graphics process from market leader Nvidia’s Tegra 2 series. The chip, which generates complex 3D images, is used in all online, voice control, media, navigation and telephone functions.
The high-resolution monitor of the MMI operating system measures either 5.8 or 7 inches in diagonal and extends automatically from the instrument panel.
Just 11 millimeters (0.43 in) thick, its lightweight magnesium housing is finished in high-gloss black for an elegant, premium appearance.
Audi is also presenting important innovations for the control terminal on the center tunnel console. The permanent toggle switches – the hard keys – for navigation, telephone, radio and media have been rearranged. With the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus, the large rotary pushbutton with MMI touch – a solution from Audi’s full-size models – has been consolidated into a touch wheel. The touch-sensitive field, on which drivers can enter letters and numbers with their fingers, forms the surface of the control wheel.
The new Audi A3 Sportback comes standard with the Audi radio. The next level up, the MMI radio, includes the control terminal and the power-retractable 5.8-inch monitor. This can be supplemented with the optional connectivity package, which includes the Audi music interface for the integration of a mobile player, a Bluetooth interface and navigation system preparation.
If the customer later buys an SD card with navigation data or chooses the navigation package from the very beginning, the MMI radio becomes a navigation system.
The top version is the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch – a media center with 60 GB of storage capacity, DVD drive and whole-word voice control. The high-resolution 7-inch monitor displays the map with detailed 3D graphics. Mobile phones and players can be paired with MMI navigation plus through the integrated Bluetooth interface.
A number of attractive modules round out the range, including a module for digital audio broadcasting and the Audi Phone Box for easily connecting the mobile phone to the vehicle antenna. The optional Bang & Olufsen sound system, whose 705-watt, 5.1-channel amplifier drives 14 speakers, is available in addition to the Audi Sound System. LED light guides illuminate the fames of the woofers in the front doors.
Audi connect.
The term Audi connect refers to all technologies that connect the driver of an Audi to the car, the Internet, the infrastructure, and other vehicles. The hardware component is the Bluetooth online car phone, which is called Audi connect in the new A3 Sportback.
The Bluetooth online car phone, an extension of MMI navigation plus, connects to the Internet via UMTS. The integrated WLAN hotspot allows passengers to freely surf and send e-mails on up to eight mobile devices. The system delivers tailored Internet services for the driver, from navigation with images from Google Earth and Google POI search to Audi traffic information online and the smartphone app Audi music stream. News and information services round out the range.
