2009 Audi A3

The new generation Audi A3

Apr 27, 2008 -- The 2009 Audi A3 and 2009 Audi A3 Sportback, the premium compact models from Audi, are raising their profile this summer with a raft of technical and visual improvements.

2009 Audi A3

Highlights:
• Innovative high-tech advances
• Updated exterior design
• New trim line-up for UK
• S tronic transmission, Audi magnetic ride and efficient engines
• S3 now also available as a Sportback

Innovative technologies such as the advanced Audi parking system, the optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the optional Audi magnetic ride suspension control system create mature handling and ride. Its sharper, more striking exterior design lends even greater expression to the Audi A3 range.

The Audi S3 developing 195 kW (265PS) now also becomes available as a 5-door Sportback version, a top new model that completes the comprehensive range. The first examples will arrive in the UK this summer.

The Audi A3 created the entirely new market segment of the premium compact car when the first-generation model made its debut in 1996. Audi has been notably successful in that market segment and has since built 1.9 million units of the Audi A3. After four successive record-breaking years, the one millionth example of the second-generation A3 – which went into production in 2003 – left the assembly line this month. Audi is now solidifying its lead.

The exterior: even sportier profile
New details on the 3-door Audi A3 and A3 Sportback emphasise its modern profile. The bonnet and front wings are more sculpted, and the bumper and single-frame radiator grille have been updated to enhance road presence. New headlamps incorporate a curved trim element and on the S line version, Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights provide a distinctive optional feature. New exterior mirrors with built-in indicators, new door handles and a stylish alloy wheel range add to car’s side profile.

The rear features a modified bumper and new tail lights; the Audi A3 Sportback now has innovative fibre optic rods arranged in a flat, continuous strip that creates a striking visual effect in the dark. In addition, the 3-door Audi A3 has a modified tailgate with a new light edge.

As a result of the design modifications, the length of the Audi A3 has increased by 2.5 centimetres to 4.24 metres, while the sporty proportions of the Sportback remain virtually unchanged at 4.29 metres in length.

Interior elegance
The premium feel of the car has been fine-tuned inside too. Aluminum design elements on the air vents, light switches and center console accentuate the prestige character of the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. Other features to have been given a new, modern look include the switches and controls beneath the audio system, the instrument cluster with black dials and red needles, and the shift indicator which displays the recommended gear in the driver information system. Fitted as standard to the SE, Sport and S line, the driver information system displays the time, date and distance in a clear, high-resolution white font. The 3-spoke leather steering wheel on the Sport and S line has new aluminum trim, with a flat-bottomed design available as an option on S line.

New inlays for the Standard, SE and Sport and a wide selection of upholstery colours and fabrics enhance the interior design. The upholstery range includes Alcantara leather and Fine Nappa leather trim for the sport seats.

Split folding rear seats, as standard, offer versatile space for the Audi A3's luggage compartment, which is the roomiest in its class at 350 to 1,080 litres, and an even larger 370 to 1,100 litres in the Audi A3 Sportback. On quattro® versions the boot floor is a few centimeters higher to accommodate the special rear axle. A particularly ingenious feature is available for the front-wheel drive versions – a sturdy, reversible load tray that is practical and easy-to-clean and can be used, for example, for shifting wet items and also as a removable carrying tray. As part of the wider option range, roof rails and a panoramic sunroof are available for the Audi A3 Sportback.

Powerful drive: the engines
For the UK market, the new generation Audi A3 and A3 Sportback engine range comprises seven different engines – four petrol and three diesel versions. Five of them are pioneering four-cylinder direct injection units with turbocharging. Their abbreviations TFSI and TDI encapsulate the strengths of Audi's engine technology – performance, high torque, dynamism, refinement and efficiency.

The 1.6 litre engine has an output of 75 kW (102PS), the 1.4T FSI produces 92 kW (125PS), the 1.8T FSI produces 118 kW (160PS) and the 2.0T FSI outputs 147 kW (200PS). The 1.9 litre TDI delivers 77 kW (105PS) and the 2.0 litre TDI produces 103 kW (140PS). The 2.0 litre TDI 125 kW (170PS) version will be available at a later date. Both two-litre diesel engines have been extensively re-engineered – a new common rail injection system now assures ultra-refined running, efficiency and excellent acoustics.

The diesel engine, with an output of 77 kW (105PS), is the power unit of the extremely efficient 1.9 litre TDI version which, thanks to special fine-tuning measures, clocks up 100 kilometers on just 4.5 litres of diesel (52.27 mpg). Thanks to the efficiency measures, the other engines also offer reduced fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent. The 1.8T FSI and the closely related 2.0T FSI have been frictionally optimised and have new cylinder bores, pistons and oil pumps to increase efficiency.

High tech from Audi: the new transmissions
The range of transmissions has been extended and has become even more appealing. Almost all engine versions are supplied as standard with six-speed manual transmission. The 1.6 and 1.9 TDI are fitted with five-speed manual transmission. The high-tech dual-clutch S tronic transmission, now available on most engines, changes gears smoothly and with exceptional speed. The driver can set it to operate in fully automatic mode or elect to change gears manually, either at the selector lever or with the standard shift paddles on the leather sport steering wheel.

The S tronic on the 2.0T FSI and both 2.0 TDI diesel versions has six speeds, whereas the 1.6, the 1.4T FSI and the 1.8T FSI petrol engines feature a newly developed seven-speed S tronic. Both clutches are dry-running – an innovative approach meaning that they do not need a separate oil supply and further adding to their already impressive efficiency. The seven gears are closely spaced for a rapid response, though the top ratio is sufficiently high-geared to reduce the engine speed, cutting fuel consumption as a result.

The quattro versions have even more to offer and set the Audi A3 apart. The all-wheel-drive system is available for two engine versions – the 2.0T FSI and the 2.0 TDI (170PS). In its latest technical form, the central hydraulic multi-plate clutch responds when the engine's power needs to be redistributed between the front and rear wheels. This increases stability, traction and driving pleasure.

The standard-fit dynamic suspension provides safety, precise handling and comfort all rolled into one. The well-balanced chassis characteristics of the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback come thanks to elaborate engineering elements such as the four-link rear suspension and the efficient electromechanical power steering. The Sport models are fitted with sport suspension as standard, which sets the body 15 millimeters lower, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Way ahead of the competition: Audi magnetic ride
The adaptive-action shock absorber control system – Audi magnetic ride – overcomes the age-old conflict between sound handling behaviour and ride comfort. The driver can choose between ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ programs by simply flicking a switch. A magnetorheological fluid circulating in the shock absorbers changes flow properties within milliseconds when a voltage is applied; this affects the damping characteristic, which can be varied from supple to firm. Magnetic ride is available as an option on the 1.8T FSI and 2.0T FSI petrol engines, as well as both versions of the 2.0 TDI diesel models.

Strong and clear equipment choice for UK models
The equipment range for the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback has been re-structured to offer even greater competitiveness. There are four trim levels to choose from, each offering additional key equipment for a relative price upgrade.

As standard the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback have a comprehensive level of specification and are now fitted with manual air conditioning on all models. As an upgrade, the re-defined SE trim offers a range of convenient features including driver information system, multi-function steering wheel, front fog lamps and a different alloy wheel design.

The Sport version raises the bar with sport seats, aluminium inlays, sports suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. While the top of the range S line can be distinguished by its 18-inch twin spoke alloy wheels, its body-styling and black cloth/leather upholstery provide a sleek finish.

For even greater customisation, the deluxe Audi exclusive line and the Audi exclusive range provide the opportunity for further customisation.

All models are fitted with chorus radio system with four speakers as standard, with Concert radio including an aux-in socket standard on Sport and S line versions. There are also modern infotainment options available, including the Bose Sound System and iPod and USB connections.

The array of other new options demonstrates the high technological standard of the Audi A3 model range. These include deluxe automatic air conditioning, adaptive lights – including the dynamic cornering light system on the S line only – and the Audi parking system for front and rear.

The parking assist feature is a first for the Audi range. It alerts the driver of the car’s distance from an obstruction by emitting an audible signal. Its pioneering ultrasound sensors can also scan parking spaces by the roadside as the car is driven past; the driver is alerted if there is one large enough to park within. With the driver controlling the accelerator, clutch and brakes and the car in reverse gear, the system manipulates the electromechanical steering to guide the car into the space.

Pure performance: the new S3 Sportback
At the top of the latest Audi A3 range is a second top model on the market – the S3 Sportback, which joins the three-door Audi S3. Both versions are equipped with the same engine, the re-engineered 2.0T FSI with an output of 195 kW (265PS). With an increased torque output of 350 Nm available from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm, the direct-injection, two-litre turbo reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in 5.7 seconds (5.8 seconds in the Sportback). The top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph (250 km/h), yet the fuel consumption of the new S3 is astonishingly low, at an average of 27.67 mpg.

A six-speed manual transmission efficiently handles power from the engine to the standard quattro driveline, while 18-inch wheels provide the appropriate traction. Sports suspension lowers the body by 25 millimeters and uses advanced, lightweight aluminum components. Black brake callipers act on 17-inch disc brakes. The car reacts spontaneously to the steering and its handling remains very stable, precise and almost neutral right up to its limits. When emerging form a bend, for example, traction and grip levels are remarkably high, enabling the driver to deploy the car’s power very early on exit.

Like the Audi A3, the S3 has revised sleek new design and is clearly distinguished by exterior design elements like the single-frame radiator grille, the bumpers and the roof spoiler, as well as by the aluminium-look exterior mirrors. Inside, the driver and front passenger enjoy laterally supportive sports seats, with Audi exclusive bucket seats available as an option. Aluminium pedals, three different styles of inlay and black or silver lining create an exclusively premium look. In addition, automatic air conditioning, multi-function steering wheel and Xenon Plus headlamps with LED daytime running lights extend the range of standard features.

The enhanced Audi A3, Audi A3 Sportback and the two S3 versions are set to arrive in the UK market this summer.

More images from the 2009 Audi A3 Photo Gallery: