2014 Audi A3 details

2014 Audi A3
Speaking of lists, here’s one of available A3 technology (some of which we previewed way back at the 2012 CES show): the latest MMI infotainment system, full-LED headlamps, LED interior lighting, 4G LTE connectivity for Google Maps integration and other internet-type functions, and a 705-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Leather upholstery will be standard, as will rain-sensing wipers and a big sunroof. The car also will offer what Audi calls a “phone box.” Basically, drop your phone into the center bin under the armrest, and the car will boost your cell signal using an antenna embedded in the rear glass.

The mainstream A3 is the sedan previewed by the concept at 2011 Geneva. Its wheelbase stretches by 1.5 inches to 104, and it's slightly wider than the hatchback.The dash and instrument packs are carried over from the new two-door hatchback, but the longer wheelbase gives a better rear package.

With clean and chiseled lines, the A3 has exterior styling that’s less flash and more substance. Available class-exclusive full LED headlights that shine much brighter than halogen and Xenon headlights make it clear that the A3 has design that outshines the competition.

By turbocharging its engines, the A3 can use a smaller engine to get the same power as a bigger one, without compromising fuel efficiency. A 170-horsepower, 1.8-liter TFSI turbocharged engine comes standard, while an available 220-horsepower, 2.0-liter TSFI engine with quattro all-wheel drive puts the power down. These engines prove that the best things really do come in smaller packages.

It weighs 275 pounds, a weight reduced with extensive use of aluminum, and liquid cooled to an ideal 77 Fahrenheit. Trunk space is essentially unaffected by the battery's location (and the gas tank has been moved forward, now over the rear axle).

With 10.5 gallons of gasoline also available, total range is said to be 584 miles--though again, this is on the more optimistic European fuel cycle. Bank on around 460 miles or so once the e-tron is EPA-rated.

On the inside, Audi opted for a "wraparound" dash design with an innovative three-dimensional inlay surrounding the driver and front passenger. The model offers the same high-quality materials found in the A8 and optional packages will help customers further customize the sedan. For example, an optional LED lighting package adds white LED light surrounding the center console, door panels, cup holders and even the Bang & Olufsen Sound System when so equipped.
The new A3 sedan will be offered with the MMI operating system that features a 7-inch high-resolution display screen with magnesium backing that is less than 1/2-inch thick

All A3 Sedans regardless of trim level and engine come standard with driver and front passenger airbags, knee airbags as well as front and rear side and head curtain airbags.
The list of electronic driving aids includes Multi-Collision Brake (MCB), traction control (ASR), electronic stability control (ESC) and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD).

The new Audi A3 sedan will go on sale on the U.S. market showrooms in the first quarter of 2014. European customers will be able to enjoy it starting this summer. In there the new A3 sedan will start at €25,000 - about $32,000 at the current exchange rates.

“We are thrilled with the price positioning of this new model. It’s a highly competitive segment of the market and the A3 Sportback has been very well-accepted since its May 2013 launch. We are now looking forward to even more customer interest with the arrival of this all new body style for the range,” Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle said.