Audi A3, a compact car with a transverse engine and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Created on the platform Golf IV and belongs to the golf class, however, the quality and consumer properties is quite comparable with the models of a higher class. The design and aerodynamics of the body, the style solutions of the interior are beyond praise. The first model show was held in June 1996. Production of the Audi A3 began in 1997. Until the spring of 1999, the car was produced with one body type - a three-door hatchback. At the Geneva Motor Show in 1999 was presented a five-door version of the body.
The length of the car remained the same, only the location of the rear rack, which has become more vertical, has changed. Since the model was created on the Golf IV platform, the power unit has a transverse arrangement, but this did not prevent Audi from releasing the all-wheel drive version - the Audi A3 Quattro. In this case, the manufacturer had to abandon the traditional permanent all-wheel drive and, given the layout features of the car, to apply a scheme with inter-axial viskomufty, similar to that installed on the Golf IV Sincro. The car comes in three standard configurations: Ambiente, Attarction and Ambition ("calm", "attractiveness" and "ambition").
Externally, the cars are almost indistinguishable, but there is a wide variety in the trim and equipment list. The basic configuration includes an anti-lock system, dual airbags, belt tensioner, servo controls, power windows, a filter against dust and pollen, as well as rear head restraints. For the safety of the car is responsible anti-theft system with immobilizer, sensor monitoring the cabin and central locking doors, trunk and fuel tank flap. At will the salon can be made leather. The design of the driver's seat and upholstery give the cabin an elegant look. Comfortable seats allow you to travel long distances.
Driving performance of the car: a stable position when turning, a stable course in a straight line, obedient control - provided with a monocoque body and a fully independent suspension. Mounted shock absorber struts and triangular wishbones at the front, rear axle with suspension on connected trailing arms. Front and rear suspension systems include anti-roll bars. All the wheels are equipped with disc brakes with ABS (basic equipment). The choice of the buyer Audi A3 offers five power units: a 1.6-liter gasoline with a capacity of 101 hp, 1.8 liter with a capacity of 125 hp.
and a 1.8T quattro turbo engine (150 hp), as well as two “diesel engines” (1.9 l), developing 90 and 110 hp The all-wheel drive Audi with the Quattro system has a 170 hp engine. 150-strong power unit is similar to install on the Audi TT. It has five valves per cylinder, a turbocharger and an intercooler, which allows a car to accelerate to 100 km / h in 8.1 seconds (from a manual transmission). The maximum speed is 217 km / h. Diesel engines are equipped with direct injection and turbocharging. All engines operate in the base with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
An optional 4-range automatic transmission is available. The new generation Audi A3 with a 3-door body was first introduced in the spring of 2003 at the Geneva Motor Show. The basis of the vehicle Golf V generation platform. Design features - a stiffer steel body, a completely new multi-link rear suspension, wheelbase (+65 mm) increased to 2578 mm, Servotronic electric power steering on the steering rack. But at the same time, the car has retained a massive rear pillar, which has become almost a proprietary feature of the A3 model. In May 2004, the concern Audi AG began selling a version with a 5-door body, called the Sportback.
The five-door body is 68 mm longer than the three-door, and all this increase went to increase the cargo compartment (luggage capacity - 370 l). In addition, the A3 Sportback received a modified front part in a new corporate style with a grille in the form of a chrome trapezoid. Inside, there is only one new detail - a three-spoke steering wheel with a trapezoidal hub. Ergonomics in general at the highest level. The rear is spacious, but only for two: the salon is divided in half by a high tunnel.
Inside the mass of pleasant things. Shelves, pockets, cup holders, mesh. In April 2005, a slight modernization of the base 3-door Audi A3 was carried out - the front part was unified with the Sportback, new A4 and 4-spoke steering wheels appeared from the A4, and the suspension became more comfortable. The new electronic system of active safety, integrated with ESP, insures the driver against errors, self-taxiing in case of a sudden skidding or demolition.
Engine range: 4-cylinder in-line petrol engines of 1.6 i / 102 hp, 2.0 FSI / 150 hp, 2.0 l TFSI / 200 hp with direct fuel injection, turbocharged with charge air cooling, four-valve system, two overhead camshafts (DONC) and flagship for the A3 line 6-cylinder, V-shaped, petrol 3.2 l / 250 hp Turbodiesel 1.9 L TDI (105 hp) and 2.0 L TDI (140 hp). The choice of transmissions for the new Audi A3 consists of three positions - this is the basic 6-speed manual transmission and CVT variator for the basic models, while owners of six-cylinder modifications will be able to order a new DSG sequential gearbox for an additional fee.
Configuration remained the same: for those who like a reliable, stately car - version of Attraction; for lovers of speed - Ambition; for the most demanding - luxury version Ambiente. The basic package includes ABS, climate control, front and side airbags, central locking with remote control, immobilizer. For Russia, a special package is provided, including a reinforced suspension, antifreeze (down to -35 °) and protection of the engine compartment. You can also order "parking sensors", ASR and ESP, audio system (4 types) and other equipment.
In 2008, the model was subjected to an easy upgrade. Audi A3 received a more sporty, modern and dynamic design. In the headlamps and rear lights, LED elements appeared, hood, doors and other body elements became more prominent, the car received new bumpers and grille. The interior is complemented by aluminum inserts, changed controls. To increase the information content, the color gamut of the control panel was changed. The luggage compartment of the A3 is 1080 liters and 1,100 liters for the Sportback version.
A wide range of five petrol and three diesel engines is offered for the Audi A3. Range of gasoline engines: 1.4 TFSI 125 hp; 1.6 l capacity of 102 hp .; 1.8 TFSI with 160 hp; 2-liter turbo FSI with 200 hp At the top of the model range is a 3.2-liter V6 engine with a power of 250 hp, which is installed only with quattro all-wheel drive transmission. All diesel engines are equipped with a turbine and direct injection system: 1.9 l TDI (105 hp) and 2 l (140 hp / 170 hp).
Fuel consumption 1.9 TDI is only 4.5 liters per hundred. Manual five-speed transmission is offered only for 1.6 petrol and 1.9 TDI. Machines with other engines are equipped with a six-speed manual.
Innovation is the introduction of a 7-speed robotic gearbox S-Tronic available for engines in 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 liters. To improve handling and increase comfort, the Audi A3 was equipped with a Magnetic Ride damper adjustment system. With it, the driver can choose the mode of operation of the suspension from comfortable to sporty. In 2008, Audi expanded its lineup of compact cars with the A3 Cabrio convertible. The cabriolet is built on the basis of the three-door hatchback of the second generation (platform Typ 8). The model immediately attracted a lot of attention of motorists. The model has a classic fabric top made of soundproof material, which gives the car elegance and sportiness.
The decision of developers to use a soft roof is not accidental. This allows you to maintain a harmonious size and create a fairly spacious four-seater with memorable outlines. With an open roof, the cabriolet looks light and compact, and with a closed one it turns into a smart coupe.
The roof opens hydraulically in just nine seconds, closes in 11. In the open form, it takes up very little space. There is a choice not only from the color scale of the upholstered roof (red, black, blue), but also the type of drive: semi-automatic and automatic. In the first case, the roof has a central handle for manual locking / unlocking, in the second, this function is performed by an electric motor. The body is 45% made of high-strength steel, the most critical parts are made of heavy-duty. Safety arches are fixed on the body permanently - powerful steel elements surround the rear head restraints. All this guarantees maximum safety in the event of a collision.
In the profile of the Audi A3 Cabriolet looks much sportier and more aggressive than the hatchback, which is achieved at the expense of a slightly downward shifted line of the roof. Taillights and daytime running lights are made using LED technology. Headlights, narrow and oblong, add energy to the car. For the body offers 15 color options. The car is rich and stylish interior. The attractive saloon freely accommodates four passengers. Compared with the hatchback, the Audi A3 Cabriolet has a usable cargo space reduced by only 90 liters (260 vs.
350). When the rear seats are lowered, the luggage compartment increases to 674 liters. Special elegance to the interior is given by the competent use of metal elements. Metal is used, for example, on perforated pedals and when edging ventilation vents.
All parts fit perfectly, the devices are informative, the backlight is bright and beautiful. Sports seats with good lateral support will allow you to enjoy a comfortable ride. In addition, it should be noted good ergonomics. The steering column can be adjusted both in flight and in height.
A wide range of adjustment of the front seats will allow people of different sizes with all possible amenities to stay behind the wheel. Data from the on-board computer comes to a small monitor, which is located between the speedometer and the tachometer. The steering wheel is small and comfortable. Good visibility is ensured by a large rear window and large mirrors. On the Russian market there are 2 models of equipment: Attraction and Ambition. Audi A3 Cabriolet is offered with a wide list of equipment and comfort tools.
Basic equipment includes a semi-automatic roof, four electric windows, a multifunctional steering wheel, leather upholstery, a luxury climate control system, heated seats and parking sensors. Modern multimedia technologies, such as the Bose audio system with the ability to connect an iPod or MP3 player. The navigation system may have, at the option of the buyer, a color or monochrome screen. Electronic Stabilization System ESP, ABS, EBD and EBV, head, front and side airbags and a rigid body will ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. The model is equipped with two petrol engines TFSI 1.8 l / 160 hp. and 2.0 l / 200 hp.
and two TDI diesel engines. All engines are equipped with turbocharging and direct injection. The car can be equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic S tronic with two clutches. Drive only front.
Aluminum levers are installed at the front of the A3 Cabriolet, in the back - a four-link suspension. The third generation of the model, in the three-door version, was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012. The five-door version of the Sportback was shown in the same year, but a little later at the Paris Motor Show. In the line of body modifications are also present sedan and convertible. Revolutionary changes did not happen.
Audi is still a conservative attitude to changes in the design of successful and salable models, so at first glance the new generation looks like a restyling of the previous one. Drastic changes in the appearance of the car, compared with the previous generation, did not happen. The models simply corrected the shape of the grille, making it wider in the upper part, and installed a new form of headlamp with a characteristic "squint", which made the front part of the car more expressive. There was also a slightly transformed front bumper design, and more embossed lines appeared on the hood. The sides of the third-generation A3 are decorated with stylistic lines.
Moreover, the upper go along the whole profile from the front headlights to the rear ones, and the lower ones - ascending from the bottom of the front wing to the rear one. To give the car a more sporty look, the designers supplied it with a plastic body kit on the sides. In addition, changes have been made to the design of the car wheels and the shape of the side mirrors. At the stern of the car there were several visible transformations. First of all, the shape of the tailgate, rear optics, which now comes on the trunk, as well as the bumper, has changed. In addition, instead of a single exhaust pipe from the previous generation, the A3 2013 has a twin pipe.
In general, thanks to the changes, the A3 began to look more toned and aggressive. The third generation of cars slightly increased in size: body length increased by 22 mm (up to 4237 mm), width by 12 mm (up to 1777 mm), and grew only 1 mm in height (up to 1421 mm). At the same time, the wheelbase has increased by 23 mm (up to 2601 mm), and the front overhang has become noticeably shorter. Thanks to the hard work of engineers, the weight of the car has decreased. This is due to the use for the manufacture of wings and bonnet aluminum.
As a result, the basic equipment has a weight of less than 80 kg. Weight A3 with 1.4 TFSI engine was 1175 kg. The car is built on a new platform MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix), common with the seventh generation Volkswagen Golf. The three-door hatchback has lost 80 kg both due to the new platform, and because of the wider use of lightweight steel in the back.
Audi engineers claim that handling has become more reckless and as sporty as possible - thanks to the new chassis, we managed to work hard with the suspension settings. Inside, the visible changes more. The center console is now slightly deployed to the driver, if the second generation multimedia screen occupied a central position, then in the new version of the hatchback it is moved to the top of the dashboard, and under it is a pair of central air ducts with a different grille.
The monitor itself has become thinner, and its resolution is higher (800x480 pixels). From the top of the dashboard disappeared rounds of the engine temperature sensors and the remaining fuel in the tank. Their place was taken by the increased size of the onboard computer screen.
The new climate control unit has also become more convenient. The third generation A3 has a new steering wheel with a round, not rectangular, like the previous generation, hub. Also noteworthy is the new audio system. Thanks to the stretched wheelbase in the cabin has become more spacious. This especially affected the legroom rear passengers.
The increased dimensions of the model made it possible to make the luggage compartment of the car a little more spacious, the net volume of which now stands at 365 (1,100 - with the rear seatbacks folded) liters. Initially, for the new Audi A3 will be available three engines - two petrol and one turbodiesel. Petrol power units are represented by a 1.4-liter turbo engine with a capacity of 122 and a 1.8-liter turbo engine with a capacity of 180 hp. Two-liter turbo diesel produces 150 hp and 320 Nm of maximum torque. Paired with the engines are 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission S-Tronic. It is expected that later the 1.6-liter turbodiesel will also be added to the gamut.
