When the second-generation Audi A3 launched five years ago, it exceeded all expectations, advancing rapidly to become the biggest-selling car in its class. With its high quality, state-of-the-art technology, powerful engines and compelling driv¬ability, it penned an unprecedented success story: To date Audi has supplied over a million units of the three-door Audi A3 and the five-door Audi A3 Sportback to customers all over the world. Now the Audi A3 has become even more attractive. Even at first glance, the car appears sportier and more distinctive. Particularly eye-catching is the front end with its new headlights. These have been shifted outwards, giving the car greater width. As in the new Audi A3 Cabriolet, a strip of daytime running lights is integrated in the headlights. Several long-life bulbs or seven LEDs in combination with the optional xenon headlights provide illumination. The designers have also come up with new lights for the rear. On the A3 Sportback, these wrap around from the side onto the tailgate. Plus, LED light rods produce an attractive illuminated strip in the dark. As with all recent Audi models, the designers have integrated turn indicators into the side mirrors. There’s also a choice of four new body colours and a large number of new wheel designs up to a size of 18 inches. On the inside, new colours, fabrics and materials as well as new decor inlays in the doors create an elegant sporty atmosphere. In the centre console, the switches featuring a new contemporary design surround the Chorus radio. Power play
But it’s not just its looks that make the Audi A3 a sporty customer—it also has the heart of an athlete, with powerful petrol and TDI engines featuring the latest technology. Take, for example, the TFSI technology which has proven its superiority over many years in motor racing. It combines highly efficient direct fuel injection with performance-boosting turbo technology. The Audi TDI engines are no less famous for their out-and-out sportiness. In the new Audi A3, the 2.0 TDI uses the latest common rail technology to inject diesel fuel even more efficiently. The most popular engines in the range with 140 horsepower and 170 horsepower respectively have been completely revamped by the engineers to provide smoother running and high torque. The Audi A3 is also the only car in the premium compact class to be optionally equipped, on request, with quattro® drive which transfers power to the road without losses and enables drivers to accelerate the Audi A3 earlier and with greater stability. The heart of the system is a hydraulic multi-plate clutch which responds even faster than before. Lightning-fast gear changes
Also available for the first time as an option is the high-tech suspension system Audi magnetic ride, capable of adapting the suspension to a new driv¬ing situation within milliseconds. In normal mode, the A3 delivers a balanced, comfortable ride, while in sports mode the chassis can live up to its full potential, allowing for distinctly more dynamic handling. Another highlight is S tronic transmissions, the six- or seven-speed transmission combines the advantages of an automatic with those of a manual. Lightning-fast gear changes with virtually uninterrupted traction make for extremely dynamic performance. In addition, various driver assistance systems for enhanced safety and comfort make their debut in the Audi A3. What’s certainly a unique feature in its class is the optional parking assist system, which makes parking the A3 a cinch. When the system is activated by the push of a button, ultrasound sensors scan the side of the road for a parking space as the car drives past.Once a space is found, all the driver needs to do isput the car into reverse, apply the accelerator and take his hands off the steering wheel. And voila, you're in. The vehicle manoeuvres into the space itself. What could be easier? Male drivers appreciate this as well—albeit secretly.
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