Audi A3 Sportback

[schnell318]

Audi has released the first photos and information on their new A3 "Sportback" model which will be sold in the U.S. starting May of 2005. A cross between a hatch and traditional wagon/avant, this will be the first Audi A3 model to be sold in the United States. The initial U.S. version will be powered by a 200hp 2.0l 4-cylinder turbo and will be available in a front-wheel-drive configuration starting around $25,000. Expect quattro versions to follow shortly after with a 250hp 3.2l VR6 to be offered later priced north of $30,000.

The A3 Sportback carries Audi's new signature "waterfall" grill into the A3 lineup. Also new are more stylized tailamps evoking a bit of an Alfa Romeo look to the rear of the vehicle. With blocky proportions the new A3 sportbrake has an athletic appearance that will suit it well to the typical aftermarket treatments of larger wheels and lowered stance.

Also significant is the all new 16v 2.0l 4-cylinder turbo with FSI (fuel stratisfied injection or direction injection gasoline engine) with 200hp and 208 lb-ft of torque. This new engine will also be used in the U.S. versions of the Jetta V, Golf V, Golf V GTI and B6 Passat. Mated with six-speed manual, six-speed tiptronic or six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) the new 2.0T should be a decent performer.

The new Audi A3 sportback will arrive in dealers here in the U.S. next May. The new Jetta V will be available in March of 2005 and the new Golf and Jetta V will be available in the fall of 2005. The next generation Passat is expected to be introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2005 and available in the U.S. late fall of 2005.

[FerrariFerrari]

Very sweet. ops: The only thing that I can find wrong with
the styling is the little round cuttouts in the lower outour front
grilles, other than that there's realy nothing I see wrong with
the styling. The interior is....well.....Audi(ish) ops: . The price
sounds right to. I would like to see a little more power though,
even 250hp seem a bit on the week side. All in all it sound like
a good car although I think I would go with a Jetta wagon instead
and use the money saved for mods.

[HeilSvenska]

i like i like. I could only hope that the rumour about audi bringing A3 to N. Am can be true

[oantob]

great interior for a small class car

[5vz-fe]

I would prefer the 2 door hatch back, but it's a good step that Audi is bringing over the A3 tho.

[he7lius]

I think its a step foward but because i'm not used to it, it looks........strange.

[PATo355]

It looks very nice , specially for small families , thx for the pics , i had read about it b4 but never seen the pics , the new audi grille rocks !

[rachaderua]

i´ve already saw this one in some braziliam magazines and it´s a pity that it won´t come to brazil, a very strong market for the A3 lineup.

It must be a very good car, totally remodeled from the old A3. I would even say it´s a version "almost A4", because of it´s so good whim and quality.

THe new 2.0 liter turbo might be very useful for the dailly traffic and also for those who are performance enthusiastics, with a great torque of 208 lb/ft. I would say again that i stay sad that it won´t come to my country because indeed it´s a very beauty car to see in streets.

[altezza]

UK price information and specs:

AUDI A3 SPORTBACK STRIKES THE BEST BALANCE
Five-door version of best-selling A3 offers the best combination of pace and practicality for minimal premium

Premium of just £500 for all new A3 Sportback models over three-door counterparts. Prices range from £16,010 OTR to £24,625 OTR
Available to order now for first deliveries in September
Unique new body shell permits even more rear knee and head room and increased luggage capacity while retaining sporting bias
Features familiar A3 engine range plus new turbo charged 2.0 T FSI petrol unit - 200PS, 280Nm, 0-62 in 7.0 secs, 146mph maximum
Standard equipment mirrors three-door A3 but adds rear electric windows for all models
With up to 250PS delivered via motor sport-derived DSG transmission technology, and practicality guaranteed by an extended five-door body shell, Audi is claiming that the new A3 Sportback offers the best possible combination of pace and versatility in the premium compact sector.

Available in the UK from September priced from £16,010 OTR to £24,625 OTR, the new Audi A3 Sportback not only brings the latest Audi single frame front grille to the compact class for the first time, but also integrates even more rear passenger space and luggage capacity.

Like its three-door counterpart, the new hatchback offers the widest range of four and six-cylinder petrol and TDI engines in its segment, and combines these with either five or six speed manual transmission, optional six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission or the much lauded semi-automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). It is also the first Audi to feature a new turbo charged 2.0 T FSI petrol unit with 200PS and an impressive 280Nm torque peak, enabling the A3 Sportback 2.0 T FSI with DSG to accelerate from rest to 62mph in just 7.1 seconds, and where permissible to continue to a top speed of 146mph.

Although the purposeful styling and performance hatch pace might suggest otherwise, the A3 Sportback is also a genuinely practical car capable of accommodating up to five adults or an active family in comfort. As well as wide-opening rear doors, it offers even more knee and head room than the three-door A3, not to mention forthcoming premium compact competitors, thanks in part to the 68 millimetre increase in body length, and also to the fact that engines are mounted transversely and drive the front wheels, minimising engine and transmission intrusion into the cabin.

The luggage compartment also gains 20 litres more capacity than the three-door A3, giving a total of 1,120 litres with the standard fit folding rear seat lowered. In addition, it accommodates an underfloor spare wheel – an obvious advantage which is absent in some premium compact rivals.

The new A3 Sportback is available in standard, SE and Sport trim. Specification is virtually identical to the three-door with the addition of rear electric windows for all models. A wide range of extras will be offered, including a combined DVD satellite navigation system and MP3 music player and a two-part Open Sky glass sunroof system which will enable much of the roof section to be retracted for maximum fresh air (from 2005).

Picture caption
A3 Sportback brings pace, practicality and keen price – The new Audi A3 Sportback is now available to order at a price premium of just £500 over equivalent three-door models. Featuring all the familiar four and six cylinder A3 engines, plus a new turbo charged 2.0 T FSI with 200PS, the range is priced from £16,010 OTR to £24,625 OTR.

The new Audi A3 Sportback – OTR Pricing

1.6 £16,010
1.6 SE £18,010
1.6 Sport £18,010
1.6 FSI £16,460
1.6 FSI SE £18,460
1.6 FSI Sport £18,460
2.0 FSI £17,820
2.0 FSI SE £19,820
2.0 FSI Sport £19,820
2.0 T FSI Sport DSG £22,705
2.0 T FSI quattro Sport £22,705
3.2 quattro Sport £24,625
1.9 TDI £17,230
1.9 TDI SE £19,230
1.9 TDI Sport £19,230
2.0 TDI £18,030
2.0 TDI SE £20,030
2.0 TDI Sport £20,030

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

I love much more the previous A3...on the one hand i dont fancy too much with the new shape of the A3, and on the other hand i dont fancy too much with the new grille of audi either

[noliebro]

Nice, I like the way Audi is heading in the future with their styling.

[bmagni]

i like it but the A3 is like the mini here, everyone has one...

[gottacatchup]

I would much prefer Audi to bring the 3 door version and stead but hey beggers cant be choosers.

[altezza]

more pics:

[Nik^XeN]

I love that "new" styl of Audi!!!
With the front that silver square.. within the logo and plate
I love audi the most of all those more biness cars