Audi South Africa has published details of its new Audi A3 which is due to launch in South Africa in November 2012. Seven models will complete the new Audi A3 range and these include the 1.2T FSI manual, 1.4 TSI manual, 1.4 TSI S Tronic, 1.6 TDI S tronic, 1.8T FSI manual, 1.8T FSI S tronic and the 1.8T FSI quattro S tronic.

New Audi A3 ready to rock SA

??Engine Capability

Power varies from 77kW in the 1.2T FSI manual variant to 132kW in the top-end 1.8T FSI quattro with S tronic transmission. The 1.8T quattro with S tronic has a maximum torque figure of 280Nm and will accelerate to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 228km/h. Combined fuel consumption for this model is rated at 6.6-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 131g/km.

The 1.8T FSI with a 6-speed manual transmission produces 132kW and 250Nm of torque. Combined fuel consumption is 5.8-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 113g/km. 100km/h is achieved in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 232km/h.

The 1.6 TDI with S tronic transmission delivers 77kW with a maximum torque figure of 250Nm. Acceleration to 100km/h will take 10.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 195km/h. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 3.9-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 89g/km.

The 1.4T TSI with a 6-speed manual transmission produces 90kW and 200Nm of torque and consumes 5.2-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 102g/km. 100km/h is achieved in 9.3 seconds while reaching a top speed of 203km/h.

Details for the 1.2T FSI manual, 1.4 TSI S tronic and the 1.8T FSI S tronic are yet to be made available.

Exterior Styling Features

The exterior design of the new Audi A3 is slim and masculine with a tornado line below the side windows and above the side sills. The new A3 also features a flatter coupe-like roofline to emphasise its sporty demeanour. The front-end features narrow headlights which are optionally available as xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with a choice of adaptive lights with variable headlight range.

The side mirrors are attached to the doors rather than to the body, further enhancing the sportiness of the new A3. The rear-end features slim divided rear lights available with LED technology in combination with xenon plus. The rear-end also includes an integrated roof edge spoiler.

Interior Styling Features

The interior features a horizontal instrument panel and 3D inlays that embrace the driver. The air vents are in jet design and can be adjusted according to preference. Optional deluxe automatic air conditioning and leather sports seats are available as an option. A key interior feature is the optional MMI Navigation Plus with MMI touch which incorporates a touch-sensitive control panel and rotary/push –button for easy control and information is presented on a 7-inch colour display. A large panoramic sunroof is also available as an option as well as the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with LED lighting.

??Audi A3 – Price