Audi has launched the new A3 Saloon, a second body style for its latest compact executive model that is designed to take on the Mercedes A-Class Saloon and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.
Compared with the last Audi A3 Saloon, the four-door model has grown in length by 40mm to 4,500mm, while it’s 20mm wider and 10mm taller. The wheelbase remains the same, though, so while Audi claims that there’s more head and shoulder room inside, legroom should remain unchanged. Boot space continues to be 425 litres with the rear seats in place, too. This is slightly more than the 380 litres on offer in the A3 Sportback, but it’s a different shape.
Inside, the driver and front passenger are greeted by a dashboard that’s identical to the Sportback’s. There’s a large cubby space ahead of the gear selector, above which is a 10.1-inch central touchscreen display. Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit sits behind a new steering wheel, and is flanked by two high-set air vents. This set-up is optional, though, and a smaller 10.25-inch digital instrument panel will come as standard.
Audi has confirmed one petrol and one diesel engine will be available in the A3 Saloon at launch. The 35 TFSI petrol uses a 148bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit, and will be offered with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic automatic gearboxes. The latter features Audi’s 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, which offers an extra 50Nm of electrical energy to help reduce engine load and tailpipe emissions. Energy is recovered during deceleration and is stored in a small battery beneath the front passenger seat. The system also allows the engine to shut down completely while the car is coasting at speed.
The 2.0 TDI diesel also produces 148bhp, and it has the seven-speed auto as standard. Audi claims it’s capable of up to 78.4mpg, and CO2 emissions are as low as 96g/km.
More engines will follow, including a 108bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol, also featuring mild-hybrid assistance if you choose the automatic gearbox.
UK specifications will be confirmed when the A3 Saloon arrives this summer, and the line-up is expected to mirror that of the A3 Sportback. The four-door is seen as a premium model, so Technik trim won’t be offered, but Sport, S line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung versions will. Prices for the A3 hatchback start from £26,305 in Sport spec, and the saloon is likely to carry a modest premium of around £500.
Performance versions of the A3 will be revealed in due course; the RS 3 is expected to still be powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine, with power in excess of 400bhp.
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