Audi A3 Sedan and S3 Sedan Launch in New York Aimed at US and China

AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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has introduced the A3Audi A3 Gen.3 [Typ 8V]Germany, 2012 > present275 versions
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sedan and S3 sedan at the New York Auto Show, which will primarily be marketed to North America and China but will also be sold in Europe. Both cars will be available in the US and Europe in the late spring. Audi says that the base price will begin around €25,000 when it launches.

Both cars take the platform from the A3 hatchback from Europe but add a trunk to the rear.

A3

The A3 does not simply tack a trunk onto the current A3 hatchback. It blends the rear into the car to make it look more coupe-like. The sides are more sculpted than on the hatchback, and the wheelarches have larger flares. It has a 2.64m (8.66ft) wheelbase with an overall length of 4.46m (14.63ft). It is also 11mm (0.43in) wider than the A3 SportbackAudi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSIGermany, 2012 > present23 photos
and 9mm (0.35in) lower than the Sportback.

At launch, the engine options will include the 2.0 TDI with 148hp and 236lb-ft of torque, 1.4 TSI with 138hp and 184lb-ft and the 1.8 TFSI with 177hp and 184lb-ft. Audi says that not all of these engines will be available in the US. Transmission options will be either a six-speed manual or six-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Inside, the A3 Sedan also borrows most of its equipment from the hatchback. The cars will be available with Audi’s MMI interface, and it will be offered with an optional color display driver information system. The interior will be available in fabric, artificial leather, full leather and Alcantara options.

Despite being one of Audi’s introductory models, the A3 Sedan will be available with high-end options like a 64GB hard drive to store music, in-car Wifi and Bang & Olufson stereo.

S3

The S3 Sedan will come with the 2.0 TFSI engine with 296hp and 280lb-ft of torque with either a six-speed manual or S tronic dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. The S tronic is significantly faster and is able to hit 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and uses 6.9/100km (34mpg US). The manual takes 5.3 seconds to get to 100km/h and consumes 7.0l/100km (33mpg US). Both cars are limited to 250km/h (155mph).

It also gets a suspension that has been lowered 25mm (1in) over the standard car, and it gets larger 340mm (13.39in) front brakes. It will come standard with adaptive dampers, and magnetic ride suspension will be an option.

The cars get upgraded looks with new bumpers, air intakes, mirror housings, side sills and rear spoiler. It rides on 18in wheels and comes with four oval tailpipes at the rear. The interior comes standard with sport seats and has optional S sport seats.