Audi A3 (Germany, 2012-present)

The third generation of Audi's A3 was launched at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and is based on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform. The third gen-car will be available as a 3-door hatchback, 5-door Sportback, 4-door sedan and cabriolet.

The engines available include two petrol units, a 1.4-liter TFSI engine with 120hp and a 1.8 TFSI engine with 180hp, and a diesel 2.0 TDI engine with 143hp. Later Audi will also offer a 1.6 TDI engine. The new A3 has a 6-speed automatic transmission for the 1.4 TFSI and the 2.0 TDI engines and a 7-speed double-clutch for the 1.8 TFSI.

Audi introduced the A3 sedan and S3 sedan at the 2013 New York Auto Show, which will primarily be marketed to North America and China but will also be sold in Europe.

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 Sportback 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. 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.

The A3 Sedan will be available with high-end options such as 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.

Audi is using the Ultra name on a road car for the first time in 2013, but instead of being for a high performance racecar like the name has been used up until now, it will be for the brand’s most fuel efficient model in its current range. The A3 1.6 TDI Ultra produces 109hp, consumes 3.2l/100km and emits 85g/km of CO2.

The A3 Ultra can accelerate to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds from its 1.6-liter diesel and will hit to a top speed of 200km/h. Its 50-liter fuel tank gives it a range of 1,500km.

The car gets enhanced aerodynamics from the side sills of the S Line cars and is lowered 15mm. It rides on 16in low rolling resistance tires. The only other major mechanical change is a higher final drive ratio to improve highway fuel economy.

The A3 Ultra is available as either a three-door or five-door Sportback.