WITH the arrival of the A3 Sedan in Brunei, Audi enters the world’s largest market segment – the class of compact sedans.
Going by the motto “lighter, faster, way ahead”, the new premium compact from Audi is lighter by 60 kilogrammes, credited to the Audi Ultra lightweight technology, making it faster (0-100 km/h) by 1.2 seconds compared to its closest competitor.
Audi Ultra lightweight construction helps keep the car down to an amazing low weight of just 1,370 kg, which is the benchmark figure for its class.
In the body, the primary factors for this weight reduction are the hot-shaped steels in the occupant cell and aluminium bolt-on parts (engine hood and fenders and so forth).
Measuring 4.46 metre-long in length and with a wheelbase of 2.637 metres, the 5-door model has a powerful road stance with standard set slopes.
Audi is also offering headlights in Xenon plus technology including LED daytime running lights (and in this case, taillights that also feature LEDs).
The flat roof that ends in a C-pillar flows smoothly into the shoulder of the body while the tornado line forms a stark shadow contour.
The fenders are strongly flared and the large 425-litre trunk can be expanded by folding down the rear seat backs.
A visually lightweight instrument panel, the groundbreaking quality of materials and workmanship, as well as intuitively easy ergonomics also make the A3’s interior im-pressive.
Particular highlights include the jet-fighter air vents, the elegant control panel for the air-conditioning system as well as the finely rendered instruments and displays.
Another highlight of the interior is the power-retracting 5.8- or 7-inch MMI monitor, which is just 11 millimetres thick and the electromechanical parking brake which creates room on the centre tunnel console for the MMI operating system’s terminal.
As for the A3’s engine and transmission, the entry base model features a 1.8 TFSI turbo petrol engine with an output of 132 kW (180 hp), which is 24 hp more than its direct competitor, and 250 Nm of torque.
It utilises an extensive package of high-end technologies, which include a dual injection into the combustion chambers and the in-duction manifold.
At the same time, it enables sporty performance, taking 7.3 seconds for the standard sprint to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and reaching a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph).
As for fuel, the sedan’s combined consumption is 5.6 litres per 100 km.
The 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission of the A3 shifts the gears without any noticeable break in propulsive power and it is controlled by either the selector lever or paddles on the steering wheel.
Meanwhile, for maximum fuel efficiency, the D shifting map is laid out, while the rev levels are somewhat higher in the sporty S mode.
Lastly, yet another highlight of the new sedan is the 5-mode Audi Drive Select, which includes improved consumption values (and therefore efficiency).
Meanwhile, the Audi A3 Sedan also won the ‘World Car of the Year’ award at the recently concluded New York International Auto Show, after votes by a jury made up of 69 automative journalists representing 22 countries were counted.
According to a foreign news report, one juror commented: “It might borrow styling hints from its bigger brothers, but the A3 still offers classic, chiselled contours and even better interior trim levels. With a superb choice of engines and four body styles, the A3 range packs a hefty premium punch in the small luxury segment.
“Audi should be complimented for making this A3 ride like no other A3. All the old shimmer over rough surfaces has gone, replaced by a silky smooth ride that approaches limousine quality”.
