Audi A3 and S3 Saloons break cover

  • Mar 27, 2013
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First ever 'three-box' A3 and S3 models from Audi suggest a cross between the classic three-box concept and the coupe design philosophy

Audi S3 exterior

The much praised underpinnings of the A3 and the A3 Sportback models have sprouted sedan versions of what will now globally take over as Audi’s compact saloon range namely the A3 and S3 sedans. 

While these are the official images of the production models with the New York International Motor Show as its backdrop, the first public viewing of both A3 and S3 models will take place at the Shanghai Motor Show in April this year.

Styling elements of the A3 sedan range from Audi suggest a cross between the classic three-box concept and the coupé philosophy, which have become quite the standard with luxury class automobiles of the present day.

Compared to the A3 Sportback, the sedans have been stretched by 150 millimetre even enjoy 11 millimetres wider track. At 1,416 millimetres in height the A3 Saloon is low but the wheelbase equals the A3 Sportback at 2,636 millimetre giving passengers plenty of room between the axles. 

Once your done admiring the neat looking one piece‘kicked-up’ boot spoiler and get inquisitive about what’s on the inside you’ll find roughly 425 litres of storage space with the seats up, 45 litres more than the A3 Sportback. 

Now comes the interesting part. The A3 sedan range will give buyers a choice of four engines, with each one catering to a specific kind of need based on buyer expectations. A low 100kg weight 1.4-litre TFSI 140PS engine is the one you go for if performance and nimble handling are at the top of your list. 

The 1.8-litre TFSI which is next in line produces 180PS and 250 Nm of torque employs state-of-the-art technologies to deliver a broad spread of strong performance. Diesel buyers can opt for a 2.0-litre TDI mill that produces a decent 150PS and 320 Nm of torque. It powers the A3 Saloon from 0 to 62mph in 8.4 seconds. 

Audi S3 exterior

The sportier Audi S3 model with its quattro all-wheel-drive system and a 2.0-litre TFSI engine that produces 300PS and 380 Nm (280.27 lb ft) of torque is undoubtedly the more rambunctious of the two. Paired with S tronic transmission the S3 Saloon will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The interior of the Audi A3 Saloon much to everyone’s surprise has received a fair bit of attention to detail. The slender instrument panel with its curved front and the driver–oriented centre console and MMI Radio operating system with its electrically extending screen tell you that this is indeed an Audi. The S3 of course takes things to an entirely different level as you can well imagine.

The Audi S3 Saloon and its counterparts will go on sale in the UK this summer and exact specifications for all variants will be confirmed nearer to that point. If and when it is introduced here in India, the A3 will have it eyes laser pointed at the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which has created quite a buzz in world markets since being unveiled prior to the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year. Most importantly, it will operate a segment under the A4 range making them the most affordable sedans to be ever introduced by the brand with the Four Rings not just in India, but worldwide.

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