Showing posts with label Audi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Audi. Show all posts

2013 Geneva Motor Show

If we are nearing the end of February, then it must be time for the Geneva Auto Show that takes place each year in March. This is the 83rd time that automakers will gather in the Swiss city to display their latest models; the Palexpo center will open its gates on March 5 for the press and two days later for the public and will last until March 17.

In spite of all the fuss about “green” transportation, the 2013 Geneva Auto Show’s most anticipated new models are sports cars.

First and foremost, there’s the Alfa Romeo 4C – a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe with a carbon fiber chassis that heralds the Italian manufacturer’s new era and its long-anticipated return to the U.S. market.

2013 Geneva Motor Show

Then there’s the Formula 1 duel that has been taken to the streets: Ferrari will unveil the Enzo successor, code-named F150, and rival McLaren, the production version of the P1. Interestingly, both hypercars will be powered by hybrid powertrains and despite putting out in excess of 900-horses, they promise ultra-low CO2 emissions.

Other sports car that will make their premiere in Geneva are the open-top versions of the brand-new Corvette Stingray and the Toyota GT 86 (Scion FR-S in the U.S.), the Aston Martin Rapide S and Vantage SP10 and, of course, a special Lamborghini to celebrate the Sant’ Agata-based company’s 50th anniversary.

Naturally, the show won’t be only about sports cars: BMW will launch the 3-Series GT, China's Qoros its 3 Sedan, Volvo its updated range and the VW Group the electrified Audi A3 and VW Golf models.

That’s far from a full description of the cars that will debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, but you can scroll down and view the provisional list in detail.

As always, it will be updated constantly so watch this space.

Articles Source : Carscoop

A Photo Gallery from the VW Group Family Gathering in Geneva


Like every year, the Volkswagen Group held a special media event on the night before the opening of the Geneva International Auto Salon, where it rolled out all a selection of its world premieres.

VW Group Night Geneva

VW Group Night Geneva

VW Group Night Geneva

VW Group Night Geneva

VW Group Night Geneva

VW Group Night Geneva

VW Group Night Geneva

VW Group Night Geneva

VW Group Night Geneva

Two of the most eye-catching and talked about models were the Lamborghini Veneno and the Porsche 911 GT3 – coincidentally, the former to celebrate the Italian brand's 50th anniversary, and the latter the 50th birthday of the 911 series.

Bugatti showed off another specially version of the Veyron hypercar, while Bentley was represented by the new Flying Spur luxury sedan, and Italdesign by the Lamborghini-powered Parcour concept cars.

Other new models to go on show were the super-frugal VW XL1, of which only 250 examples will be built, the VW e-Co-Motion van, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron and RS6 Avant, the Seat Leon SC, and the latest generation of the Skoda Octavia.

We'll have more pictures and details on each car from the Geneva Motor Show tomorrow morning.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Audi's Fifth World Premiere for Geneva is the New A3 Sportback g-tron


Earlier today, we shared an announcement from Audi saying that it will host the world debut of five new cars at the Geneva motor show, four of which we already knew about, and asked you to tell us what you think the fifth car could be.

Audi A3 g-tron

Audi A3 g-tron

Audi A3 g-tron

Audi A3 g-tron

Audi A3 g-tron

Audi A3 g-tron

Audi A3 g-tron

The mystery of the fifth model has just been solved as the brand with the four-rings released information on the new A3 Sportback g-tron, which is the flex-fuel cousin of the petrol-electric hybrid A3 Sportback e-tron that will also break cover at the Swiss car show.

The g-tron is powered by a specially-developed version of the conventional A3's 1.4-liter TSI four-cylinder engine modified to run on Audi's own e-gas, regular Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or unleaded gasoline.

Among other highlights mentioned by Audi, are the g-tron's twin tanks positioned under the luggage compartment, each of which can hold 7kg (15.4 pounds) of CNG at a maximum 200 bar pressure, while each weighs 27kg (59.5 pounds) less than a conventional diesel of gasoline tank.

Another special feature is the electronic gas pressure regulator that reduces the high pressure of the gas flowing from the cylinders down to around five to nine bar in two stages, and can automatically switch over to gasoline operation when the pressure in the tank drops under ten bar.

According to Audi, the 1.4-liter turbocharged unit develops 109hp (110PS) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft) of peak torque, regardless of the fuel used. The five-door model completes the standards sprint to 100km/h (62mph) in 11.0 seconds before it tops out at 190km/h (118mph). It consumers on average less than 3.5 kilograms per 100 km of CNG or Audi e-gas, while in gasoline mode, it emits less than 95g of CO2 per km.

"The CO2-neutral e-gas from Werlte will power 1,500 new Audi A3 Sportback g-tron vehicles 15,000 kilometers (9,320.57 miles) every year," said Audi in a statement, without getting into any more details about availability and prices.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Audi builds 5-millionth vehicle with Quattro


Quattro, the trademark name Audi has put on its all-wheel-drive system engineered for passenger vehicles, recently celebrated its five-millionth installation. The driveline has been offered in more than 140 different vehicles since its introduction more than three decades ago.

Audi 5000000

Audi 5000000

Audi 5000000

The all-wheel-drive technology made its world debut at the 1980 International Geneva Motor Show, beneath the floorpan of the Quattro Coupé, a low-volume two-door. It didn't take consumers long to embrace Audi's innovative approach. While most four-wheel-drive systems at that time utilized heavy transfer cases or second cardan shafts, Quattro was virtually tension-free, light, compact and efficient. Most importantly, enthusiasts found it was especially suitable for sports cars.

Today, the automaker offers Quattro on its full line of passenger vehicles and it is unquestionably successful (the technology enjoyed a 43 percent take rate in 2012). On models with transverse-mounted engines (A3 and TT), Audi uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuator. Under normal conditions, the clutch sends power almost exclusively to the front wheels (if wheel slippage occurs, up to 100 percent of the torque may be sent to the rear). Vehicles with engines mounted longitudinally (A4, A5, Q5, etc...) use a self-locking center differential sending 40 percent of the engine torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear under normal conditions (it is able to send the majority of the power to the axle with better traction when needed). The highest-performing Quattro systems use torque vectoring to further improve cornering grip and speeds.

Articles Source : Autoblog

2013 Audi RS6 Review User Manual Owners Pdf

2013 Audi RS6 Review User Manual Owners Pdf - Judging from the looks, you might feel that the Audi RS6 Avant has a look like other cars. But for energy affairs, the power of 552 bhp it has certainly not to be taken lightly.

Audi RS6 is itself an opening menu of treats RS family in 2013. Besides RS6 which will officially be born in the first half, there were RS5 Cabriolet, RS7 and families 'Q' first to get the capabilities of a hospital that is Q3 RS.

Great power contained car weighs 100 kg lighter is derived from the 4.0 liter V8 engine that is equipped with a twin-turbo. Audi says that the machine is made of belonging Lamborghini V10 engine.
Google Images
With these machines, power 552 hp can be reached through the 8-speed automatic transmission with a torque of 700 Nm. By doing so, acceleration 0-100 km / h can be reached in just 3.9 seconds.

If there were more guts and track possible, this car is capable of running up to 250 km / h. Speed ​​of the car is limited to the numbers for security. Meanwhile, when applying the Dynamic Plus package, the Audi RS6 is capable of running up to 304 km / h but with CO2 emissions have been cut around 40 percent.

Meanwhile, when talking about design, yet soft and elegant design that characterizes the firm seems Audi is still valid in this car. The arch design lines smooth, not aggressive.

At the front, honeycomb-style grille considerable adorn the facia seems this car. Similarly, the air intake is also large enough.

"The idea is to give customers the option to change a lot of parts with carbon fiber if they want," says exterior designer Stefan Fahr-Becker.

21 inch rims are inspired by the 2010 quattro concept car body appears substantiate this. Task rim was combined with air suspension is 20 mm lower than the previous RS6.

Sorry, I dont find usermanual owners pdf for to download, I will add it soon when Available, Thanks.

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept


Audi is working intently to electrify the drivetrain using plug-in hybrid technology. The brand with the four rings is showing the Audi A3 e-tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. With 150 kW (204 hp) of system power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of system torque, sporty performance is guaranteed.

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept
2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept
2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept
2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept
2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept
2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

The Audi A3 e-tron is a true Audi. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). According to the ECE standard for plug-in hybrid automobiles, the five-door model consumes on average just 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (156.81 US mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 35 grams per km (56.33 g/mile). In electric mode, the Audi A3 e-tron reaches a top speed of 130 km/h (80.78 mph) and has a maximum range of 50 km (31.07 miles).

The combustion engine is a modified 1.4 TFSI producing 110 kW (150 hp). A clutch links the TFSI to an electric motor with an output of 75 kW. The disc-shaped electric motor is integrated into a newly designed six-speed e-S tronic, which transfers the power to the front wheels. The two powerplants complement one another. The electric motor delivers its peak torque from start to around 2000 rpm, and the TFSI's maximum pulling power is available in a range from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.

The Audi A3 e-tron can be driven with just the combustion engine, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode. Even in electric mode it offers powerful acceleration without the need to engage the TFSI. The driver can choose to have both powerplants active at the same time ("boosting"). When the driver lets up on the accelerator, they both deactivate temporarily ("gliding"). In this way motor braking torque is eliminated and efficiency increases.

At the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi A3 e-tron will provide a realistic glimpse into the future of mobility as Audi is planning it. The electrification of the drivetrain, above all using plug-in technology, plays a deciding role in the strategy of the brand.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

New Audi RS Q3 Proves that it’s Faster than a Dog Sled in Promo Video

If there's one thing future owners of the new Audi RS Q3 can be sure of, it is that the high-performance SUV can outrun and out-handle a pack of Siberian huskies pulling a dog sled on the snow - or at least that's what we understand after seeing Ingolstadt's first commercial for the Geneva motor show-bound model.
What makes the RS Q3 faster than a pack of blue-eyed pouches is a petrol-fuelled 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine that generates an output of 306hp (310PS) and peak torque of 420Nm (309.8 lb-ft).

Audi RS Q3

A standard seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system take that power and channel it to all four wheels.

If you live in Europe, you'll be able to get your hands on Audi's first ever RS-badged SUV this autumn.

Articles Source : Carscoop

 Video Source : Youtube

2013 Audi A4 Quattro Review User Manual Owners Pdf

2013 Audi A4 Quattro Review User Manual Owners Pdf - Paris Motor Show 2010 was surprised by the presence of a concept car named the Audi Quattro. Unfortunately the car is finally off the Audi. Quattro is not going to go in the Audi production line. Cars with 2500 cc engine 408 horse-powered Audi decided not to produce at all.

Reported by autoevolution, the main reason for the lack of interest in the car that his idea was embodied in the cars racing / rally Audi. Lately itself is known as the Quattro four wheel drive system typical of Audi.
Google Images
Even so, Audi will replace the car with a car that is completely new, most likely a contender for the Range Rover Evoque, will reportedly named Q-Coupe. To be able to compete with the Evoque, Q-Coupe will use chassis Q2 belong to the power of 2,500 cc engine.

The A4 competes with the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C category, likewise because the new Cadillac ATS. It lands right within the thick of that pack, with a cheap base engine, out there quattro all-wheel drive, performance-oriented choices, and a high S4 performance version.

To some, it is the best trying four-door in this cluster. The rakish, sleek form is generally carried over this year, however new details provides it a contemporary look. The headlamps area unit trimmer. the massive grille has been tempered, and angular at its corners for a crisper look, and wider fog lamps provides it a lot of muscle. The S4 wears its own body kit and gold trim, however it's for the most part a lookalike to the quality four-door.

Inside, the A4 currently has wood or metallic element trim that warms up the cockpit, whether or not you select metal, ash, or walnut. The controls are rearranged slightly, which makes the nonobligatory school options perform slightly easier. In the S4, a replacement piano-black and steel trim choice coordinates in an exceedingly hot method with red-stitched sport seats.

Sorry, Audi Quatro A4 is not available yet, I will add it soon when available. Thanks

2014 Audi RS Q3


Audi is presenting the RS Q3 at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, the first RS model for the successful Q line-up. It combines outstanding everyday practicality with dynamic driving performance: It takes just 5.5 seconds to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph), and its top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo produces 228 kW (310 hp) and has an average fuel consumption of just 8.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.73 US mpg).

2014 Audi RS Q3
2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3
2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3
2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3
2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3
2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3
2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3
2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3
2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3 Interior
2014 Audi RS Q3

2014 Audi RS Q3 Interior
2014 Audi RS Q3

"The RS Q3 transfers the performance philosophy of Audi to the compact SUV segment, thereby creating a new performance class," says Franciscus van Meel, Managing Director of quattro GmbH. "In addition to the RS5 Cabriolet, RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, the RS Q3 is the fourth RS model that we are launching on the market in 2013. The RS family is growing to eight members - more than ever." The RS Q3 combines typical RS properties such as high performance and driving pleasure with lifestyle qualities and high utility value. The Audi RS Q3 was developed by quattro GmbH which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG.

An award-winning high-performance engine, the 2.5 TFSI, is at work under the hood of the Audi RS Q3. This five-cylinder engine has been named "International Engine of the Year" in its class for three consecutive years since 2010 by an international jury of automotive specialists. From 2,480 cc of engine displacement, the turbocharged direct-injection engine produces a maximum power of 228 kW (310 hp) at 5,200-6,700 rpm; its maximum torque of 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft) is available between 1,500 and 5,200 rpm. These two values signify that the RS Q3 is unrivaled in its competitive field. This five-cylinder is a special engine, beginning with its fundamental concept. It is familiar from the TT RS and RS3 Sportback, and quattro GmbH modified it for use in the RS Q3.

The 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence, supported by the geometry of the air induction and exhaust systems, generates a sporty engine sound that first made Audi popular back in the 1980s.

Drivers can influence the flap control for the exhaust system and the accelerator characteristic by choosing one of the modes auto, comfort and dynamic using the standard Audi drive select system. In the dynamic mode, engine response is sharper and the engine sound more intensive.

The 2.5 TFSI accelerates the Audi RS Q3 from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 5.5 seconds - the best performance value in this segment. The vehicle's top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). In the RS Q3, the Audi five-cylinder engine is working together with a standard start-stop-system for the first time. Other efficiency measures such as a regulated oil pump, which only pumps lubricant when needed, contribute to the car's low average fuel consumption of 8.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (26.73 US mpg) which equates to 206 grams CO2 per km (331.52 g/mile).

A standard seven-speed S tronic transfers power to the drivetrain. It was designed in a compact three-shaft configuration, and its seventh gear has a long gear ratio to save on fuel. Drivers can choose between the D and S modes for automatic shifting of the dual clutch transmission, or they can shift manually - using the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever that sports a unique RS design. The Launch Control function controls acceleration from a standstill to attain optimal traction.

The heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is the hydraulically operated and electronically controlled multi-plate clutch located at the rear axle. It ensures proper distribution of torque between the front and rear axles.

The Audi RS Q3 impresses with dynamic and stable handling without sacrificing comfort. The RS sports suspension lowers the body of the compact high-performance SUV by 25 mm (0.98 in). The battery is located in the luggage compartment to achieve better weight distribution. The independent rear wheel suspensions are controlled by four links.

The electro-mechanical rack and pinion steering system operates very efficiently, conveying a stiff, precise steering feeling. An electro-mechanical parking brake and hill hold assist are also standard.

In the Audi RS Q3, the internally ventilated and perforated brake discs at the front wheels have a wave design with wave-shaped outer contours, which saves approx. one kilogram (2.20 lb) of weight at the front wheels. The discs have a diameter of 365 mm (14.37 in), and they are gripped by eight-piston calipers painted black with RS logos. The electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a sport mode, and it can also be deactivated entirely.

The Audi RS Q3 comes on the German market with standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Three versions of 20-inch wheels are offered as well. One of these is the exclusive 5 dual-spoke V design, which is based on the Audi RS Q3 concept car that was shown at the 2012 Auto China motor show.

In addition to its engine, the Audi RS Q3 also demonstrates its special status within the Q3 line-up with a number of visual highlights. RS-specific design details emphasize the confident look of the compact, high-performance SUV. They consist of body accents and roof rails in matt aluminum, special door sill plates and door trim strips, a high-gloss black honeycomb front grille, RS front bumper and quattro emblem in the front air intake. A large roof spoiler, rear bumper with distinctive diffuser insert, large elliptical tailpipe and an RS Q3 logo accentuate the rear. At a length of 4,410 mm (14.47 ft), the dynamic top model is 25 mm (0.98 in) longer than the Audi Q3. It weighs in at 1,730 kg (3814.00 lb).

The Audi RS Q3 can also be customized by one of two optional styling packages - matt aluminum or black. Styling features include the flaps in the side air intakes, the trim on the diffuser and the fins on the roof spoiler. The Audi RS Q3 is available in eight exterior colors, including the exclusive Sepang Blue pearl effect.

The sporty lines of the exterior are continued in the interior styling. The instrument cluster has gray gauges with white scales and red pointers. Contrasting stitching in rock gray trim the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with its flat bottom as well as the gear selector lever. The MMI and driver information system displays welcome the driver with the RS logo. Drivers can call up the boost pressure, oil temperature and a lap timer via the RS menu in the driver information system.

Along with the pedals, a foot support also shines in aluminum look, and the standard inlays are in piano finish black. quattro GmbH offers aluminum race or carbon as alternatives here. Black headlining is standard, and lunar silver headlining is optional.

Sport seats with embossed RS Q3 logos are also standard and are upholstered in black Alcantara/leather. Customers can also choose the optional Fine Nappa leather in black or lunar silver with contrasting stitching in rock gray or the design package with diamond stitching.

The cargo area has a base capacity of 356 liters (12.57 cubic ft), which can be increased to 1,261 liters (44.53 cubic ft) by folding down the split rear seat backs. A practical reversible loadliner is standard. Those wishing to transport even more cargo can order the towing bracket that is offered for the RS Q3.

Other standard features of the Audi RS Q3 include - in addition to the RS-specific driver information system - park assist plus, Audi sound system with ten loudspeakers, xenon plus headlights and LED tail lights. When they are not lit, the tail lights display a dark red tint.

In the infotainment area, a modular component system offers a wide range of options; at the top there is the hard-drive based navigation system, MMI Navigation plus. The surround sound system from Bose drives 14 loudspeakers with up to 465 watts of output power, while the Bluetooth car phone online together with WLAN hotspot connects the compact high-performance SUV with the Internet and brings the online services of Audi connect into the vehicle. Highly advanced driver assistance systems round out the options program.

In Germany, the base price is €54,600, and deliveries begin in fall 2013.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

New Audi RS Q3 with 306HP 2.5-liter Turbocharged Inline-Five is Official


Only hours after we posted the first pictures of the Audi's hot compact SUV, the brand with the four-ring logo came out with a plethora of official images and details on the new RS Q3, which will be displayed at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show in early March.

Audi RS Q3

Audi RS Q3

Audi RS Q3

The transformation from the concept model we saw at last year's Beijing auto show to a production car brought only a few minor cosmetic changes, such as the replacement of the carbon fiber trims inside and out with aluminum or black-colored parts, and a de-tuning of the TT RS- and RS3-sourced 2.5-liter turbocharged unit, dropping power from 350hp (355PS) to 306hp (310PS).

The inline-five, which produces a peak torque figure of 420Nm (309.8 lb-ft) available between 1,500 and 5,200 rpm, is connected to a standard seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission that transfers power to all four corners via Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a hydraulically operated and electronically controlled multi-plate clutch located at the rear axle.

So how fast is the production RS Q3? According to Ingolstadt, it takes 5.5 seconds to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph), and its top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155mph). As far as fuel economy is concerned, the performance version of the Q3 series returns a combined figure of 8.8lt/100 km (26.73 US mpg or 32.1 UK mpg).

To improve handling, quattro engineers tweaked the suspension and lowered the ride height by 25mm (about an 1 inch), placed the battery in the luggage compartment (for better weight distribution), and added ventilated and perforated brake discs up front and larger discs at the back gripped by eight-piston calipers.

Furthermore, the electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a sport mode, and it can also be deactivated entirely, while there's a Launch Control function as well. Audi says the RS Q3 weighs in at 1,730 kg (3814.00 lb).

On the outside, Audi made sure to separate the RS model from the plebeian Q3s through a number of visual highlights, such as the exclusive 19-inch or optionally, 20-inch wheels, body accents and roof rails in matt aluminum, high-gloss black honeycomb front grille, RS front bumper, a rear diffuser with a single oval tailpipe and a roof spoiler.

The interior is upgraded with bespoke sport seats upholstered in black Alcantara and leather, with diamond stitching offered as an option, a revised instrument cluster with gray gauges and white scales and red pointers, a flat –bottom steering wheel, and plenty of aluminum trims and parts.

First deliveries in Europe will start this fall, with pricing in Germany to start from €54,600 or about US$73,100.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Audi's New RS Q3 Super SUV Makes an Early Online Debut in Production Trim


Images of the production version of the Audi RS Q3 have been leaked online ahead of the high-performance crossover's official premiere, which will likely take place in Geneva next month.
We will remind you that the RS Q3 was previewed through a thinly disguised concept model at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.

Audi RS Q3

Audi RS Q3

Audi RS Q3

Audi RS Q3 Interior

Audi RS Q3 Interior

These first pictures suggest that Audi has made only minor changes to the concept, mainly by replacing the carbon fiber accents and trims, both inside and out, with aluminum finish parts. In addition, the aluminum-style backgrounds of the instrument panel gauges have given their place to a more traditional black layout.

We suspect that the powertrain will be the same as in the concept, which featured the TT RS’ 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five rated at 355-horses allowing the subcompact crossover to complete the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in 5.2 seconds and top out at 265 km/h (165 mph), but we'll have to wait for the official release to be sure.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Road Test: Audi A3 2.0 TDI 150 Sport


Price as tested: €40,733

+ Sexy looks inside and out, quality, image, badge, refinement, engine
– Not sporty enough to drive, cramped rear seats
= As classy and desirable as it ever was

There is a checklist of qualities that you can bring to a road test of pretty much any new Audi, and almost every model in the range will quickly have a full complement of tick marks. Handsome good looks? Check. Beautiful, and beautifully made interior? Check and check. Frugal engine? Check. And a chassis that falls on just the wrong side of the line marked ‘entertaining?’ Um, yeah, check.

So, does the new A3 hatchback fill in the check list blanks? Yup, every single one. Dubliner David Caffrey, who holds a starring role in Audi’s design studio, is the man behind those George-Clooney-good-looks, and while the A3 doesn’t do much to separate itself from its predecessor (or indeed from most of the rest of the Audi range) it’s undeniably good looking and desirable.

That’s a story that gets even better on the inside. Audi has long been considered the one and true master of car cabin design and execution and with the new A3 the Ingolstadt meister is truly playing at the top of its game. Considering that the A3 is a (relatively) affordable model within the Audi range, the interior style is even more impressive. From the way the ultra-thin sat-nav and infotainment screen rises from the dash top, to the lovely twist and click motion of the air vents to the wonderfully comfortable seats, this is a class act that makes most rivals look clueless. Quite apart from the clear instruments and the lustrous levels of quality, there are the little touches. Check out the circular air vents. Pull out the little knob in the centre of the vent, and the air flow switches to a radial pattern that distributes air evenly around the cabin. Push it in again and the flow switches to a more direct pattern for when you just want to get cold or hot air to your face. Brilliant.

The cabin isn’t flawless though. The biggest problem is simply a lack of space in the rear seats. I know that the A3 is only a three-door, and that a more spacious five-door Sportback version has just arrived on these shores but still – the A3 is a car pitched at upwardly mobile families as much as it is at trendy singletons, so the fact that having my 2-year old in his car seat behind me made me crank my seat uncomfortably far forward is a pretty poor performance.

Under the bonnet, the performance is rather more rounded. Yes, most customers will go for the more frugal and affordable 105bhp 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine, but our test car came with the gruntier 150bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel – an engine somewhat more befitting of the company that brought us the original Quattro and the bewitching R8 supercar. You may be aware that for the past decade Audi has been crushing every rival at the legendary Le Mans 24hrs race with an unbeatable squadron of diesel-powered racing cars that are not only more frugal than the opposition but more powerful too. That’s the kind of patth the A3’s 2.0-litre engine treads. Not only does it provide invigorating motive thump (100kmh comes up in a GTI-esque 8.6secs) but it can return a genuine 55mpg and its 109g/km Co2 emissions puts it in the new Band A3 for road tax, with an annual bill of €190. That’s little short of amazing performance and the fact that it does it in such a quiet, refined fashion is just the cherry on top.

Which makes it all the sadder that the A3 just can’t quite provide a truly engaging dynamic performance. It’s a long-standing Audi issue, but it remains true that the cross-town rivals from Bavaria, BMW, invariably give more to the driver. The perspective only of the committed enthusiast? True, but then if you’re not bothered about how it drives then why are you shelling out all the extra on a premium brand? There’s nothing wrong with the way the A3 drives – its steering is nicely weighted, its ride just the right amount of firm, its grip levels unimpeachable – but the final spark of enjoyment is missing. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but it is.

That fact makes the A3’s price list an uncomfortable read. Our test car, in Sport trim, carries a price tag of €31,500 which the options on our car (including leather and Alcantara seats, sat-nav, 18” alloys, climate control and parking sensors among others) pushed to north of €40,000. That’s a hefty price for a compact car and one made an even tougher sell by the fact that Volkswagen’s hugely impressive new Golf is now on sale, offering an even better driving experience and similar levels of quality for a lot less cash.

That said, the A3 is impressive and I have no doubt that it will find many firm fans amongst those willing to spend extra on a shinier badge. And hey, how many expensive German cars can truly claim Irish heritage?


Audi A3 2.0 TDI 150 Sport
Price as tested: €40,733
Price range: €25,100 to €39,820
Capacity: 1,968cc
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 320Nm
Top speed: 216kmh
0-100kmh: 8.6sec
Economy: 4.1l-100km (68mpg)
CO2 emissions: 109g/km
Road Tax Band: A3. €190
Euro NCAP rating: 5-star; 95% adult, 87% child, 74% pedestrian, 86% safety assist.