The Audi A3 Sportback: Standard and Optional Equipment

Like its three-door counterpart, the Audi A3 Sportback sets the standard with an equipment specification that befits its premium status. Three separate model lines – the Attraction version full of character, the particularly sporting Ambition model, and the highly exclusive Ambiente version – enable the customer to turn each A3 into their personal dream car.

Standard items on Attraction models include electric front and rear windows and central locking with radio-operated remote control. It goes without saying that safety features such as the Electronic Stabilisation Program ESP, the new front seats with active head restraints and the sideguard head-level airbag system are inclusive on the A3 Sportback.

The body is available in a range of 15 colours, from Arctic White to Brilliant Black and from Toucan Yellow to Deep Green, metallic, with three versions available at no extra charge. The body colour Dakar Beige, metallic, a new addition to the A3 model range, is reserved exclusively for the A3 Sportback.

Attraction, Ambition, Ambiente

Individual character and style – two concepts that play a central role in the A3’s success story. Indeed, this is precisely why the Sportback adheres to this equipment concept with three very different model lines that appeal to different groups of customers with varying demands and expectations.

Attraction: This is the modern interpretation of the A3 theme full of style and character. From outside the Attraction models are clearly recognisable with their 16-inch wheels – as an option in alloy – running on 205/55 tyres. The “Module” fabric comes in four colours (black, beige, light grey or deep blue) as standard on the seats.

The surfaces and applications are available in grain-structure and matt-painted plastic in the colours black or deep blue. The Attraction specification likewise includes an easy-grip 4-spoke steering wheel.

Ambition: A more dynamic interpretation of a sporty vehicle – and the version that is most in demand. Ambition models are equipped with 5-arm cast aluminium wheels measuring 7.5 x 17 inches, with 225/45 tyres. Five colour combinations of “Matrix” cloth are available for the interior: black/grey, black/blue, black/red, deep blue, and light grey. The trim inserts are in high-gloss black or deep blue.

In addition to the standard equipment on all Sportback models, the Ambition models come with sports suspension, sports seats at the front, a three-spoke leather-covered steering wheel, and a height-adjustable passenger’s seat. Other standard features are fog lights, aluminium door sill trims and the sun screen on the luggage cover.

Ambiente is synonymous with palpable comfort. Cast aluminium wheels in 7 arm design with 205/55 R 16 tyres clearly identify the third line in the A3 range from the outside. Inside, there are four colours to choose from (black, deep blue, light grey, and beige) for the “Metric” upholstery. The noble wood Vavona Bernstein is a highly stylish material that gives the applications a special note of distinction.

A four-spoke leather-covered steering wheel and a centre armrest at the front are further visible attributes of the Ambiente models. In addition to the standard range of equipment, the height-adjustable front passenger’s seat, an interior mirror with an automatic anti-dazzle feature as well as a light/rain sensor with an integrated coming-home/leaving-home function, cruise control, an outside temperature gauge, a storage package and an interior lights package all help to provide the finishing touch.

Optional extras

Over and above the various features offered by the three model lines, A3 drivers have many other options to choose from. Indeed, the sheer quality and diversity of these options reflect the declared aim of the new Audi A3 to introduce the standards of larger and more luxurious cars into the compact segment. The following list is therefore only a selection of the options available:

A total of twelve optional exterior colours – four metallic and six pearl-effect finishes – enables A3 drivers to choose their favourite paintwork.

Various cast aluminium wheels measuring 6.5 x 16 or 7.5 x 17 inches give the car a sporting touch from outside, in more than merely visual terms. 18-inch cast aluminium wheels in two different designs by quattro GmbH are likewise available from the outset. A3 drivers need not forgo attractive design in winter, with the choice of cast aluminium wheels and one steel wheel measuring in the sizes 6×16 to 7.5×17 inches.

The sports suspension – standard on Ambition models – lowers the entire body by 15 millimetres and makes the suspension and damping particularly dynamic.

The open sky system large-area glass roof, which has been developed specially for the Sportback, is a remarkable concept. The roof is glazed all the way from the windscreen to the rear window, further emphasising the Sportback’s sporty character.

Compared with a conventional sliding roof, the open sky system allows twice as much light into the car thanks to its larger area. Both front and rear occupants have a roller blind for protection against direct sunlight.

The optional roof rails that further accentuate the coupé-like profile of the roof are of a new design characterised by slender elegance. They can also be combined with the open sky roof if desired.

Xenon headlights, an immediately visible feature offering improved visibility, can now also be ordered in the compact class: both headlight range and intensity are increased considerably as a result. This equipment features also comprises a headlight cleaning system as well as automatic dynamic headlight range control.

Halogen fog lights, again standard on the Ambition models, maximise visibility even in difficult weather conditions.

The interior mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function including a light/rain sensor, automatic headlight control and coming-home/leaving-home function (standard on the Ambiente model) serves to raise visibility and convenience to an even higher level.

The interior lights package (standard for Ambiente) comprises features such as illuminated inside door handles, footwell and door sill illumination, illuminated vanity mirrors and storage compartments, ambience illumination and reading lights at the front and rear.

The garage door opener integrated in the sun visor can be programmed to different frequencies.

Cruise control (standard on Ambiente models) consistently maintains all speeds above 30 km/h, provided sufficient engine braking is available.

Side airbags at the rear further increase safety for the outer rear passengers.

The tyre pressure monitoring system that constantly monitors the tyre pressure in all four tyres and alerts the driver both visually and acoustically is a new addition.

The acoustic parking system facilitates the process of reversing the car into parking spaces by emitting audible signals that change progressively according to how far the car is from an obstacle.

The driver information system (standard on the Ambition models) comprises an on-board computer, radio frequency display, outside temperature control, and radio-controlled clock.

The navigation system with acoustic route guidance offers the driver additional convenience and even greater driving safety.

The new Audi radio and navigation system plus with DVD drive and 6½-inch colour monitor (optionally with analogue TV reception) provides almost unrestricted navigation throughout Western Europe, as well as playing audio CDs or reading MP3 memory cards. Its operating principle follows the same clear logic as the Audi MMI that is familiar from the A8. The display shows the map and the visual route description, while the driver information system translates the accompanying directions into pictograms and supplements these with further information on distances and the arrival time.

The new storage medium of the DVD for the navigation system provides more than ten times the storage capacity of a conventional CD ROM, coupled with a noticeably faster access time. Almost the entire road network of Western Europe can now be stored on a single data carrier, overcoming the inconvenience of having to change the CD when the driver crosses a national border.

A further advantage is that the navigation system calculates the route much more swiftly than on CD-based systems. This is particularly noticeable during map loading and when using the zoom function.

The audio systems offer the ideal combination of convenience and equipment options for every customer: