January 11, 2009
Source: Audi of America
VERSION DATE: January 11, 2009
INFO IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Key Summary Points
The freshened Audi A3 launched in September 2008 (2009 MY).
The 2009 model year freshening expanded the A3 lineup with quattro all-wheel drive on the efficient 2.0 TFSI engine (200 hp / 207 lb-ft torque).
Audi A3 moves into a market space presently unoccupied in the luxury segment, that of a highly efficient diesel small luxury car.
Audis TDI clean diesel technology expands the A3 lineup in the direction of efficiency, providing over 40 mpg highway.
A3 holds a unique position in the Audi family, targeting buyers who need a small but versatile package without sacrificing luxury and sportiness.
A3 2.0 TDI is Audis second U.S. TDI clean diesel announcement. Audi Q7 TDI is expected to be on sale at U.S. dealers around April 2009.
A3 is already rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for top frontal/side/rear crashes (source iihs.org).
Market
Key competitors are BMW 1-series, Mini Cooper S, Volvo C30 and S40, and now Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.
Design
Audi signature LED daytime running lights with optional xenon lights.
Unique tail lights with LED light guides
Enhanced exterior and interior design, new wheel program.
Versatile interior design, providing unmatched utility for urban environments.
Dynamics
Sporty McPherson front suspension and multilink independent rear suspension for high lateral rigidity.
Speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering
High rigidity due to the use of tailored blanks for adapting steel grade and thickness to the material stresses.
Powertrain
2.0 TDI clean diesel engine with S tronic (dual clutch) and front-wheel drive
Specifications: 140 hp, 236 lb-ft torque, in-line 4 cylinder turbocharged clean diesel with common rail direct injection and piezoelectric injectors
50-state legal, with no after-treatment system required
Exclusively with S tronic (dual clutch) transmission with front-wheel drive
Standard Equipment Features
Hill-hold assist (already standard on S tronic models)
Sirius satellite radio – standard on all
Leather seating surfaces – standard on all
Leather steering wheel – standard
Aux audio input standard
Dual-zone climate control
17 alloy wheels
Launch Timing and Pricing
USA Audi A3 2.0 TDI clean diesel goes on sale by the first quarter of 2010 as a 2010 model year vehicle. Pricing is expected to be released close to the time of the U.S. launch.
Resources:
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Discussion Forum: Audi A3
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