2013 Audi A3

2013 A3 Photos
An Old Vanguard Gets Ready For a New War In 1996, the first Audi A3 essentially established the premium compact segment, but that distinction really only carried significance in Europe. Gradually, and especially in its two most recent generations, its corporate sibling, the Volkswagen Golf, has become something of a true premium hatch without the badge, leaving more and more people to wonder if there was a point to splurging for the costlier Audi. Then the new Mini Cooper came along to effectively steal the thunder in the new century's compact premium market. In the past few years, Audi's A3 lineup has been scrambling around in search of redefinition. It has continued selling in alright numbers in Europe (and it currently accounts for 20 percent of annual Audi sales worldwide), but officials acknowledge the car could do much better elsewhere. The first two generations of the A3 – 1996 and then 2003 – were only offered in hatchback form. But now that Audi has its sights on expanding the range's appeal globally, when the U.S. begins taking delivery of the third generation in the autumn of 2013, there will be a new sedan bodystyle to accompany the five-door Sportback. That means a new A3 is still over a year away for us, but we couldn't wait to drive it, so we headed to the hatchback-loving Spanish island of Mallorca to sample it for you. This A3 is bound to save costs on production while enabling much greater profit margins due in part to significantly larger sales volumes. All new A3 variants are to use the recently launched MQB vehicle architecture – it is the first in the VW Group extended family to use this – engineered by Volkswagen for a wide range of smaller models with transverse engines up front. Profits-wise, the options list is as long as those we've seen for the A6, A7, or A8, and it's loaded with tempting enhancements. There's a weight savings here of at least 130 pounds versus equivalent second generation A3 models. In the meantime, materials research within Audi has allowed for weight savings of at least 130 pounds versus equivalent second generation A3 models. Audi is formally branding this company weight-loss program under the umbrella of "Audi Ultra." The hood and front fender panels are formed in aluminum now, and the aluminum-steel Audi Space Frame chassis approach has been utilized on the new compact as well. All engines have been redesigned not only for greater efficiency and lower emissions, but also for lighter weight and more compact packaging. In previous generations, the fore or aft tilt of the engine varied depending on capacity, but now every engine in the lineup tilts at 12 degrees toward the rear – the exhaust side. This design change shortens the front overhang while also helping to make for almost two more inches of front legroom. That added room is also a result of the almost one-inch longer wheelbase, the front axle having been moved forward. It …
Full Review
An Old Vanguard Gets Ready For a New War In 1996, the first Audi A3 essentially established the premium compact segment, but that distinction really only carried significance in Europe. Gradually, and especially in its two most recent generations, its corporate sibling, the Volkswagen Golf, has become something of a true premium hatch without the badge, leaving more and more people to wonder if there was a point to splurging for the costlier Audi. Then the new Mini Cooper came along to effectively steal the thunder in the new century's compact premium market. In the past few years, Audi's A3 lineup has been scrambling around in search of redefinition. It has continued selling in alright numbers in Europe (and it currently accounts for 20 percent of annual Audi sales worldwide), but officials acknowledge the car could do much better elsewhere. The first two generations of the A3 – 1996 and then 2003 – were only offered in hatchback form. But now that Audi has its sights on expanding the range's appeal globally, when the U.S. begins taking delivery of the third generation in the autumn of 2013, there will be a new sedan bodystyle to accompany the five-door Sportback. That means a new A3 is still over a year away for us, but we couldn't wait to drive it, so we headed to the hatchback-loving Spanish island of Mallorca to sample it for you. This A3 is bound to save costs on production while enabling much greater profit margins due in part to significantly larger sales volumes. All new A3 variants are to use the recently launched MQB vehicle architecture – it is the first in the VW Group extended family to use this – engineered by Volkswagen for a wide range of smaller models with transverse engines up front. Profits-wise, the options list is as long as those we've seen for the A6, A7, or A8, and it's loaded with tempting enhancements. There's a weight savings here of at least 130 pounds versus equivalent second generation A3 models. In the meantime, materials research within Audi has allowed for weight savings of at least 130 pounds versus equivalent second generation A3 models. Audi is formally branding this company weight-loss program under the umbrella of "Audi Ultra." The hood and front fender panels are formed in aluminum now, and the aluminum-steel Audi Space Frame chassis approach has been utilized on the new compact as well. All engines have been redesigned not only for greater efficiency and lower emissions, but also for lighter weight and more compact packaging. In previous generations, the fore or aft tilt of the engine varied depending on capacity, but now every engine in the lineup tilts at 12 degrees toward the rear – the exhaust side. This design change shortens the front overhang while also helping to make for almost two more inches of front legroom. That added room is also a result of the almost one-inch longer wheelbase, the front axle having been moved forward. It …
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Retail Price

$27,270 - $30,850 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 2.0L I-4
MPG Up to 30 city / 42 highway
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 6-spd auto-shift man w/OD, 6-spd man w/OD
Power 140 - 200 hp
Drivetrain front-wheel, quattro all wheel
Curb Weight 3,219 - 3,461 lbs
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