Audi has revealed that it will launch a four-door version of its A3 later this year and the S3 during the early part of 2014. The new arrival will take on similar offerings from the likes of Mercedes-Benz with claims that the A3 saloon will 'set the new benchmark among entry-level luxury saloons.'
Exterior
From the outside, the new A3 saloon takes the majority of its styling cues from the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback. Both its front and rear light clusters are the same, as is the front bumper. Alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and twin exhaust pipes are featured on the cars in the initial photographs. Boot space will grow to 425 litres with the rear seats still up - a 45-litre increase over the A3 Sportback - while accessibility is made easier by the boot lid that swings fully up. Despite the additional bodywork Audi claims that the kerb weight will be just 1,205kg (based on the 1.4 TFSI model). This is helped by the 'Audi ultra' lightweight construction process that sees extensive use of aluminium in the bonnet, front suspension and sub frame to maximise strength while keeping the weight down.
Distinguishing between the A3 and S3 saloon is easy too, as the fast model features more chrome around the front end, larger alloys and two more exhaust pipes out the back. Its profile is similar to that of a baby Audi A4, which is apt considering the new A3 saloon measures up very closely to the original A4 launched 20 years ago.
Interior
Inside, Audi claims to have used the same quality materials that are found in the A8. Entertainment comes from a seven-inch high-resolution screen, controlled by a rotary wheel and touch pad. An upgraded Audi connect system turns the A3 saloon into a 4G-enabled Wi-Fi hotspot as well as providing an improved satnav system. This can all be wired to an optional 705-watt, 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. S3 drivers also gain a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, sports seats with contrasting stitching and aluminium pedals.
Mechanicals
Front-wheel drive models will be available with TFSI petrol engines in 140hp 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre 180hp guises or a 2.0-litre TDI engine with 150hp. The entry-level 1.4 TFSI engine will come equipped with 'Cylinder-on-Demand' technology that deactivates two of the four cylinders when the engine is at low load - for example when cruising on the motorway. As soon as more throttle is applied the two cylinders come back into action. This helps reduce emissions and increase fuel economy to a diesel rivalling 3.9 litres/100km (72.4mpg).
The S3 quattro saloon gets the more powerful 2.0-litre TFSI engine putting out 300hp and generating 380Nm of torque. The car itself will sit 25mm lower than the standard A3 saloon. Lurking behind the standard 18-inch alloy wheels are 340mm brake discs. Audi's Drive Select is also available, offering Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual driving modes.
Anything else?
Although pricing has yet to be announced, it's expected that the Audi A3 saloon will be a little more than the A3 Sportback. The official Irish launch will be early autumn, though S3 saloon buyers will have to wait until the start of 2014.