Drive

In Europe, the A3 Sportback will be launched with a 1.5 TFSI and a 2.0 TDI in two power levels. Audi is also electrifying the compact five-door car: In addition to the 1.5 TFSI with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system the brand will expand the offering over the course of the year by adding a plug-in hybrid model in two power variants. Further TDI and TFSI engine versions will also be added to the portfolio, including ones with quattro drive. All engines provide powerful torque, sophisticated running characteristics, and high efficiency.

Highly efficient: the 1.5 TFSI with cylinder shutoff

The four-cylinder gasoline engine in the A3 Sportback 35 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.1–4.8 (46.1–49.0 US mph)*); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 116–111 (186.7–178.6 g/mi)*) has an output of 110 kW (150 PS) and delivers 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes 8.4 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 224 km/h (139.2 mph). The highlight of the 1.5 TFSI is the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which temporarily deactivates the second and third cylinders at low and medium loads. The engine is very light thanks to its aluminum crankcase. The cylinder linings have an iron coating that reduces friction significantly. The cooling module allows efficient thermal management, assisted by the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head.

Electrified: the 1.5 TFSI as a mild hybrid

The 1.5 TFSI with a mild-hybrid system (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.0–4.7 (47.0–50.0 US mpg)*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 115–109 (185.1–175.4 g/mi)*) has the same output as its sister engine. The performance is also identical; however, it is even more efficient. A belt alternator starter (BAS) is installed on the combustion engine. It feeds a 48-volt electrical system that integrates a compact lithium-ion battery under the front passenger seat. A voltage converter connects the conventional 12-volt electrical system. In customer operation, the MHEV system achieves a fuel-consumption advantage of up to 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

When the driver decelerates or applies the brake slightly, the BAS can recuperate up to 12 kW of power and feed it to the battery. When driving off and accelerating from a low rotational speed, it assists the TFSI with up to 9 kW and 50 Nm (36.9 lb-ft) of torque. In certain driving situations, it shifts the loads such that the engine’s efficiency is further increased. It also manages the state of charge of the 48-volt battery. It stores enough power to enable the A3 Sportback to coast with the engine switched off in many situations. The BAS then quickly and conveniently restarts the TFSI, just like at the end of the start/stop phase, which already starts at a residual speed of 22 km/h (13.7 mph).

Optimized: the TDI engines

In terms of diesel engines, there is the 2.0 TDI with 85 kW (116 PS) or 110 kW (150 PS). Its technical intricacies include separate coolant circuits for the purpose of highly flexible thermal management, two balance shafts to enable sophisticated running characteristics (for the 110 kW engine), cylinder pressure sensors to achieve optimum combustion, and minimized internal friction to enable high efficiency. The crankshaft is 2.8 kilograms (6.2 lb) lighter than that of the two-liter predecessor engine.

The A3 Sportback 30 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 3.6–3.5 (64.3–67.2 US mpg)*); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 96–92 (154.5–148.1 g/mi)*) is equipped with a 2.0 TDI with an output of 85 kW (116 PS) that delivers a full 300 Nm (221.3 lb-ft) of torque between 1,600 and 2,500 rpm. The 85 kW TDI accelerates the entry-level model from a standstill to 62.1 mph in 10.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 206 km/h (128.0 mph). The A3 Sportback 35 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 3.9–3.7 (60.3–63.6 US mpg)*); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 103–98 (165.8–157.7 g/mi)*) is equipped with a 2.0 TDI with an output of 110 kW (150 PS). Basic data: 360 Nm (265.5) between 1,600 and 2,750 rpm, 0–100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 8.4 seconds, top speed of 224 km/h (139.2 mph).

Newly developed: the six-speed manual transmission

Power transmission is performed by a manual transmission as standard. In the
A3 Sportback 35 TFSI and the A3 Sportback 30 TDI, this is done by a completely new six‑speed manual transmission. It covers the torque range from 200 to 340 Nm (147.5–250.8 lb-ft). It is also very efficient, saving up to 5 grams of CO₂ per 100 kilometers (62.1 mi) as compared to the predecessor transmission. The first gear usually has a very short ratio in order to enable a powerful start-off and the highest gear has very long ratio for the purpose of lowering the rotational speed and consumption.

Custom-made: the seven-speed S tronic

The A3 Sportback 35 TFSI MHEV and the A3 Sportback 35 TDI are equipped with a seven-speed S tronic as standard, which the driver can control via paddles on the steering wheel. Its gear ratio is also relatively short in the lower gears and long in the higher gears. In interaction with the optional dynamic handling system Audi drive select, the quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission offers a freewheeling function that is activated in many situations when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. The technology of the two transmissions differs in important aspects. In the case of the seven-speed S tronic for the gasoline engine, the two clutches require no oil supply, which increases their efficiency. In the case of the transmission for the 2.0 TDI, they are cooled with oil as needed. 

* Fuel/power consumption and CO₂ emission figures given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used as well as the selected equipment

All terms in blue in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.