Space Concept and Body

The new A3 Sportback offers more space and functionality combined with compact external dimensions. It measures 4.34 meters (14.2 ft) in length and 1.82 meters (6.0 ft) in width without the mirrors, and is therefore just over three centimeters (1.2 in) larger than the predecessor model. The passengers benefit from this directly: They have more elbow room at the front and rear and more shoulder room in the rear. Without the roof antenna, the new A3 Sportback is 1.43 meters (4.7 ft) high, which is identical to the third generation, as is the wheelbase of 2.64 meters (8.7 ft). By contrast, the slightly lower seat position for the driver is a new feature. This underlines the sporty character of the compact model and benefits the headroom in the first seat row.

In addition to the standard seats, Audi offers the new advanced sport seats with high side bolsters and integrated head restraints, which are standard in the interior S line. Seat heating, electric adjustment, and a lumbar support with a pneumatic massage function are available in addition. There is even a wide range of steering wheels – round or flattened, with standard or large multifunction buttons, with or without shift paddles.

Depending on the position of the rear seats, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 380 to 1,200 liters (13.4–42.4 cu ft). The loading floor can be inserted at different heights, and the rear shelf is located beneath it. On request, Audi will deliver the storage and luggage compartment package and an electric tailgate, which can also be opened and closed with a foot motion. Depending on the engine version, the new A3 Sportback has a towing capacity of up to 1,600 kg (3,527.4 lb) (braked, at a 12 percent incline).

The body is extremely impact resistant, rigid, and acoustically comfortable. With the 1.5 TFSI, the A3 Sportback has an unladen weight (without driver) of just 1,280 kg (2,821.9 lb), making it very light. In the passenger cell, components made of hot-formed steel, which combine high strength and low weight, form a strong compound. They make up 29 percent of the weight of the body shell. The engine hood is made of aluminum. Thanks to complex soundproofing and sophisticated aeroacoustics, it is very quiet in the interior of the new A3. Privacy glazing for the rear is available as an option: The windows are tinted and make it difficult to look into the vehicle interior.

With a drag coefficient starting from 0.28, the A3 Sportback is particularly aerodynamically efficient, which reduces CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption. Aerodynamics developers and designers started working together closely at a very early stage and optimized many areas of the body, including the exterior mirrors and the underbody, which received large-area paneling. The 110 kW TDI engine version has a controllable cooled air inlet: two horizontally positioned louver modules behind the Singleframe that are actuated electrically. They regulate the airflow intelligently and situationally, which has two advantages: optimum cooling output and aerodynamic efficiency. While driving, they remain closed as much as possible. The brake cooling with a neutral drag coefficient, where the air is guided from the engine compartment through the wheel arch shell to the brakes, is another new feature.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.