Audi has just unveiled the 2013 Audi A3 Sportback ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show, which kicks off in a week.
Audi has just unveiled the 2013 Audi A3 Sportback ahead of its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, which kicks off in a week. The five-door A3 Sportback looks almost identical to the three-door version, but is a bit longer with a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase.
According to Audi, “The design with the three side windows is taut and concentrated, with every detail precise and expressive. The distinguishing element at the front of the vehicle is the distinctive, stone gray single-frame grille with the angled upper corners.” Compared to the outgoing model, the new A3 Sportback is 200 pounds lighter. Equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine, the five-door model has a curb weight of 2,657 lbs.
Audi will initially offer the A3 Sportback with a choice of one TDI and two TFSI engines, two diesel engines and one gasoline unit will follow somewhat later. The 1.6 TDI is the most efficient engine in the model lineup. The compact diesel consumes on average just 3.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. The newly developed 2.0 TDI is available in two versions with either 150-hp or 184-hp.
The gas engine lineup will consist of a 1.2L TFSI engine with 105-hp, a 1.4L TFSI with either 122-hp or 140-hp and the range topping 1.8L TFSI with 180-hp. All of the engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system is only available on the 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI.
The new Audi A3 Sportback will begin appearing in German dealerships in February 2013. It hasn’t been officially confirmed if the U.S. will get the A3 Sportback or just the upcoming A3 sedan.
