• New 1.4 TFSI with advanced Cylinder on Demand (COD) technology
• Exceptional fuel economy from a strong petrol engine: 4.7L/100km
• New 1.8 TFSI is the first quattro model for the new Audi A3 Sportback

Adelaide/Australia, 6 September: The Audi A3 Sportback success story continues, with the introduction of two new models that raise the bar for the kind of technology buyers can expect to find at the compact premium end of the market.

Now with both the options of quattro all-wheel-drive, and fuel-saving Cylinder on Demand (COD) technology that shuts down two of the 1.4 TFSI's four cylinders when under light load, the new A3 Sportback continues to set the benchmark, by which its rivals are judged. 

Filtering down from Audi's top end performance cars like the S8, S7, S6 and RS 6 models, all featuring Audi's new 4.0 TFSI V8 engine, the new 1.4 TFSI variant's Cylinder on Demand (COD) technology truly delivers on its promise of outstanding fuel economy. By deactivating the second and third cylinders at low to intermediate loads and while coasting, it returns a combined average fuel consumption of 4.7 litres per 100km. 

For a minimal price premium over the entry-level 90 kW A3 Sportback model, this new 1.4 TFSI COD model develops 103kW at 5000rpm and a healthy 250Nm from 1500-3500rpm. This fuel-sipping new variant therefore offers strong, yet frugal performance, with low consumption and still reaches 100km/h from a standstill in 8.4 seconds - all for an MLP of $37,900*.

Like earlier variants of the new A3 Sportback range, a seven-speed S tronic transmission is standard with this 1.4 TFSI. Shifting in just a few milliseconds, the S tronic transmission delivers the perfect combination of sporty performance and smooth driving qualities.

For the first time in this generation of A3 Sportback, Audi is launching a model with quattro all-wheel drive technology, in combination with a six-speed S tronic transmission. The hydraulically-actuated and electronically-controlled quattro drivetrain, which can send the power from the front to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds, weighs significantly less than the previous unit. During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine's power to the front wheels. If traction decreases there, the clutch can variably transfer torque to the rear axle within a few milliseconds by pressing the sets of plates together under control.

This ensures that the new A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI quattro outshines all its rivals in the variable road conditions that are unique to Australia. It is also the only compact, premium car in the segment to offer all-wheel drive.

This new model is the fastest in the current A3 Sportback range, powered by a 1.8 TFSI engine that produces 132kW and 280Nm – some 30Nm more than the same engine in the front-wheel drive model. Acceleration is brisk, sprinting from 0-100km in just 6.8 seconds, while fuel economy is still frugal, at just 6.6 litres per 100km.

Audi Australia's Managing Director, Andrew Doyle, says the company is pleased with the performance of the new A3 which was launched in late May 2013.

"Even with the challenging market conditions in the premium compact segment, the A3 Sportback has performed well. We believe it sets the benchmark for quality, and for technological advancement, and these two new variants clearly cement our position as a leader, even in the compact segment.

"The new 1.4 TFSI COD model even boasts the lowest fuel consumption and emissions of any petrol-powered model in its class, which is a further demonstration of Audi's technological leadership in this segment," said Mr Doyle.

Equipment and Pricing – highlights at a glance

The A3 Sportback offers a very high level of standard equipment in keeping with its premium positioning. Highlights include:

Attraction trim level (1.4 TFSI and 1.6 TDI)

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Audi parking system: rear
• Leather-appointed upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with digital display and rear-seat vents
• Audi Music Interface
• Bluetooth interface with audio streaming
• MMI radio system - electrically retractable, slimline 5.8-inch colour display monitor with 8 passive speakers
• Cruise control
• Driver information system
• Dynamic suspension
• Exterior electric mirrors
• Light and rain sensor
• Multi-function leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel with paddle-shift

Ambition trim level (1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI)
Additional standard equipment on top of Attraction trim level:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Front leather-appointed sports seats with height, depth and seat rake adjustment
• High-gloss package; aluminium window surrounds
• Aluminium-look interior styling with aluminium sill trims
• Front fog lights
• Full colour driver information system
• Audi Drive Select
• Multi-function leather-wrapped three-spoke sports steering wheel with paddle-shift

Pricing
*(Manufacturer List Pricing (MLP) – excludes registration, dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

Attraction specification level

Ambition specification level

High-value option packages

To make it easier than ever for customers to combine highly desirable features together in exceptional value packages, the new Audi A3 Sportback is offered with the following:

Style package (Attraction models only) - $2,000

• Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights
• 17" alloy wheels, 5-arm 'kinetic' design

Style package (Ambition models only) - $2,000

• Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights
• 18" alloy wheels, 5-arm 'dynamic' design
• Sports suspension with a lowered ride height of 15mm

Technik package (Attraction and Ambition models) – $2,990

• MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, including 7.0-inch colour display monitor
• Audi parking assist with rear view camera
• Audi Sound System

Comfort package (Attraction and Ambition models) – $2,200

• Electrically adjustable front seats with electric lumbar support
• Heated front seats
• Convenience key
• Auto dimming interior mirror
• Exterior mirrors electric fold, heated with kerb view

Assistance package (Attraction and Ambition models only) - $1,800

• Adaptive cruise control including pre-sense basic
• Lane departure warning
• High beam assist
• Side assist

S line sports package (Ambition models only) – $4,200

• S line exterior package
• S line sports package
• 18-inch aluminium wheels
• Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights

The Audi Group

The Audi Group delivered more than 1,455,100 cars of the Audi brand to customers in 2012. In 2012, the Company posted revenue of €48.8 billion and an operating profit of €5.4 billion. Audi produces vehicles in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), Gyor (Hungary), Changchun (China) and Brussels (Belgium). The Audi Q7 is built in Bratislava (Slovakia). In November 2012, CKD production of the Audi Q7 was added to the existing Audi A4, A6 and Q5 manufacturing operations in Aurangabad (India). At the Brussels plant, production of the Audi A1 has been running since 2010, while production of the new A1 Sportback began in 2012. The Audi Q3 has been built in Martorell (Spain) since June 2011. The Company is active in more than 100 markets worldwide. AUDI AG's wholly owned subsidiaries include AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. (Gyor, Hungary), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy), AUDI BRUSSELS S.A./N.V. (Brussels, Belgium), quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm and the sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy). Audi currently employs more than 68,000 people worldwide, including around 50,000 in Germany. The brand with the four rings plans to invest a total of €11 billion by 2015 – mainly in new products and the expansion of production capacities – in order to sustain the Company's technological lead embodied in its "Vorsprung durch Technik" claim. Audi is currently expanding its site in Gyor (Hungary) and will start production in Foshan (China) in late 2013 and in San José Chiapa (Mexico) in 2016.

Audi has long been fulfilling its social responsibility on many levels – with the aim of making the future worth living for generations to come. The basis for Audi's lasting success is therefore formed by environmental protection, the conservation of resources, international competitiveness and a forward-looking human resources policy. One example of AUDI AG's commitment to environmental issues is the Audi Environmental Foundation. Within the context of "Vorsprung durch Technik", which extends far beyond its products, the Company is directing its activities toward a major goal – comprehensive CO₂-neutral mobility.