Next-generation Audi A3 delayed by a year
By Andrew C., 26 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
2013 Audi A3
The arrival of the next-gen A3 has been delayed by Audi by a full year as the carmaker confronts the development of several other brand new models like the A1 hatch and Q3 soft-roader. Initially scheduled to arrive at the end of 2009, the A3 will now reach the markets in the first half of next year in the base 3- and 5-door hatch versions. Further down the road Audi will be adding a new Cabrio model and Sportback wagon, and even a 4-door coupe together with an Allroad soft-roader, some reports are saying.This is intended to aid the current A3 to rival the BMW 1-series range together with a range of sporty models derived on the next-gen Mercedes A and B-Class. Volkswagen Golf will once more share the underpinnings of the new A3, which implies that Audi's most current modular platform design had been excluded.
In contrast to the new model, however, the footprint of the latest A3 will increase in dimension and will come with a sleeker profile.The most current generation Audi B8 A4, for example, increased in length by about 14 cm above the preceding version, placing it near the 5-series and E-class with regards to size. The vacancy left behind will be filled by a new A3-drived sedan which, is reportedly, going to measure 4.2 meters long and come with a styling like that of a coupe.
Engine lineup for the A3 will most likely include a line of 4-cylinder power units ranging in displacement from 1.2 to 2.0 liters. The basic unit will be a 1.2 TFSI that produces 125hp and 200Nm of torque and a 1.8 liter TFSI that produces 160hp and 250Nm of torque maximum. Completing the range will be a 2.0 TFSI generating 211hp and 350Nm of torque. New turbocharged 4-cylinders are expected for the new S3 model in contrast to the naturally ventilated V6 seen in the present version.
Gallery: 2013 Audi A3
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