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| Audi`s latest A3 which is also dubbed as a stretched A1, now offers a new fuel efficient 77kW 1.2 Pot. Photo : The Motor Report |
While Korean manufacturers are putting their design teams under pressure to come up with fresh new customer attracting designs, their German counterparts seem to be relying on making subtle changes to their vehicles.
The Audi A3 has been a strong competitor and benchmark for various brands in the hatchback market, leading amongst rivals including the BMW 1 series, VW Golf range, Renault Megan, Ford Focus and the Opel Astra. This year has seen the latest offering of the A3 hit South Africa, just before the Golf 7 which has just joined the segment. Exterior features include a four ringed large, not to missed hexagonal single-frame radiator grill with a noticeable change to the front and rear lights. Light changes, through solid day time running headlamps which similarly continue at the back end with rear lights ensure that your A3`s hatched back is visible all day.
Three different spec levels will now differentiate between the vehicles, namely the S,SE and Quatro. Packed with new engines within the range, seven models will range from a new 1.2T FSI engine to the more powerful 1.8T FSI. The new 1.2T FSI offering is the most economical model in the range, which all models will enjoy some of those economic features thanks to an 80kg weight loss. Performance has always been one of the brand`s strongest points in their top-end models like the 132 kW 1.8T FSI. Together with a maximum torque figure of 280nm this model will reach 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds while achieving a fuel consumption figure of 6.6 liters per 100km and a 131g/km CO2 emission.
Having developed 1.2 pots in the Wolkswagen-Audi family may seem to be stirring confusion, as both the Golf 7 and Audi A3 feature the same 77kW engine which seems to be making it difficult for consumers to make a decision as to which part of the family do they want to fall into.
Inside the vehicle, premium Audi quality leather and stitching fills the interior with notable new designs made to the steering wheel, seats and air vents. The A3 may not be the perfect car for jet setters, but passengers and the driver will enjoy the new Jet design air vents that are adjustable to ones preference. Various vehicle information will be displayed through a 7 inch screen, a MMI navigation control system is featured into the centre console. If you`re a person who enjoys having a booming sound system in your car then you should be prepared to tick the options box to include a 14-Speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with LED lighting. A Panaromic sunroof also comes as an optional extra.
Although the new A3 is dubbed a stretched A1 and may only seem to have light changes at first glance, paying more attention to the vehicle may give you second thoughts. Be sure to lookout for the A3 sportsback and a sedan that is set to make its debut in the sedan segment this year
Article Published in the Tshwane Youth Magazine
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