** The collective fuel consumption values of all models named and available on the German market can be found in the list provided at the end of this MediaInfo.

Since the first generation, the Audi A3 has had innovations and quality characteristics of the full‑size class on board. After it was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1996, it immediately opened up its own market segment and is thus considered to be the founder of the premium compact class. The Audi employees in Ingolstadt have built almost 3.8 million Audi A3 models at the headquarters of the four rings since the start of production. The Audi A3 was also produced at the Audi location in Brussels from 2007 to 2009. The joint production of the Audi A3 Sedan** currently still runs between Ingolstadt and Győr. The Audi A3 Cabriolet** is also built by Audi Hungaria. The Audi A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan additionally roll off the production line at the Chinese Foshan plant; the A3 Sedan is also produced in Aurangabad/India and São José dos Pinhais/Brazil. 

The new Audi A3 remains an Ingolstadt exclusive. “The A3 is a success story for our location – we are proud to be able to continue this story in 2020 with the new generation,” says Achim Heinfling, Plant Manager at Audi Ingolstadt. “We are well prepared at the location. For the production of the body, we have built a completely new body shop in the northern complex especially for this model. All other production areas have been comprehensively adapted for the new Audi A3. The production technologies were increasingly digitalized in the process.” 

The new model from Ingolstadt is sporty and dynamic with strong powertrains. Customers can order progressive steering and an adaptive suspension as optional extras. Electrified drives ensure high efficiency, supported by innovative assist systems. From its cockpit to its light signature and infotainment, the new Audi A3 Sportback** is digitalized. Additionally, Audi is offering seat upholstery made from recycled material for the new A3 for the first time. 

With its start of production in Ingolstadt, the Audi A3 remains a companion for many Audi employees: For example, Reinhold Konegen experienced how the trade fair newcomer in Paris in 1996 became a customer favorite. He attached wheels, routed cables, mounted air filters, and was responsible for adjusting the suspension and track for 17 years. For the last eight years, he has been testing each unit at counting point 8 as the final “finisher.” He explains: “The Audi A3 is a part of my life.”

An overview of the milestones of the A3 model series:

• 1996: Audi presents the first A3 at the Paris Motor how, exclusively as a three‑door model. With its powerful design and characteristically sporty elegance, the premium compact immediately becomes a trendsetter. At this time, no other car in this class offers the combination of a high‑quality interior, perfect ergonomics, and highly developed technology.  

• 1998: For the first timein the compact segment, the Audi A3 with quattro permanent all‑wheel drive is presented.

• 1999: A five‑door variant is added to the model series. The first generation of the sporty Audi S3 with a 154 kW/210 PS five‑valve turbocharged engine and permanent all‑wheel drive makes a forceful statement.

• 2004: The Audi A3 Sportback makes its debut. The concept of the five‑door premium compact has been completely reinterpreted. 

• 2008: The first open variant of the A3 family appears: The Audi A3 Cabriolet** launches in 2008 with a classic cloth top. At the end of March 2008, the millionth unit of the second A3 generation rolls off the production line. 

• 2012: The third generation of the Audi A3 is presented also as a notchback sedan at the Geneva Motor Show. 

• 2016: Each and every variant in the A3 product line receives a technology update. The Audi RS 3 Sportback is the sporty spearhead of the product line; Audi presents the RS 3 Sedan at the motor show in Paris.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Markus Duesmann, the new Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG since April 1, said: “The corona pandemic presents extreme challenges for all of us worldwide – for us as a company and for society as a whole. I would like to thank all the Audi employees who are looking ahead, doing their bit and helping where they are needed in this extraordinary time. I would also like to thank all those people who are maintaining business operations at our worldwide sites. I am convinced that things will continue for the Audi employees also after the crisis is over. At the moment, one thing counts above all: the health of our employees, their families and society as a whole. And to protect it, we need to flatten the infection curve.”

Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI AG, added: “The willingness of our team to help in the corona crisis is enormous. Everyone wants to do their bit to help shape a secure future after the crisis. By playing an active role in the matter of donations, we are meeting our great responsibility towards the regions of our sites.” Audi employees who want to get involved and provide active support can submit their offers and inquiries via an internal Audi e-mail address. Dr. Ute Röding, responsible for corporate citizenship at Audi: “All our colleagues from Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt can send us their suggestions, which we will promptly examine and assess. We have already been able to help the first inquirers.”

Numerous monetary and material donations at German and international sites 

The first major cash donations are already underway. On Monday, March 30, AUDI AG handed over a total of 600,000 euros to the hospitals at its home sites in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm – this money is on top of the five million euros. In Ingolstadt, Audi is now also supporting the challenge “sprint4local – one week for Ingolstadt.” Initiated by the Digital Startup Center of the Ingolstadt region and IFG Ingolstadt, participants will have the opportunity here from April 1 to 7 to develop ideas virtually on how the Ingolstadt region can overcome the challenges of the crisis and thus emerge stronger from this period. The international sites of the Audi Group are also providing local support in their regions: Among other things, they are providing medical equipment – Audi Brussels or Audi China, for example. Audi Hungaria will make a cash donation to the Győr Hospital. Further measures are currently being planned in detail at all sites. 

International #AudiTogether campaign and solidarity concert streamed on the internet 

Violinist Lisa Batiashvili, artistic director of the Audi Summer Concerts, will give an exclusive concert on Tuesday, April 14, at 8 p.m. together with the famous musicians Maximilian Hornung, François Leleux, Sarah Christian und Jano Lisboa at Audi in Ingolstadt. This concert will be delivered at Facebook @Audi.AG and on the YouTube channel @Audi and it will be streamed on www.audimedia.tv so that all interested parties can experience it live on the internet. “Music connects people,” explains Batiashvili. “It is a matter of the heart for my colleagues and me to show our solidarity in these times and to stand together.” 

Under the #AudiTogether hashtag, the brand with the Four Rings is currently showing its attitude worldwide as a company in times of the corona crisis. The motto “We are in this together” stands for the solidarity of the brand, the employees and Audi fans across all markets and social media channels. The initiative is flanked by participative activities. They start with the so-called #FourRingsChallenge, in which all interested parties can creatively present the Audi rings. In the next few days, further social media activities will be launched on the global Audi channels, including several quartets on Instagram all around car features of the Audi A3 and Audi e-tron Sportback, as well as a special filter on the question “Which Audi are you?” More details will gradually become available at audi.com/AudiTogether and Instagram @audiofficial.

Distinctive: design and lighting

The new Audi A3 Sportback features compact proportions and a sporty design. The wide Singleframe and large air inlets at the front end accentuate the dynamic character of the premium compact car. The shoulder of the body extends in a smooth line from the headlights to the rear lights. The surface below is curved inward – a new element of Audi’s design that puts a stronger emphasis on the wheel arches. The digital daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights are a further innovation. They consist of a pixel array made up of LED segments in a three by five arrangement that create special light signatures and make the A3 immediately recognizable. The sporty and sophisticated design is continued in the interior with the new shifter, aluminum or carbon inlays, striking door openers and an instrument panel with a black-panel look. Seat upholstery made of recycled PET bottles and adorned with stylish contrasting stitching are being used for the first time. 

Digitalized: controls and displays 

The cockpit of the A3 Sportback is wholly focused on the driver. It uses familiar elements from the brand’s full-size models and is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch display as standard, which is integrated into the center of the instrument panel. This recognizes letters entered by hand, provides acoustic feedback and can be controlled using natural language. The instrument cluster, which the driver operates via the multifunction steering wheel, is also digital as standard. The Audi virtual cockpit offers additional functions such as a large display of the navigation map. The plus version measures 12.3 inches and offers three different views, including graphics with a sporty look. A head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield in color can be installed upon request. 

Intensified: the infotainment 

The MMI operating concept is powered by the new third generation modular infotainment platform. Its computing power is ten times higher than that of its predecessor, it performs all tasks relating to connectivity, including telephony and the Audi connect services with LTE Advanced speed, and also has an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.

Individual settings can be stored in up to six user profiles – from climate control and the seat position to frequently selected navigation destinations and frequently used media. The DAB+ digital radio is included as standard and the online or hybrid radio is available as an option. Route guidance is even easier and more flexible. For example, the navigation offers predictions on the development of the traffic situation, high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth and detailed 3D models of many major European cities. Audi connect enriches points of interest with photos, opening hours and user reviews. The connect services also include the car-to-X services. They help with finding free parking spots on the roadside or allow the driver to surf the green wave by communicating with traffic lights. The A3 Sportback is connected to the smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as via the Audi phone box. The latter connects the device to the car antenna and charges it inductively. The Audi connect key, which authorizes the customer to lock and unlock the car and start the engine via their Android smartphone, and Amazon Alexa will follow shortly after the market launch.

Sophisticated: the engines

The new Audi A3 Sportback is being launched in Europe with a choice of three engine versions – a 1.5 TFSI with 110 kW (150 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.1 – 4.8*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 116 – 111*) and a 2.0 TDI that delivers 85 kW (116 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 3.6 – 3.5*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 96 – 92*) or 110 kW (150 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 3.9 – 3.7*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 103 – 98*). All engines impress with their powerful torque and sophisticated running characteristics. The engine versions at start of production will be combined with front-wheel drive. Power will be transmitted by a six-speed manual transmission or the quick-shifting seven-speed S tronic, the selector lever of which is now designed as a compact shifter. The driver can push and pull this to control the basic functions of the automatic transmission. Shortly after market launch, Audi will be gradually expanding the offer to include further engine versions, including electrified drive systems and versions with quattro drive. 

Refined: the suspension

The suspension of the new A3 Sportback – with a four-link rear axle for engines from 110 kW (150 PS) – is sporty and balanced, combining pleasant ride comfort with good dynamics. Upon request, the suspension is available with adaptive damper control, which simultaneously lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.4 in). Each damper permanently adapts to the road condition, the driving situation and the settings in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, creating a wide spread between highly comfortable roll motion and agile handling. With the sport suspension – standard in conjunction with the S line exterior, otherwise an option – the focus is clearly on the latter. Due to the tauter tuning of the suspension and dampers and the fact that the vehicle is lowered by 15 millimeters (0.6 in), the compact model conveys an even more direct contact with the road surface. 

Well versed: the driver assist systems

Equipped with Audi pre sense front, swerve assist and lane departure warning, the A3 Sportback helps prevent accidents with other road users and offers a high level of safety as standard. Further assist systems, such as the lane change and exit warnings as well as the cross-traffic and park assist systems, are available as an option. The adaptive cruise assist, which customers know from many of the full-size models, assists with longitudinal and lateral guidance. It maintains the speed and distance to the vehicle in front and assists with lane guidance by means of gentle interventions in the electromechanical steering. This increases the level of driving comfort during long journeys in particular.

Optimized: the space concept 

The new A3 Sportback offers more space and functionality combined with compact external dimensions. Measuring 4.34 meters (14.2 ft) in length and 1.82 meters (6.0 ft) in width without the mirrors, the premium compact car has grown by just over three centimeters (1.2 in) compared with its predecessor. The height of 1.43 meters (4.7 ft) and the wheelbase of 2.64 meters (8.7 ft) remained unchanged. Depending on the position of the rear bench seat, the luggage compartment holds between 380 (13.4 cu ft) and 1,200 liters (42.4 cu ft), and the loading floor can be inserted at different heights. An electric tailgate, which can also be controlled with a foot motion, is available upon request. 

Scheduled: market launch and prices

Presales of the new Audi A3 Sportback start in many European countries in March 2020, with the first vehicles to be delivered to customers at the beginning of May. The 1.5 TFSI with 110 kW (150 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.1 – 4.8*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 116 – 111*) starts at 28,900 euros. The market launch will be accompanied by a special-edition model: the A3 Sportback edition one with exclusive features. From the outside, it can be recognized by attachments in matt platinum gray as well as darkened Matrix LED headlights and 18-inch wheels in titanium gray. The S line interior with newly developed sport seats including integrated head restraints, aluminum inlays and stainless steel pedals round out the dynamic look.