Audi's A3 'upgraded'

Audi's reputation in the last half-a-decade has improved tremendously, and while not at the same level of, say, BMW and Mercedes, it is surely knocking on their respective doors.

With this in mind, the second generation compact Audi has been unveiled, and aims to achieve higher levels of prestige, luxury and refinement than the outgoing model.

The original A3 was first released in 1996, but survived the test of time well, with a few updates here and there helping to keep interest levels high.

Six years on, Audi has finished work on an all-new model, which Audi reckons will reach lofty heights thanks to improved interior space, refinement and power.

But the question is, can Audi achieve this in such a tough market?

Firstly, Audi is pitching the A3 as a more upmarket hatch: The equipment levels and trim are now of the same standard that is typical of the larger models in the Audi range.

Like its precursor, which many attribute to the creation of the premium compact class, the new Audi A3 sets a high standard, introducing three new trim levels, which may filter through to other models, such as A4 and A6.

The three trim levels consists of Attraction which is entry-level, Ambition which is for the 'go-fast' brigade and Ambiente which is the top-o-the-line model.

Standard items on Attraction models include ‘Easy Entry’ front seats, electric front windows and central locking with radio-operated remote control.

The driver’s seat has height adjustment as a standard feature and – new to this class – heated rear seats can also be ordered. Another option for greater occupant comfort is a sun screen for the rear window.

The new A3 incorporates such safety features as the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP), new front seats with crash-active head restraints and the "Sideguard" head-level airbag system.

In addition to the items of equipment available in the various lines, a wide range of optional equipment awaits the A3 owner too.

Some are designed for added comfort and convenience such as the high-quality audio systems, which can be combined with a BOSE sound system.

Electronic climate control is available with separate controls for the driver and front passenger. This and the navigation system (with TV tuner option) raise the A3 to an equipment level which would normally be associated with cars in a higher category.

An optional CD changer is now also positioned in the glove box for easy loading.

Finally, items like the through-loading system with removable ski bag (which can even accommodate two snowboards) and the sensor that switches on the low-beam headlights automatically, are further evidence that the Audi are looking for ways to make the new A3 a trend-setter.

From a distance, it would be quite difficult to tell the two A3 models apart, but up close it is evident that Audi stylists have been hard at work.The family resemblance is instantly recognisable, not so much in the fancy new headlight cluster, which has a little BMW to it, but more in the 'double grille' treatment.

The slightly curvy front fog-light surrounds look to have borrowed a cue or two from the '02 Renault Clio, and in general, the profile of the new A3 is very pleasing.

Furthermore, the new A3's dimensions have been altered, with a wheelbase lengthened by 65mm and the body widened by 30mm. This gives rear passengers significantly more shoulder and knee room, and also improves interior space overall.

Adding to its sporting character, the new A3 also sits 10 millimetres lower than its predecessor, and Audi die-hards may also notice the shorter body overhangs, giving it a more athletic 'wheels-at-all-four-corners' appearance.

The A3's C-pillars have a greater slope than its predecessors and shallower windows give it a touch of menace, as do the mildly-flared wheel arches and large-diametre wheels.

The rear of the body is notable for a significant reduction in joint lines and a clear, graphic division of the surface areas.

Another bold visual element at the rear is the exposed exhaust tailpipes – either single or double according to the chosen engine. The brake-light cluster also continues the Audi DNA, now similar across all models except the TT.

Inside, occupants will feel like they're in a coupe thanks to a lower seating position than the previous model. The new instrument cluster is compact in its dimensions, with simple, large chrome-surround dials.

In general, the interior is very uncluttered and well-laid out, suggesting that Audi is serious about taking its compact model to the top.

Audi hasn't neglected the business end of things either, and the new A3 range now gets a whole host of hi-tech engines and driveline equipment.

Most notable is the inclusion of a new six-cylinder powerplant, one that makes a rather lofty 177kW. The 3.2-litre V6 is replaces the 1.8 turbo as the top engine in the A3 line-up, but it also raises another question.

What will the S3 be packing? It would be folly to sell an A3 with a 177kW mill and then charge a premium for the same car with a couple of 'S' badges and bodykit.

As such, it's possible that the S3 will ship with a turbo-version of the V6, or perhaps make use of one of its FSI direct injection mills, again with forced induction.

Anyway, back to the A3 engines on offer, and European buyers will get a choice of petrol and diesel mills, while in Australia, expect only the petroleum-fuelled models.

Audi is offering a total of five different engines for sale with the A3, while we would assume the S3 would take that to six. The two diesel powerplants on offer are the 1.9-litre (77kW, 250Nm) and 2.0-litre (103kW, 320 Nm) engines, both mated to turbochargers.

While the 2.0-litre TDI mill boasts the same Newton meterage of the 3.2-litre V6, it posts a much slower 9.5 second 0-100km/h times, even with brand-new 4-valve cylinder heads.

On the petrol-engine front, there are two inline fours and a six-cylinder mill: the 1.6-litre (75kW, 148Nm), the 2.0-litre FSI (direct injection 110kW, 200Nm) and the aforementioned 3.2-litre V6 (177kw, 320Nm).

Interestingly, the 3.2-litre V6 sounds is the same engine seen in the new TT Quattro Sport, though in a slightly de-tuned form. The upcoming six-cylinder TT gets the same engine yet it develops more power - 184kW to be precise.

And, like the new TT, the V6 A3 is the only hatch model to come standard with Quattro all-wheel drive, making the 0-100km/h dash from rest in an impressive 6.7-seconds. Quattro is available on the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel model, but as a cost option, while other models are drive from the front wheels.

All models can be fitted with either a five or six speed automatic transmission, and while no traditional manual is offered, the more powerful petrol and diesel models can be ordered with a direct shift gearbox, or DSG in Audi-speak.

Comparable to BMW's semi-manual gearbox, or SMG, Audi's direct shift transmission offers the ease-of-use of an auto 'box, but without the torque convertor, meaning it's not as thirsty. In essence, it works like a manual gearbox, though it has two multi-plate clutches.

One is used to engage the driving gear, while the other clutch is kept disengaged, waiting for the next gearchange. As one clutch is opening, the other is closing, making for a smooth shift while at the same time ensuring that power is constantly on tap.

New for the 2003-model A3 is a refined version of the McPherson strut layout, with triangular lower wishbones at the front and new four-link independent suspension at the rear.

This running gear is designed for sporty, agile handling linked to a highly stable chassis, which should translate to cornering pleasure. The anti-roll bars are directly attached to the suspension strut in order to minimise body roll.

Showing its more up-market aspirations, the A3 is available with only 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels, while the brake system, with discs of increased diameter - over the outgoing model - matched to the increased power of the engines.

The chances of the new Audi A3 sitting pretty at the top of the premium compact car market are looking pretty good, but the question of price is always tricky. Particularly when you don't have one... The new Audi A3 is expected to be launched in Australia in the first half of 2004, and will arrive in Germany and the rest of Europe by the time you read this. Pricing is not yet available for Australian vehicles, and don't expect the diesel models to make the trek here.

While Audi is still yet to put a cost to the new range, one would assume it would be slightly higher than the outgoing models, simply because of the increased size, trim levels, features and new engines.

It's possible that the new A3 could become a victim of its own success - back in 1996 there was nothing else like it - but now everyone seems keen to 'upgrade' their smaller models and compact cars. There's a good chance VW will beef up certain variants of the upcoming Golf, and BMW's 1-series is also fast approaching. It should make for quite an interesting battle in next 18 months...