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| 2013 Audi A3 |
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| 2013 Audi A3 interior |
On the front, it does look like the Audi A1. On the interior, it's also looked like the A1. The back? Same issue, looks like the A1. I know, I know, this kind of Audi though, it kinda looked like the A1 but...this is somewhat an enlarged A1 in my mind. What it is, is the first Audi to come served with the Volkswagen Group's new MQB platform. This is the all new, third generation Audi A3, the compact hatchback targeted for the yuppie generation has been regenerated to look like the A1 but it so isn't!
What exactly is this MQB platform anyway? It probably is the acronym for Modularer Querbaukasten or modular transverse matrix, which means that the engine is transversely mounted. In the future, Volkswagen Group says that over 60 vehicles will use this new generation platform and best of all, this new platform is flexible enough to allow individual models to have a variety of wheelbase, track and external dimensions. Seems that Audi's should be positive enough to regenerate the TT in the not too distant future, he he he....
Anyway, on to that Audi A3, one of the Volkswagen Group cars to be fitted with this new flexible MQB platform that the next Seat Leon and the next Volkswagen Golf will be wearing, I was so amazed that the length, width, and the wheelbase has been extended and even more wider than the previous model and there's more; Audi ultra lightweight technology propelled this new A3 on a diet that lost 80 kg (176.37 lb) in weight. Sounds like the A3's regeneration does involved on bulimia and anorexia perhaps.
The interior wasn't pretty bad either even though it's still a typical Audi interior. In the more expensive versions, most yuppies do get tons of gadgets inside such as this lovely Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi MMI navigation plus, and get this, wi-fi hotspot so I have some time Facebook-ing, twitter-ing, or instagram-ing something special while I'm stuck on traffic. Oh wait, I would better instragram a picture of me in the new A3. Come on, wacky! Wacky! Wacky!
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| 2013 Audi A3 |
For the engine choices though, well, thanks to the MQB platform on the new A3, we're expecting newly developed engines to be fitted by choice. There was this 1.6 TDi and 2.0 TDi variants that sport with the newly developed EA288 range of diesel engines with lowered friction, better thermal management and relocated twin-balancer shafts to reduce vibration.
The 1.8 TFSi and the 2.0 TFSi though, they do come with the EA888 range but with Valvelift on exhaust cam and variable cam plus, some dual injection system that makes the more powerful....um guess only the 1.8 TFSi was implemented with these changes.
Lastly though and the most vital in the new A3 was the EA211 range. The VW up! was first to use this range but Audi came first to have the four-cylinder grade of the EA211 range. On the 1.4 TFSi variant, we're expecting about 122HP of power and 147lb-ft of torque.
Most models are equipped with the 6-speed manual but the 1.8 TFSi variant is served with the 7-speed double clutch transmission which promises quicker shifting than conventional paddle shifters.
By the tallies, the most fuel efficient of the A3 lineup was the one with the 2.0 TDi engine that consumes about 4.1L/100km. Most powerful was the one with the 1.8 TFSi engine that generates about 180PS of power. End of message.
Prices start at around 22,500 Euros for the entry level variant with the 1.4 TFSi engine while the top of the line model will cost you 29,700 Euros.
Colors to choose from? Amalfiweiß, Brillantrot, Brillantschwarz, Belugabraun Metallic, Dakotagrau Metallic, Eissilber Metallic, Gletscherweiß Metallic, Monsungrau Metallic, Scubablau Metallic, Shirazrot Metallic, Misanorot Perleffekt, and Phantomschwarz Perleffekt.
My Comment:
The newly regenerated Audi A3 does look like an enlarged Audi A1 but because of its new MQB platform developed by Volkswagen, it's now lighter, more rigid, and it gets even more emotional in terms of performance and handling. It can be as cool as a fez your wearing on but sometimes it can be as pointy as a yardstick your dog would love. If you were a college student driving with one of these, don't think that it will attract more attention on you. They'll think that you're a massive show-off and here's another thing; if you're driving this one at some reunion party, your friends think you're a bit of a schlep. Although, I find it very pleased about this new A3 but for me, I think it needs a bit more refinement. I would rather go for the Volvo V40 instead...
Photo: Audi A.G.
