The platform also gives the A3 a 23mm-longer wheelbase and 50mm-longer body, allowing the front axle to be pushed 40mm further forward, which will give better balance and dynamics.
The A3 will initially be offered with three engines â all revised versions of existing ones. Kicking off the range will be the 121bhp 1.4-litre TFSI. It will be joined by the 177bhp 1.8 TFSI (from the A5) and 147bhp 2.0 diesel TDI. All have seen weight reductions â with the 1.4-litre shedding 21kg â and are fitted with stop-start.
To begin with, the diesel and 1.8-litre TFSI get a seven-speed DSG box, with the 1.4-litre TFSI manual-only until later in the year. Quattro versions of the larger-engined A3 arrive by year end.
A plug-in hybrid is also being considered â itâs most likely to be mated to the 1.4 TFSI â while an electric version will appear in 2014 after the launch of the new Sportback, Cabriolet and the first-ever A3 saloon.
