Self-service media Audi A3 Sportback at the Paris Motor Show
20.09.2012
K The wheelbase should be just under six centimeters more new Audi A3 Sportback offer compared to the three-door. And for the first time, because the wheelbases of the two versions of the predecessor were still identical. The extra centimeters between the two axles should give the rear passengers more legroom and enable the A3 to drive more smoothly. At the same time, the new A3 Sportback is about two centimeters longer and wider than its predecessor, but it also has ten liters more luggage space (380 liters).
The price difference to the normal A3 of around 900 euros remains unaffected. This is made possible by the modular transverse matrix, which allows the manufacturer to implement various wheelbases relatively cheaply ( Important information about the MQB ). Shortly after the market launch in February 2013, the Audi A3 Sportback 1.2 TFSI will roll out to dealers at a base price of 22,500 euros.
Audi A3 Sportback also with all-wheel drive
Visually As usual, the new A3 Sportback sets itself apart from the normal A3 with the extended rear, the roof rails and the two extra doors. In the interior, on the other hand, it will not differ from the three-door model and, in addition to assistance systems and the wide range of optional equipment (MMI operating system, real-time traffic news, Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless antenna coupling for mobile phones), it will also share the engines with it.
When it comes to gasoline engines, buyers of a new Audi A3 Sportback can choose between the 1.4-liter TFSI with 122 hp or the 1.8-liter TFSI with an output of 180 hp . Shortly after the market launch, the 1.2 TFSI with 105 PS follows. In addition, the 1.4 TFSI will later also be available with cylinder deactivation.
The 1.6-liter TDI with 105 hp and the two-liter turbo diesel with 150 hp (later also with 184 hp) ready. All engines are equipped with a start-stop system and can be coupled with a manual six-speed gearbox or the S-Tronic dual clutch transmission. Of course, the Quattro all-wheel drive will also be in the option list, which is currently only available for the most powerful engines (1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI) for the three-door model.
Audi A3 Sportback also comes with gas drive
OneThe acronym TCNG is a novelty. If the new Audi A3 Sportback has this name on the rear, it is powered by a 1.4-liter TFSI engine with 110 hp and 200 Nm that has been converted for gas operation. This should accelerate the A3 Sportback from zero to 100 km /h in 9.5 seconds and enable a top speed of 190 km /h.
Two reinforced plastic pressure tanks under the trunk floor hold around 16 kilograms of natural gas, which with an average consumption of 3.6 kg /100 km (CO2 emissions of around 99 g /km) is more than 400 kilometers should be enough - in pure gas operation. With the stated range of 780 km in gasoline mode, the total range of the gas-powered A3 Sportback should correspond to that of an A3 TDI.
E-gas from wind power and biogas plants
Not really a novelty yet? Well, the Audi A3 Sportback TCNG can already be refueled with e-gas for the first time at the market launch in February 2013 and should therefore be virtually CO2-free (Audi speaks of CO2 emissions of less than 30 g /km). E-gas is an artificially produced gas that is chemically identical to fossil methane, the main component of natural gas (CNG). E-gas is produced in two basic steps. Hydrogen is first obtained by means of electrolysis and then converted into the aforementioned e-gas in a methanation plant with the help of carbon dioxide (CO2).
According to its own information, Audi wants to obtain the electricity it needs for this process from wind power and solar systems, and always when they are in excess. Biogas plants should serve as a CO2 source. In this way, the e-gas is to be obtained from previously unused energy and carbon dioxide, which has so far polluted the atmosphere as a waste product.
The gas plant in Werlte in Emsland is currently still under construction, but should be from the beginning Produce around 1,000 tons of e-gas per year in 2013.
And how does e-gas get to the end consumer? The plan is for drivers to be able to refuel their cars at any CNG pump. After billing with a special fuel card, the corresponding amount of e-gas is then registered centrally and fed directly into the natural gas network from the Audi gas system.
