2014 Audi A3, S3 Gets Trunked – 2013 Shanghai - MotorTrend Magazine

We're fans of hatches, of their versatility, and for some, even their styling. But in many markets in the world, not offering a conventional three-box sedan is a sure-fire formula for slow sales. Despite the lack of a proper sedan in its U.S. lineup, the Audi A3 has sold relatively well. But in its quest to be the number one volume luxury brand in the world, Audi is making the notchback sedan the predominant body style for the next-generation A3, primarily in deference to customer tastes in the U.S. and China. The Audi A3 sedan was also shown last month at the 2013 New York Auto Show. For conventionally-powered A3s in the U.S., the sedan will be the only choice. Customers opting for the e-Tron plug-in hybrid will be able to get it in a five-door. Based on Volkswagen's new corporate MQB platform, the new A3 is slightly larger than its hatch predecessor, but still casts a modest shadow. The 103.9-inch wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer than the outgoing A3 hatch, and its overall length is 6.7 inches longer. Despite these tidy dimensions, the new A3 sedan has a generous 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space. Another advantage of the new platform is significantly lighter weight. Equipped with the 1.4-liter TFSI engine, the new A3 weighs only 2756 lb, almost 400 lb lighter than the lightest U.S. spec 2013 A3 hatch. The U.S.-spec A3 is not expected to get the 1.4-liter engine. The engine lineup for the U.S. is expected to consist of a 1.8-liter turbo I-4 producing 180 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 150-hp 2.0-liter TDI diesel producing 236 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 2.0-liter turbo I-4 for the Quattro model. The new hot-rod S3 sedan will have a higher-pressure 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making 300 hp an 280 lb-ft of torque. The S3 is projected to deliver a quick 0-60 time of less than 4.9 seconds. Audis have lately become known for their high-technology cabins, and the 2014 A3 sedan carries forth that tradition with an upated MMI navigation system, available 705-watt, 14-speaker  Bang & Olufsen sound system, and built-in LTE 4G mobile connectivity. The navigation system utilizes Google Earth and Google street view for up-to-date directions. Beyond the cabin, the new A3 offers available adaptive cruise control and Audi pre sense emergency braking. On models equipped with automatic (S-Tronic) transmissions, the cruise control option will bring the car back up to speed after slowing down. Sales will begin this summer in Europe starting at $32,626. The new A3 is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in early calendar 2014 as a 2015 model. Source: Audi via Technology - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFoQLJq2m1KhLXEjYR6mFN4Y66wag&url=http://wot.motortrend.com/2014-audi-a3-s3-gets-trunked-2013-shanghai-357739.html

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