2013 Audi A3 Preview

Exterior Features

The redesigned Audi A3 is equipped with the company's signature trapezoidal single-frame grille, headlamps with available LED running lights, LED taillights, and a choice between 17- or 18-inch aluminum wheels equipped with low-rolling-resistance tires. An aluminum hood and front fenders contribute to a 176-pound weight loss compared with the previous model. European buyers can choose between a 3- and a 5-door hatchback body style. Americans will get the 5-door hatchback and a rumored 4-door sedan.

Interior Features

Audi calls the A3's dashboard a "floating" design, and it is available with a driver information system featuring 3D graphics. Real aluminum trim is optional, and Audi's MMI screen rises from the top of the dashboard for viewing.

Optional Features

Audi offers a long list of options for the new 2013 A3. Highlights include leather seats, navigation system, MMI Touch touchpad information entry, Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, panoramic glass sunroof, and Audi Connect with Bluetooth streaming audio, Internet radio, and mobile Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

Under the Hood

Audi has not finalized the 2013 A3's engine lineup for the U.S. market. Of those powerplants destined for service in Europe, the turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with 180 horsepower and the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with 150 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque are likely candidates. Manual and S-tronic automated manual gearboxes are available. Audi also says that more powerful engines and Quattro all-wheel drive are planned for the new A3.

Audi Drive Select is available on the new A3. It allows the driver to tailor the powertrain, electric steering, and optional magnetic ride control suspension to one of five settings: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, or Efficiency.

Technology

The 2013 Audi A3 offers many high-tech features. Audi MMI Touch allows the driver to input information by tracing letters on a touchpad, such as an address for navigation. Audi Connect features Bluetooth streaming audio, provides access to Internet radio stations such as Pandora, and allows the A3's owner to set the car up as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

Safety

The new A3 is equipped with 7 standard air bags, including a knee air bag for the driver. Available safety features include adaptive Xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, Audi Side Assist blind-spot detection, Audi Active Lane Assist lane-keeping technology, and Audi Pre-Sense, which prepares the cabin for an unavoidable collision.