• The freshened Audi A3 launched in September 2008 (2009 MY). • The 2009 model year freshening expanded the A3 lineup with quattro all-wheel drive on the efficient 2.0 TFSI engine (200 hp / 207 lb-ft torque). • Audi A3 moves into a market space presently unoccupied in the luxury segment, that of a highly efficient diesel small luxury car. • Audi’s TDI clean diesel technology expands the A3 lineup in the direction of efficiency, providing over 40 mpg highway. • A3 holds a unique position in the Audi family, targeting buyers who need a small but versatile package without sacrificing luxury and sportiness. • A3 2.0 TDI is Audi’s second U.S. TDI clean diesel announcement. Audi Q7 TDI is expected to be on sale at U.S. dealers around April 2009. • A3 is already rated a “Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS for top frontal/side/rear crashes (source iihs.org). Market • Key competitors are BMW 1-series, Mini Cooper S, Volvo C30 and S40, and now Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. Design • Audi signature LED daytime running lights with optional xenon lights. • Unique tail lights with LED light guides • Enhanced exterior and interior design, new wheel program. • Versatile interior design, providing unmatched utility for urban environments. Dynamics • Sporty McPherson front suspension and multilink independent rear suspension for high lateral rigidity. • Speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering • High rigidity due to the use of tailored blanks for adapting steel grade and thickness to the material stresses. Powertrain • 2.0 TDI clean diesel engine with S tronic (dual clutch) and front-wheel drive o Specifications: 140 hp, 236 lb-ft torque, in-line 4 cylinder turbocharged clean diesel with common rail direct injection and piezoelectric injectors o 50-state legal, with no after-treatment system required o Exclusively with S tronic (dual clutch) transmission with front-wheel drive Standard Equipment Features • Hill-hold assist (already standard on S tronic models) • Sirius satellite radio - standard on all • Leather seating surfaces - standard on all • Leather steering wheel - standard • Aux audio input – standard • Dual-zone climate control • 17” alloy wheels Launch Timing and Pricing • USA Audi A3 2.0 TDI clean diesel goes on sale by the first quarter of 2010 as a 2010 model year vehicle. Pricing is expected to be released close to the time of the U.S. launch. |