New details have just been revealed on the upcoming 2012 Audi A3. The new compact model will come in four variants with different dimensions and wheelbase length.
There’s a 3-door hatch and Cabriolet A3 variants which will measure 4.26 meters long (167.7 inches) with a wheelbase of 2.595 meters (102.2 inches). There’s also a 5-door Sportback version and 4-door sedan that will measure 4.44 meters long (174.8 inches) with a 2.630 m (103.5 inches) wheelbase. The widths of all models will be the same.
Audi design chief Stefan Sielaff says the A3 range will be configured in a very similar fashion to the A4 and A5 line-ups. He also said the next Audi A3′s interior will be influenced by the Audi A3 e-tron concept (pictured above) that was introduced at Auto Shanghai earlier this year.
In terms of power for the new A3, Audi is developing a 1.4 litre petrol unit, producing 103 kW of power and with cylinder deactivation tech. The high-tech engine is able to shut down two of the four cylinders under a light load which can represent a saving of up to 1.0 litre per 100 km in fuel-economy when traveling at a constant speed of 50 km/h.
There’s also talk of a three-cylinder diesel engine for the new A3 and a natural-gas powered version.
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When your priorities shift from pizza and beer to a career and a family your transportation options may change also. You may only have to make a small change from a two-seater to a small car but if you plan on having a larger family you will have to consider other options.