Audi A3 Sportback is out, houses 306 horses

MANILA: While there is still some time to go for the Geneva Motor Show to open its doors, Audi has already previewed its upcoming offering, the A3 Sportback. The German automaker invited various automobile journalists and banners to the São Miguel Island, Portugal, where the all-new A3 Sportback was up for viewing and test drives.

The refreshed Audi A3 Sportback packs in a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that is capable of generating 306 hp of maximum power and a peak torque of 400 Nm. In comparison, the soon to be outgoing European model of the Sportback holds 296 hp & 400 Nm, whereas the U.S. version is served 288 hp and 380 Nm from its powerhouse. The new Audi A3 Sportback also gets large 19-inch wheels clothed with a set of Bridgestone tyres that are exclusive to the German performance hatch.

As for the suspension setup, the hot hatch retains the previous setup that comprises of a MacPherson at the front and a multi-link at the rear end. Moreover, there is also a brand-new damper system that enables the performance hatch to offer improved handling and cornering expertise. As a result, drivers can expect the new A3 Sportback to sport a fun-to-drive and engaging driving experience.

The abovementioned 2.0-litre turbocharged engine comes mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that works in tandem with Audi's much-improved Quattro drive system that incorporates electro-hydraulic multi‑plate clutch along with a finely-tuned all-wheel software. "Aside from providing the A3 with a maximum level of stability, grip, and driving pleasure, it is also extremely efficient. In interaction with the adaptive suspension and the progressive steering, this results in a sporty performance that impresses in tight winding roads and varied mountain and valley stretches in particular", said Audi.

With Audi's newest form of its Quattro all-wheel-drive system comes a much-improved axle load distribution, all thanks to the new location of the clutch. On the A3’s onboard Quattro drive, the clutch is found at the end of the prop shaft, in front of the rear axle differential. Audi currently offers the A3 Sedan in the Philippines and the lineup seems incomplete without a performance model such as the A3 Sportback. We would like Audi to do the needful and bring the all-new A3 Sportback to the Philippines sooner than later. How about you?

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