The new Audi A3 - Under wraps, but in the metal!

1. New A3-specific quattro magic

The new A3's front-wheel biased, all-wheel drive quattro system adapts to your own personal driving style, always keeping the A3 in perfect form. Whatever kind of driving mood you're in, the quattro system will echo it with the perfect response. At the quattro system's core is "an electro-hydraulic multi‑plate clutch that is managed by all-wheel software", that has been precisely tuned.

"The all-wheel drive in the compact model is the latest stage in the evolution of a successful technology". Audi says. 

"Audi tailored the electronic torque distribution control specifically to suit the new A3, and integrated it in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. It takes the data of the suspension sensors and detects the driving condition, road properties and driver's style. As soon as the driver accelerates, the torque presses the A3 into the curve. During load changes, the distribution of torque allows precise turning into the bend, which further increases driving dynamics."

"Aside from providing the new A3 with a maximum level of stability, grip, and driving pleasure, it is also extremely efficient," the automaker claims. Together with the adaptive suspension and the progressive steering, this results in a sportier drive which can be felt in both tight corners and winding roads.

Related: Top 8 things you need to know about the current Audi A3

 

 

2. Upgraded Electronic Stabilization Control (aka stability control)

​Audi says you won't even feel the enhanced stability control working if you "get out of line" in the new A3. In Sport mode, you can now have more fun behind the steering wheel while you're kept completely safe; and your partner will think you're an extremely talented driver (while it's really the A3's computers and sensors doing all the thinking for you). If you switch traction control off completely, you will have to know your oats and control the wheel slip by making the necessary corrections to the steering to stay out of trouble.

"When the new Audi A3 drives through a curve at high speed, the program applies the brakes slightly to the two wheels on the inside of the curve. The difference in drive forces on both axles turns the car into the bend, allowing it to follow the steering angle precisely. This makes the handling even more agile, fluid, and safe", claims Audi.

"If the ESC has to intervene, its adjustments are gentle and virtually imperceptible. Maximum power transmission is ensured in ESC ON mode. This means that acceleration is safe and stable and performed with as little wheel slip as possible. 

"By selecting Sport mode, the driver can drift on surfaces with a low coefficient of friction, such as snow, in a controlled, safe manner. The greater wheel slip in this case provides increased driving pleasure. In ESC OFF mode, the amount of possible wheel slip is nearly unlimited, allowing the Audi A3 to offer puristic handling characteristics."

Related: The complete guide to buying, owning and selling your Audi A3

 

 

3. New progressive steering

The new electromechanical progressive steering in the A3 has a special shape which results in different gear rations depending on the steering angle. In other words, when the steering wheel is turned in heavily, the steering is very direct. This makes steering easier in heavy traffic or while trying to park in tight urban spaces. 

As soon as you hit curvaceous roads, the progressive steering increases the driving dynamics. Audi claims the power assistance is in perfect harmony with your driving style. 

"The progressive steering is equipped with a highly efficient electromechanical drive that outputs power only when it is needed. It works together closely with various assist systems, such as the adaptive cruise assist, the collision avoidance assist, and the park assist", Audi says.

Related: Top 5 features that make the Audi A3 range stand out from the competition (2019)

 

 

4. Enhanced damper technology

As before, adaptive suspension allows you to choose between a comfortably soft or sporty and taut ride. This is made possible "by sensors that measure the vertical acceleration of the body structure and the relative movement of the individual wheels in relation to it. The control unit processes its signal in a matter of milliseconds and adapts each damper to the condition of the road, the driving situation, and the driver’s requests in an individual and ongoing."

Switching the damping settings to comfort, auto or dynamic in the Audi drive select system, allows the driver to experience the A3 according to whatever surface they're on, eg. in dynamic mode, the dampers will prevent excessive dipping when braking, which ensure that the wheels stay in closer contact with the road.

 

5. Choose your A3's personality: Audi drive select

Yet again, the Audi drive select system will be present in the new A3. Audi says the system "is the interface between the regulated suspension and drive systems, and the driver."

Audi owners will be able to press a button to choose between five modes - comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual. 

"In every A3 model, Audi drive select varies the characteristics of the throttle response and steering assist. Depending on the equipment, the system also incorporates the S tronic, the quattro drive, and the suspension with damper control. It also influences comfort and safety systems such as the automatic air conditioning, matrix LED headlights, seat belt tensioner, and adaptive cruise control."

 

 

SCOOP! Watch the new A3 Sportback  driving on the mountain passes of the Azores earlier this month (February 2020).

 

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Source: Audi Media Center