This feed contains the latest All feed items for the AUDI A3 model. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) Read more about the Audi A3 The hatchback market is renowned for being one of the most competitive out there, with lucrative models like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf forming an integral part of its identity. The Audi A3 is one of the more premium additions to the hatchback segment as it combines the luxurious nature of the German brand with practicality. Watch as we out the Audi A3 to the test in our latest review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_43elUKAfM http://www.motortorque.com/videos/new-car-reviews/audi-a3-review-and-road-test-2013-21858.aspx New Car Reviews Richard Bush Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT The five millionth Audi with quattro all-wheel drive has rolled off the company's assembly line at Neckarsulm, Germany. An Audi A6 allroad 3.0 TDI, a quattro all-wheel-drive-equipped model, was the vehicle that earned the title of 'five millionth Audi quattro model'. The rugged, air suspended 'Avant' is just one of over 140 models across the Audi range that currently benefits from this invaluable all-weather grip enhancer - which would come in useful in today's UK weather! Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, commented: 'quattro is one of the key pillars of our brand and has been a critical factor in our successful history.' Stadler further added: 'The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system makes it possible to directly experience our 'Vorsprung durch Technik'. We are committed to our pioneering role and will continue to develop this advantage with new technologies.' The 200PS Audi quattro was an instantaneous hit at the Geneva Motor Show back in 1980, showcasing the first mainstream four-wheel-drive system. The vehicle triggered the intensive development that culminates in today's leading, cutting edge Audi all-wheel-drive technology, which instils all-weather traction and high limits of adhesion in the latest quattro versions. Last year, over 43 per cent of Audi customers worldwide opted to receive the added reassurance of quattro and so the Neckarsulm plant in Germany, which is home of quattro GmbH, had to equip one in every two cars on the production line with the technology. Currently, within Audi models that feature transversely mounted engines, such as the Q3 and TT vehicles, resides a rear axle-mounted multi-plate clutch version of the quattro system. In addition, a further developed version of the aforementioned quattro system will make its return to the all-new A3 and 300PS S3 models. For models with longitudinally mounted engines, such as the A6, A8 and Q7 variants, amongst others, the quattro system divides their torque across all four wheels by way of a self-locking centre differential. The most advance version of this is the crown gear differential, which is currently used by models such as the RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Cabriolet, as well as coming to cars such as the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback versions in the near future. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/audi-produces-five-millionth-quattro-model-21743.aspx Glenn Doyle Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Nearly all Audi cars will be fitted with DAB radio as standard as the digital switch over draws near, the brand has announced. The news follows similar promises from Volkswagen, Jaguar and Ford as the UK government plans to switch off the standard analogue AM/FM radio from next year. Audi says the majority of its cars built from 2014 will have DAB radio as a standard option from the Audi A1 upwards. It has not been announced which cars will retain analogue radio but these should be few and far between. The Audi R8 supercar and Audi TT coupe were the first Audi cars to get the digital radio option. Audi says announcing the changes before the switchover will benefit customers because of the 'enhanced clarity and strength of its signal'. Digital radio is widely believed to be clearer, easier to find reception and offer more stations than standard radio. Nearly a third of all UK radios are digital and the government is believed to be waiting for a 50 per cent figure before implementing the switchover permanently. The UK is currently preparing for the switchover by installing 14 local transmitters by 2015 and the automotive industry is preparing for the changes. In terms of cars; a third of all new models have DAB fitted as standard meaning there are nearly 150,000 new DAB cars on the roads every three months in the UK. Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, added: "This digital radio announcement from Audi demonstrates a huge industry transformation, with digital radio increasingly becoming the norm in new cars. This is significant news for new car buyers who can now enjoy the full range of BBC and commercial stations on the move." In-car DAB radios are available as a retrofit for those who have not got it as standard. Prices for a DAB radio generally range from £100 to £200. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/audi-latest-to-get-dab-as-standard-21688.aspx Stephen Hurrell Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT German automobile manufacturer Audi is readying itself for a foray into the exclusive domain of high-end hypercar manufacturers with its stunning 600+bhp R10 model - inspired by the its R18 race car, recently victorious at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race. Audi's new concept, the R10, will provide a direct link between the company's high-profile motorsport ventures and the road car side of the business. The hypercar concept is considered to be crucial to Audi's aim of offering cutting-edge technology to its customers, on its road cars, following its decision to throw away plans for the R8 e-tron supercar concept. Within the R10 concept is planned to be a high-powered diesel-electric drivetrain, able to produce over a whopping 600bhp, as well as a dual-clutch automatic gearbox and torque-vectoring-assisted quattro four-wheel drive. Power is expected to come from a heavily reworked version of Audi's turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine, supported by a pair of electric motors mounted within the front axle assembly. A lightly veiled concept of the Audi R10 is due to be showcased at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, in September and a head member at Audi said that the vehicle was currently in the 'product evaluation' stage of its development. Wolfgang Durheimer, the head of Audi's R&D operations, commented: 'We run production evaluation on different ideas, looking at the market positioning, brand image, development cost and time to market.' Durheimer further added: 'Once this is done we will have a clear decision on what happens next. I would expect an update at the Frankfurt Motor Show.' Although the R10 concept is the company's preferred choice to lead Audi into a new and exclusive hypercar segment, the vehicle is not the only proposal on the table. Reflecting on this point, Durheimer said: 'It is one out of five potential projects, but it is definitely my personal favourite.' http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/audi-prepares-to-enter-hypercar-market-with-r10-21687.aspx Glenn Doyle Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT The new Audi A3 e-tron makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, with the plug-in hybrid providing a realistic glimpse into the future of Audi. The new A3 e-tron petrol/electric hybrid is capable of up to 188mpg and producing CO2 emissions of just 35g/km. Utilising a conventional petrol engine and an electric motor allows the advanced plug-in hybrid to offer impressive performance, exceptional efficiency and complete freedom from 'range anxiety'. The eco car is based on a modified 1.4 litre TFSI unit, which features a peak power output of 150PS, and provides a more 'conventional' input for the A3 e-tron. In addition, a clutch links this to a 75kW electric motor, integrated into a newly designed six speed 'e-S tronic' transmission - which sends power to the front wheels. Combined, the two power units manage to generate 204PS of system power and 350PS of system torque, which helps the car to speed down the 0-62mph sprint in 7.6 seconds, whilst achieving a top speed of 138mph. The all-new Audi A3 e-tron is capable of running exclusively on electric power for up to 31 miles at speeds of up to 80mph - or it can be powered by petrol combustion alone. Furthermore, a hybrid mode brings both units into play, running them simultaneously - called 'boosting'. Our MotorTorque video team are currently at the Geneva Motor Show, reporting back on all of the cars and concepts from the week. You can watch our day two round-up video below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR79wUcSKmA http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show---audi-a3-e-tron-21565.aspx Glenn Doyle Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Audi has launched a new version of its A3 complete with reworked 1.2 TFSI engine, available from £17,905 OTR. The car is available to order now in SE, Sport and S line specifications. First deliveries of three-door models will begin in May. The new engine, which Audi describes as its 'most diminutive unit' is able to produce an identical power output similar to that of the A3 1.6 TDI. The car's new 1.2 TFSI has an impressive 57.6mpg capability and also emits 13g/km CO2 less than its predecessors. Emission figures now stand at 114g/km with the new Audi A3 able to go from 0-62mph in as little as 10.3 seconds. The 105PS engine can provide 175Nm of torque. The new Audi A3, when equipped with the new unit, is able to cover up to six more miles per gallon than its predecessor, regardless of whether it is equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox or optional seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. The car's able to provide impressive economy without the attendant penalties at the fuel pumps or the diesel surcharge on the company car choice list, says Audi. Standard features on all models include alloy wheels, air conditioning or climate control, the Audi Music Interface (AMI) linked to an electrically retracting colour MMI display screen, Bluetooth connectivity, a Driver's Information System and preparation for SD card-based satellite navigation. Sport models feature larger alloy wheels, front sports seats, sports suspension, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, additional aluminium interior elements and chrome body detailing. Top-level S line models feature 18-inch partly polished alloy wheels, Xenon Plus headlights with LED-daytime running lights and much more besides. Prices for the range-topping S line model start from £22,760 OTR. Ordering for five-door Sportback versions will begin in the summer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FM1r7Oe_xGc http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/new-audi-a3-12-tfsi-available-to-order-now-21442.aspx Ant Bradshaw Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Audi RS Q3, the manufacturer's first ever RS Q model, will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March. The car will be available to order in the UK from the summer, with first deliveries expected to be made toward the end of 2013. The RS Q3 boasts an impressive 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI petrol engine, which Audi says delivers 310PS and 420Nm. That means the car can go from 0-62mph in as little as 5.5 seconds, able to reach a top speed of 155mph. The RS Q3 can provide a combined rate of 32.1mpg, with CO2 emissions of 206g/km. The Audi RS Q3 is a powerful SUV which has been built by the specialists at Audi's high performance subsidiary quattro GmbH. The engine is linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. The highly-efficient five-cylinder engine is also complemented by a standard start-stop system. Audi drive select is available as standard which offers auto, comfort and dynamic modes. Also available on the car is specially tailored electronic stabilisation control (ESC). The car's exterior features a high-gloss black honeycomb front grille and RS bumpers to complement its impressive detailing. Also included is a quattro emblem in the air intake and distinctive diffuser and large elliptical tailpipes. The Audi RS Q3 is available in eight body colours, with people also able to choose an exclusive Sepang Blue pearl effect. The interior features a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with a flat bottom as well as a gear selector lever. Drivers can also call up boost pressure, oil temperature and a lap timer statistics with an MMI and driver information system displays. The luggage area has a capacity of 356 litres, which can be increased to 1,261 litres by folding down the split rear seat backs. A BOSE surround sound system with 14 loudspeakers can also be added. "The RS Q3 transfers the performance philosophy of Audi to the compact SUV segment, thereby creating a new performance class," says Franciscus van Meel, Managing Director of quattro GmbH. "In addition to the RS 5 Cabriolet, RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback, the RS Q3 is the fourth RS model that we are launching in 2013. The RS family is growing to eight members - more than ever." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtaFmDjpUn4 http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/first-ever-audi-rs-q-model-races-into-geneva-21380.aspx Ant Bradshaw Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Audi has revealed Final Edition versions of the A3 Cabriolet, which are available from £23,775 OTR. The new Audi A3 Cabriolet Sport and S line Final Edition models are available now, and will replace existing Sport and S line versions. Both lines add thousands of pounds' worth of extra equipment onto the standard A3 Cabriolet, including Vienna leather upholstery, a BOSE sound system, DVD navigation and more. Both Final Edition variants are available with a range of three turbo-charged, directly injected petrol units including the 1.2-litre TFSI, the 1.8-litre TFSI and the 2.0-litre TFSI. Turbo-charged direct injection diesel engines are also available - a 1.6-lityre TDI and a 2.0-litre TDI. Depending on the choice of engine, the Final Editions can potentially return 65.7mpg and emit 114g/km of CO2. The soft-tops promise maximum comfort, convenience and a number of other enhancements, according to Audi. The Sport Final Edition keeps all the equipment from the Sport model, replacing its interior cloth with Vienna leather. In addition Audi has included front seat heating, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, Bluetooth and more. The Sport's 17-inch alloy wheels have been kept, as has the car's sports suspension, dual-zone climate control features and others. The S line Final Edition offers more luxury options, including the option for 18-inch S line alloy wheels with a new five-segment spoke design. Full Vienna leather is also offered, as are technological enhancements including Xenon plus headlamps, iPod connectivity and more. Audi has labelled the Final Edition as 'a new departure for the soft-top', with the 1.2-litre TFSI Sport the lowest-priced model at £23,775. The most expensive option that buyers can consider is the 2.0-litre TDI S line, which is available from £29,465. Audi had an impressive 2012, recorded a phenomenal 1,455,100 sales worldwide for its cars. Written by John Meadowcroft. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/audi-a3-cabriolet-goes-out-with-a-bang-21131.aspx John Meadowcroft Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Audi has opened orders for its luxury performance 4x4, the SQ5, ready for deliveries to begin in spring 2013. The car is the first diesel-powered sports SUV to carry the high-performance Audi 'S' badge, and it is priced at £43,870. The German crossover SUV receives an updated 3.0-litre V6 BiTurbo TDI diesel engine which produces 309bhp, around 68bhp more than the most powerful engine on the standard Q5 range which is also a 3.0-litre diesel. The SQ5's engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With this extra powerful engine the SQ5 can cover the 0-62mph sprint in 5.1 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The new performance capabilities put the SQ5 closer on par with rivals like the 308bhp BMW X3 xDrive35d for instance. The Audi SQ5 also has an official combined fuel economy of 41mpg and CO2 emissions are recorded at 179g/km. Other changes for the Audi SQ5 include a lowered ride height by 30 millimetres and exclusive 'S' sports suspension, all of which allows the SUV to cope better with the more potent engine and give driver's a sharper and sportier feel whilst driving. The SQ5 also makes some changes to the styling of the 4x4, adding 20" five-spoke alloy wheels, and introducing a new deeper front grille with horizontal chrome stripes. An all-new rear spoiler is also added to the SUV. Standard equipment inside the SQ5's leather-trimmed interior includes Bluetooth, climate control and parking sensors. The optional equipment list includes a settings computer called Drive Select Adaptive Dynamics, which allows the driver to adjust the steering, transmission, throttle and even the exhaust note in four different modes. The names of each mode include Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Comfort. Written by Stephen Goldasz http://www.youtube.com/0watch?v=FDDLYtieRHQ http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/2013-audi-sq5-available-for-order-20554.aspx Stephen Goldasz Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT An eBay seller is offering an Audi A3 Sportback on the auction website for just £1,000 - but a closer look reveals the car is actually a burnt-out shell. The optimistic seller has listed the 2.0-litre premium estate under the heading 'Spares repairs fire damage salvage' but included an image of a pristine-looking '54'-plate car. However, a scan through the images reveals, distributed between images of the car, pictures of a burnt out wreck of a car that has suffered considerable fire damage. The advert, which warns buyers they will have to organise collection because the car cannot be driven, is asking for £1,000 for the write-off and has warned people not to 'ring with insulting offers'. The sellers says the car cost over £4,000 but was uninsured 'for where the fire was located', leaving the insurance void. The Wigan-based seller says they would like 'to regain as much money back as possible' and advises buyers they can 'do what they want with it'. Buyers are also advised the car comes with log book and service history as well as two keys - despite not having any windows. In perhaps the most optimistic eBay listing of all time, the desperate seller has listed the car's equipment including alloy wheels, a premium sound system and climate control. According to the MotorTorque car buying expert, buying from eBay can be difficult for buyers who do not check the car first. "A lot of buyers will use eBay to visit a car and then think 'we've driven all the way here now, we may as well buy the car'. It's only after they've driven it a few miles that they realise it is a dud. "Whenever you're buying a used car, on eBay or elsewhere, always go to see the car first, get an HPI check on the car to find out its history and, wherever possible, have a mechanic look over it for any potential pitfalls. Most importantly, always drive the car before committing to buy." eBay warns buyers to 'carefully read the seller's description of the vehicle' before bidding and offers the following advice to buyers: - If it's a passenger vehicle from 1981 or newer, consider getting a vehicle history report. - Check a car pricing guide such as Parkers, What Car or Glass's Guide before you decide what you're willing to pay. - Use extra caution if an item is listed significantly below the suggested retail price. - Be realistic in your expectations of used or older vehicles - expect normal wear and tear. - Personally visit or have an inspection service visit the vehicle to ensure accurate representation. - Consider not only the cost of the vehicle, but also insurance, registration, and taxes. Written by Stephen Hurrell http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/buyers-warned-over-ebay-cars-after-seller-lists-1k-burnt-out-audi-20453.aspx Stephen Hurrell Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT