Audi reaches end of an era

By ALASTAIR SLOANE motoring editor

For the past 10 years or so, each new Audi has looked like the one it replaced. But that contemporary design philosophy is expected to end with the new A3, to be unveiled at the Geneva motor show next month.

Reports in Europe say the hatchback A3 will be the last example of what has been a decade of design evolution at Audi.

The German carmaker is about to shed its trademark look and enter a revolutionary design world, just as BMW did with the bold and controversial look of its 7-Series saloon.

Audi released pictures of the new three-door A3 this week. The car is expected to go on sale in Europe towards the end of the year and in New Zealand early next year. A five-door version is expected in Europe next year.

The new A3 shares its main running gear and engines with the next-generation Volkswagen Golf. The body inside and out will be exclusive to Audi. So will quattro all-wheel-drive.

The revamped suspension systems consist of a refined version of the McPherson strut layout at the front and the new four-link independent set-up at the rear.

The A3 is 65mm longer, 30mm wider and sits 10mm lower than its predecessor. The extra length and width provides more interior room, a response by Audi to criticism of the cramped cabin of the present A3.

Audi says rear seat passengers will enjoy much-improved knee and shoulder room. A space-saving handbrake design allows rear passengers to reach two extra cup-holders in the centre console.

Outside, the new car gets a more pronounced face, with the grille assembly above and below the front bumper expected to characterise future models.

The new-look air intakes were also seen on the Pikes Peak four-wheel-drive concept at last month's Detroit motor show.

From behind, the tail-lights resemble those of the bigger A4 and the rear pillars rake more towards the rear than the present model.

There are five engines mated to either a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox. An optional six-speed Tiptronic transmission is a first for this class of car.

Engines most likely for New Zealand are the 2-litre 110kW/200Nm in-line four-cylinder and top-line 3.2-litre 177 kW/320Nm V6 fitted to the VW Golf R32. There is also a 2-litre 103kW/320Nm turbo-diesel.

The V6 petrol and 2-litre diesel can be ordered with the VW Group's direct-shift gearbox, which uses a twin-clutch to speed up gear changes.