Audi has released details and images of the five-door Sportback version of its 2013 A3 hatchback.
Measuring 4,310 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, standing 1,425 mm tall, and with a 2,636 mm wheelbase, the new A3 Sportback is slightly larger than its predecessor and 73 mm longer than its three-door counterpart. Those dimensions help to achieve a 380 litre boot space which increases to 1,220 litres of capacity with the seats folded down, compared to the three-door at 365 and 1,100 litres.
Thanks to the utilization of Volkswagen Group’s MQB (Modulare Querbaukasten – or Modular Transverse Matrix) platform, the 2013 model undercuts the older model by 90 kg, tipping the scales at 1,205 kg.
Falling in line with the rest of the range, engine options consist of a 2.0 TDI developing either 110 kW (150 hp) and 320 Nm or 135 kW (184 hp) and 380 Nm, while petrolheads get a 1.4 TFSI developing 90 kW (122 hp) and 200 Nm, followed by a 1.8 TFSI that produces 132 kW (180 hp) and 250 Nm.
Future powerplants include a 1.2 TFSI providing 77 kW (105 hp) and 175 Nm and the 81 kW (110 hp) TCNG engined version, which will use Audi-produced e-gas and emit as little as 30 g/km of CO2. The A3 Sportback with e-tron with plug-in hybrid drive will be in showrooms by 2014.
Due to hit German dealerships next February 2013, pricing will start at €22,500 for the 1.2 TFSI.
[Source: Audi]