New Audi A3 Sportback...the long and the short of it

Audi unveiled the new A3 Sportback in Paris. The sporty and compact five-door model, with a spacious luggage compartment, breaks new ground in terms of vehicle weight thanks to ultra lightweight construction technology.

The new Audi A3 Sportback is long and lean. While the length (4,310 mm), width (1,780 mm) and height (1,425 mm) are only slightly greater than the previous model, the wheelbase now measures 2,636 mm, an increase of 58 mm. This makes the five-door model 35 mm longer between the axles than the three-door version. 

The infotainment and driver assistance systems available, Audi says, set new standards in the premium compact segment and the ultra advanced engine technology guarantees low CO₂ emissions. 

Also unveiled in Paris was the SQ5 TDI Audi. With 230KW (313 HP), the Audi SQ5 TDI is the new top model of the Q5 model series and also the first S model in the history of Audi with a diesel engine. 

Added to this performance is a dash of exclusivity of the limited production vehicle from Quattro GmbH, which was also presented as the “SQ5 TDI Audi exclusive concept.” The performance SUV showcased new design solutions in the interior and an exclusive exterior finish in a limited production run of just 50 vehicles beginning the first quarter of 2013. 

The upcoming Audi S3 also made its debut and this third generation Audi S3 is scheduled to launch in early 2013.