Versions with hybrid and alternative drive systems such as natural gas and Audi e-gas are currently in development. Audi ultra lightweight technology has helped to trim weight in the body of the appealing three-door car - compared to the previous model, the new A3 is now 80 kg (176.37 lb) lighter.
The engines are powerful yet highly efficient, the interior offers an ambience of dynamic style. The front fender and engine hood are made of aluminum; the car body also integrates a high share of ultra high-strength and hot-formed steels.
The color display of the driver information system (standard on the Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines) presents graphics in highly detailed 3D images.
It includes the sound system from Bang & Olufsen and MMI navigation plus. In each case, engine power is always transferred to the front wheels; quattro permanent all-wheel drive - and other engines, including a 1.4 TFSI engine with innovative cylinder on demand technology from Audi - will follow over the course of the next few months.
The optional Audi drive select system (standard on the Ambition line) lets the driver vary the operating modes of key components - such as steering, the accelerator pedal and transmission characteristics (with S tronic) - for a customizable driving experience. It also incorporates the optional adaptive shock absorbers; they utilize magnetic ride technology from Audi.
Wheels range from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.
The new Audi A3 was designed with succinct lines, and its dimensions are compact. Large air intakes at the front reflect the power of the engines.
The single-frame radiator grille dominates the front-end, and higher specification models get xenon headlamps with LED running lamps.
Interior The redesigned interior is built around a ‘floating’ dashboard with round air vents, climate control panel and redesigned instrument cluster, plus an optional 3D color display for the Driver’s Information System – the ultra-thin retractable MMI monitor and new electromechanical parking brake liberate space in the centre console for the optional MMI operating terminal.
Engines The new Audi A3 will launch in Europe with three four-cylinder engines. The 1.4-liter and 1.8-liter TFSI engines and the 2.0-litre TDI have outputs of 122, 180 and 143hp respectively. Compared with the previous model, they offer fuel economy improvements averaging 12 per cent.
The optional Audi drive select system lets the driver vary the operating characteristics of the steering weighting, throttle response and transmission shift points (when S tronic is fitted).
The first generation debuted in 1996 as a three-door model, and created the new premium compact class.
Audi sold about 880,000 units of this first model series.
Following yesterday's spy photos of the Renault Zoe electric vehicle, a photo of the production version completely uncovered has been published on Danish site FDM.dk.
Citing the Zoe product manager in Sweden, FDM says the Zoe is built on a newly developed chassis dedicated for electric powertrain.
ZOE is Renault's solution to Zero Emission mobility for all. Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Renault ZOE will go on sale autumn 2012. Renault ZOE's final design is being world-premiered at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Like Twingo and Twizy, ZOE features the Renault brand's new design identity.
In France, tax-paid prices for Renault ZOE start from €15,700 (with tax incentive of €5,000 deducted).
The car offers a perfectly smooth drive with no jarring electric motor braking. The MICHELIN EnergyTM E-V tyre is a Michelin innovation co-developed with Renault as a world premiere for Renault ZOE. The tyre features enhanced energy efficiency to maximise vehicle range.
Renault ZOE is the only electric vehicle to feature the Caméléon charger. For example, ZOE can be charged in an hour at 22kW.
Fast-charging stations are currently equipped with high-power chargers.
Renault ZOE is the first Renault vehicle to be presented with Renault R-Link, Renault's brand-new integrated, connected multimedia system.
With luxury compact offerings like the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series gaining traction, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to claim a bigger piece of the action with its all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Mercedes-Benz has teased us ever since, stating that the A-Class would be completely new, stylish, and packed with safety and high-tech features normally found on more expensive models like the S-Class.
Opting for the AMG Sport trim nets 18-inch wheels, aggressively styled bumpers, red-painted accent pieces, and what the automaker calls a diamond-look front grille mesh.
Three gas-powered four-cylinder engines with displacements ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters will feature direct injection and turbocharging and will output 115 hp (A180), 156 hp (A200), and 211 hp (A250). On paper, it appears Mercedes-Benz has a strong contender in America's burgeoning premium compact segment.
"Applying the new dynamic style of Mercedes-Benz to the compact class was a challenge that we thoroughly enjoyed", explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. "The almost sculptural lines of the A-Class are very typical for Mercedes. The feature lines, particularly along the sides of the car, then give the A-Class structure and tautness."
All trim surfaces feature an electroplated finish in "silver chrome", giving them a genuine metallic surface with "cool touch" effect. "This is just one example of the way in which the quality of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class's interior is not defined by classic trim elements but by consistent design and by the specific materials used", explains Hartmut Sinkwitz, Head of Interior Design.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sport features exclusive 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design with 235/40 R18 tyres all round and painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish, together with red-painted brake callipers.
The dynamism promised by the design and drive system is realised by the suspension. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is the only vehicle in its class to feature as standard a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions.
ATTENTION ASSIST (standard) Brake HOLD function (standard) Hill-Start Assist (standard) Adaptive Highbeam Assist Active Parking Assist
The appearance of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class reflects the new Mercedes-Benz design strategy. Defined edges and tautly drawn surfaces mark out the exterior design of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The design of the headlamps, together with the configuration of the light functions within them, is a key element of the design concept.
The silhouette reveals smooth, flowing lines finishing in a flat edge. The side view is distinguished by sensuously moulded sculptural side panels and distinctive lines. The interior: excellent high-quality feel and consistent application of design.
Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available, for example, as an optional extra with all design and equipment lines.
