GENEVA - Audi unveiled its new A3 concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The four-seat notchback sedan integrates a range of Audi’s technologies, from the MMI operating system, to the infotainment system, and the drivetrain. The A3 concept measures 14.57 ft. (4.44 meters) long and 6.04 ft. (1.84 meters) wide, but just 4.56 ft. (1.39 meters) high.

Performance

The A3 concept has a five-cylinder engine under the hood that combines the Audi technologies of turbocharging and FSI gasoline direction injection. It produces 408 hp with a displacement of 2.5L. Its peak torque of 368.78 lb.-ft. is available over a rev range between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm. The automaker said the A3 concept can go from a dead stop to 62.14 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds.

In terms of fuel consumption, the four-seater gets 25.85 mpg and emits 341.18 g/mile of CO2. A regulated oil pump, the intelligent Audi thermo-management system, and an energy recovery system contribute to efficiency.

A seven-speed S tronic serves as the transmission. It comprises two transmission structures, which are operated by two clutches. The driver can operate the seven-speed S tronic in one automatic mode and one manual mode, using the paddles on the steering wheel to shift gears manually. A driver would use the touch control buttons on the center tunnel console to select drive positions R, N, and D. These are backlit in red when it gets dark. Drive position P is automatically engaged when the driver applies the electric parking brake.

The four-link rear suspension with its 60.71-inch (1,542-millimeter) track is fixed to a subframe. Its control arms, made of high-strength steel, enable the suspension to absorb longitudinal and lateral forces separately. The shock absorbers and coil springs are mounted separately from each other.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system gives the driver five modes from which to choose engine characteristics, power steering, and the seven-speed S tronic. The modes are comfort, auto, dynamic, individual, and efficiency, the last of which is designed for maximum fuel economy.

Interior

The vehicle’s wheelbase measures 8.63 ft. (2.63 meters), which gives rear passengers on the two individual seats plenty of legroom. The Audi A3 concept offers 14.48 cubic ft. of luggage space and a low loading lip.

The control knobs for the automatic air conditioning system are located in the lower section of the center console on a protruding dedicated control panel.

Located behind the flat-bottomed, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel are two analog dial instruments with black dials and red needles, complemented by additional kidney-shaped displays. Between the two round dials is the eight-inch display for the driver information system. The display is user-programmable – the driver can select the content to be displayed from a menu.

The control panel for the MMI multimedia system is located on the center tunnel console. The surface of its rotary pushbutton includes the touch pad, MMI touch. This new solution will soon be introduced in series production at Audi, the automaker stated. The MMI monitor power-extends out of the instrument panel.

In terms of infotainment, the Audi A3 concept features a UMTS model that provides full access to the Internet, allowing the car to retrieve services from Google. The WLAN hotspot allows passengers to access the Internet with their own devices. Holders for iPads are installed on the back of the front seat backrests.