The 2011 Geneva Motor Show saw the debut of the Audi A3 Concept. The model previews what will be a new compact sedan for the company, providing another model in the C segment that will go to Audi assaulting the US car market further. With the new Audi A4 growing to 470 cm in length, the A3 sedan would be placed under that model, taking the role of smaller sedan in the Audi range.

The A3 Concept measures 4.44 metres long (with a wheel base of 2.63 m), 1.84 m wide and 1.39 m tall. The boot space is 410 litres and overall the vehicle weighs 1,540 kg. From the point of view of style, the A3 Concept design won’t be noted for its originality and while this might work for a model based on the success of the A3 hatchback, Audi might need to produce something more interesting in the near future to keep itself relevant in the world of car design.

The interior of the A3 Concept is more interesting from a design point of view, although it’s hard to know what are show car touches and what will be carried across to the production version. Circular shapes feature, the central console houses the MMI multimedia system with touchpad and MMI monitor. The latter is housed in dash and is electronically controlled - at the touch of a button, it comes out of the dash and folds back into it again when not being used. The usual features we’re seeing in all luxury sedans these days are provided including wireless navigation and iPad compatibility for the rear passengers.

The A3 Concept is equipped with a five-cylinder, 2.5-litre engine with direct injection. It has 408 hp and 500 Nm, with 100 km/hr acceleration of 4.1 seconds. Top speed is 250 km/hr and fuel consumption is estimated at about 9.1 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 212 g/km. The A3 concept sedan gets Audi’s dual-clutch, seven-speed S Tronic transmission and a few other gems like energy recuperation and Audi thermal management system.

For the moment the Audi A3 Concept has all-wheel drive but we imagine this might be an extra option once in production. The system uses a multidisc function and is electronically controlled to distribute power and torque where needed. The wheelbase structure has been borrowed from the RS3, while McPherson suspension has been used. Overall drive experience is provided by the Audi drive select system whereby the driver can set his preferred driving modes from a choice of: comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency. More information will be available in the future as the A3 sedan emerges from its concept phase into production.

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