Title map | Autocar
Due to the impact of the epidemic, the 2020 Geneva Motor Show was eventually cancelled after several twists and turns. As a result, a number of car companies launched online models that were scheduled to appear at the auto show on March 3rd. Although many models have previously shown pictures and speculative information of various hunting and loading vehicles, in fact there are still many new models that are refreshing.
For example, Audi ’s new generation of Audi A3 models (Fourth generation) , which is the same as the eighth generation Golf and Seat Leon. The MQB II architecture of the same platform, so the power form is similar to most “foundations”.
The petrol version has a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine (110hp) , a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine (150hp, 48V light hybrid version also available) , 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine (333 horses, equipped with the new S3 that will be launched later) , 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine (Inserted version) , The diesel version only has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is tuned in two ways, with 116 and 150 horsepower. There are two transmissions, a 7-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual. However, for models smaller than 150 hp, the rear suspension is a torsion beam structure, and the remaining rear suspensions are multi-link independent suspensions.
This is a hatchback version (A3 Sportback) , pre-sale started in most European countries in March, and the first batch of vehicles will be delivered in early May. The domestic version is temporarily uncertain. In addition, the size of the entire car is slightly improved compared to the previous generation, and the length has been increased from 4312mm to 4340. Pedestrian collision protection mechanism) , the width increased from 1785mm to 1820mm, the height increased from 1426mm to 1430mm, and the wheelbase increased from 2629mm to 2640mm.
The basic information of these vehicles is obviously not fun. What really interested people in the new A3 is its appearance and interior design. Although the A3 series models (A3, S3, RS3) have been extremely popular in Europe since the first generation was released in 1996, and are the same level in the Chinese market The sales volume of the model is also very good, but as a BBA brand entry model, its potential user group is mostly young people, and the old A3 is slightly outdated in both appearance and interior.
(Looking at the previous generation A3 Sportback)
Especially the interior design of the previous generation. Although the design of several air-conditioning outlets and pop-up displays is somewhat technological, the overall appeal is still insufficient for young people.
(the previous generation A3 interior design, the dashboard is a traditional dashboard)
The new A3 Sportback has been redesigned from the inside out, adding the two elements of sport and technology that young people care about the most. And compared to “blind thinking”, the designer Juan Carlos Huerta Martinez chose a very clever way, which is to introduce some classic car or dream car design ideas. The exterior designer directly answered in an interview with Autocar: “The design of the side lines is a reference to Lamborghini.” (In fact, there is nothing wrong with it, after all, Lamborghini is also Audi’s. )
For example, the penetrating waistline and front and rear fender shapes from the headlights to the taillights are borrowed from the Audi quattro in the 1980s. (Just this year it is quattro 40th Anniversary) .
(New A3 Sportback)
(Audi quattro in the 80s)
Another example is the highly tensioned line design and recessed style of the side door, which are borrowed from Lamborghini.
(Lamborghini Urus)
It’s actually a bit like Z4 designed by Bangor.
In order to add a sense of sport, Audi has also significantly extended the rear wing. Although it is not useful for models of this level, it does have a bit of taste from the visual point of view.
In fact, there are more than one reference from Lamborghini. In the interior of the new A3, the fighter air conditioner air outlet is also from Urus.
(New A3 Interior)
(Lamborghini Urus interior)
The interior of the new A3 has been changed from the old style. The instrument panel is a 10.1-inch display screen. (12.3-inch high profile) , the center control screen. It is 10.1 inches, equipped with the latest MMI system (the version is even newer than Q8 models) , the system supports Carplay and Android Auto.
Of course, as a “light factory”, it is not appropriate for Audi not to make a fuss about headlights. New A3 headlights use matrix LED headlight, as a whole composed of multiple LEDs, its display effect can be changed according to the setting or driving mode.
In fact, as an entry-level model, there will not be too many surprises on the basis of the price will not change much. So for consumers, what is important is the design of the appearance and interior. Especially for young people, it is likely that these models exist as the first car in life, even if the performance is not strong, at least we must look at Pleasing to the eye.
Most people will feel that when they buy a car in the future, the power must be good, the appearance must be handsome, the control must be great, the ride must be cool, and the brand must be big … However, not everyone If you can buy the car in “Dream”, you can only weigh your own purse, and then choose between the various needs.
This is whyIt seems that everyone has several Ferraris and Lamborghini on the Internet, but in fact, there are about 100,000 models on the annual sales list. Especially for young people, most people do n’t have a mine at home and do n’t have enough savings to buy a car that meets all requirements, so they can only choose to choose a car that is more practical.
The Audi A3 may not have a price advantage compared to other domestic brands, but it is horizontally compared with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series in the same price range. I personally think that at least the new A3 still has a clear advantage in appearance.