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05 March 2003: The new, second generation Audi A3 will arrive into Ireland in June.

The car has shorter body overhangs, front-end styling with a double grille and a rear-end with exposed tailpipes. The sporty theme is carried through to the interior with a lower seating position, aluminium-look dash trim, higher centre console and compact instrument cluster.

A roomier interior promises comes from a longer wheelbase (+65 mm), extra body width (+30 mm) and lower overall height (-10 mm).

Engine line-up consists of a 1.6 litre, 102 bhp petrol unit and two TDI units - a 1.9 litre, 105 bhp version and a more powerful 16 valve 2.0 litre, 140 bhp version. Also available are two high-powered petrol models - a 2.0 litre, 150 bhp unit with new FSI fuel injection technology proven in Audi’s Le Mans winning race cars and a 3.2 litre, 241 bhp V6 version which features in the TT.

Three equipment lines are offered - Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente. Features includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), easy entry function on front seats, height adjustable driver’s seat, electric front windows, central locking with radio operated remote control, new front seats with crash-active head restraints and Audi Sideguard airbag system.

A CD player will also be standard on Irish models. Options include electronic climate control, leather upholstery, heated seats and rear window sun screen.

All versions are front-wheel drive with quattro permanent four-wheel drive standard on the 3.2 litre model and optional on the 2.0 litre TDI. A 5 or 6-speed manual shift is fitted (depending on engine choice) with 6-speed Tiptronic also available. In addition, top of the range petrol and TDI versions can be ordered with the new race-bred DSG direct shift gearbox.

Audi Ireland Sales Manager John Hayes said that since it appeared in 1996, the A3 has played an important role in Audi’s success - especially in Ireland where overall sales increased last year by 35 percent on the previous record year.

"The new A3 will extend Audi’s sporty appeal considerably and help us to maintain Audi’s position as the most dynamic marque in the premium segment."

	March 2003 - by Brian Byrne
Summer arrival for new A3 05 March 2003: The new, second generation Audi A3 will arrive into Ireland in June. The car has shorter body overhangs, front-end styling with a double grille and a rear-end with exposed tailpipes. The sporty theme is carried through to the interior with a lower seating position, aluminium-look dash trim, higher centre console and compact instrument cluster. A roomier interior promises comes from a longer wheelbase (+65 mm), extra body width (+30 mm) and lower overall height (-10 mm). Engine line-up consists of a 1.6 litre, 102 bhp petrol unit and two TDI units - a 1.9 litre, 105 bhp version and a more powerful 16 valve 2.0 litre, 140 bhp version. Also available are two high-powered petrol models - a 2.0 litre, 150 bhp unit with new FSI fuel injection technology proven in Audi’s Le Mans winning race cars and a 3.2 litre, 241 bhp V6 version which features in the TT. Three equipment lines are offered - Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente. Features includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), easy entry function on front seats, height adjustable driver’s seat, electric front windows, central locking with radio operated remote control, new front seats with crash-active head restraints and Audi Sideguard airbag system. A CD player will also be standard on Irish models. Options include electronic climate control, leather upholstery, heated seats and rear window sun screen. All versions are front-wheel drive with quattro permanent four-wheel drive standard on the 3.2 litre model and optional on the 2.0 litre TDI. A 5 or 6-speed manual shift is fitted (depending on engine choice) with 6-speed Tiptronic also available. In addition, top of the range petrol and TDI versions can be ordered with the new race-bred DSG direct shift gearbox. Audi Ireland Sales Manager John Hayes said that since it appeared in 1996, the A3 has played an important role in Audi’s success - especially in Ireland where overall sales increased last year by 35 percent on the previous record year. "The new A3 will extend Audi’s sporty appeal considerably and help us to maintain Audi’s position as the most dynamic marque in the premium segment."
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