The arrival of the Sportback variant of the new generation Audi A3 hatch is an important event for Audi in Ireland, as the version represents some 60 percent of the model's sales here, writes Brian Byrne.Some 11,000 customers have bought A3s since the model was first launched here in 1996, and across the markets where it has been sold it represents a fifth of all Audi sales.
The new Sportback has a longer wheelbase than the 3-door, and offers more leg and headroom, as well as an extended cargo space which can be used in a double-deck configuration. Its capacity is 380L with the rear seats up, expanded to 1,220L with the seats folded.
Target competitors are the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz new A-Class. Audi claims advantage across a range of comparisons, especially in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
