The 2005 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) marks the local introduction of Audi’s smallest quattro model – the A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro.

Combining turbo direct injection FSI technology with quattro all-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, this new variant is sure to please sports-oriented drivers thanks to superb handling, a dynamic and efficient powertrain and excellent traction.

The A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro with its 6-speed manual transmission has a maximum power output of 147kW and 280Nm. It represents Audi’s ‘entry level’ quattro vehicle in Australia and is priced at $50,550.

Audi's pioneering achievements in the domain of petrol injection technology are not restricted to success on the racetrack. The 2.0 TFSI engine has been awarded the title of "Engine of the Year" in Europe. Audi is the first manufacturer in the world to combine petrol direct injection with turbocharging in the spheres of both motor racing and volume production.

The European jury praised the Audi engine, which dominates the engine displacement category from 1.8 to two litres, for its good "balance between technology, performance, economy and environmental acceptability". The jurors were also impressed by its pulling power and high level of everyday suitability. The exceptionally broad torque plateau on the one hand permits a fuel-efficient driving style with few gearshifts, and on the other hand means that only light accelerator action is needed to produce assertive thrust and a spontaneous unleashing of power.

With FSI technology, fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. The injector, located on the admission side in the cylinder head, is served by a high-pressure pump driven by the camshaft and a pressure reservoir shared by all cylinders – the common rail system.

The injector regulates fuel delivery with millisecond precision, at injection pressures of up to 110 bar. By comparison, a manifold injection system operates at between four and six bar.

Two balancing shafts rotating at double the speed of the crankshaft compensate for the engine's inertial forces and also achieve a high standard of acoustic comfort. The results are outstanding for a four-cylinder engine.

The intake manifold integrates the charge movement flaps, the position of which is adjusted by a continuous-action pilot motor. The movement of the airflow, or tumble, can thus be controlled optimally on the basis of the engine-speed and load conditions.

The fuel-air mixture is distributed homogeneously within the combustion chamber. A spontaneous power build-up and an agile response at every point along the broad engine-speed band are the positive consequences.

The four-valve cylinder head with low-friction roller cam follower valve gear has an inlet duct geometry that has been modified from that of the naturally-aspirated FSI engine, producing even higher tumble values. This results in both greater refinement and superior knock resistance, and therefore improved efficiency.

The result is that the turbo engine achieves a compression ratio of 10.5:1, a figure that is otherwise typically achieved only by naturally-aspirated engines. This, coupled with the advantages of petrol direct injection, plays a crucial role in boosting the thermodynamic efficiency compared with both manifold injection engines and conventional turbo engines.

Audi’s quattro technology remains one of the foremost all-wheel drive systems on the market. In 2005, Audi celebrates 25 years of leading all-wheel drive technology with quattro, a transmission that ensures maximum traction on all road surfaces.

The 'quattro' is still without equal in the premium compact class, converting power into forward motion, which serves as the basis for dynamic driving and active safety at the same time.

The new A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro manual shares the same high level of specification as its front-drive, 6-speed DSG sibling including 17-inch alloys with 225/45 tyres, sports suspension, sports leather steering wheel, sports seats, cruise control, Driver Information System DIS, DataDot, split-fold rear seats for maximum load carrying area, Symphony sound system with multi-stack CD player, and of course Audi’s usual array of passive and active safety features including 6 airbags, active front head restraints, Electronic Stabilisation Programme with ABS, electronic differential lock, anti-slip regulation and Brake Assist.

The new Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro manual is now on sale in Australia.

Audi A3 Sportback – Range & Pricing

Audi A3 Sportback 1.6 Attraction tiptronic	$36,900
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 FSI Ambition manual	$40,950
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 FSI Ambition tiptronic	$43,400
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI Ambition DSG	$47,750
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI Ambition DSG	$50,050
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro Amb manual	$50,550
Audi A3 Sportback 3.2 quattro Ambition DSG	$74,090