''This combines optimum feedback from steering movements with a low level of sensitivity to vibration from the road,'' she explains, ''and also consumes far less energy than a conventional system.''
Thanks to the shiny big grille that it shares with the A8 and the A6, the A3 station wagon will be ''immediately recognizable'' in the rear-view mirror since it has ''the distinctive mark'' of the brand today.
Cortez says the side silhouette of the A3 becomes flatter towards the rear of the car ''in typical coupe fashion,'' and the gently rearward sloping roof line ''incorporates the tail end harmoniously into the powerful overall proportions of the car as it sits low on the road.''
Despite all that, Audi believes that the visual center of gravity of the A3 is found at its powerful rear end, which is not surprising in a station wagon, because it features a dual exhaust system.
''With its simple use of lines and graphically divided surfaces,'' says Cortez, ''the rear-end styling is as discreet as it is impressive.''
Sportiness and elegance are said to be the distinguishing features of the A3 interior, and this impression is conveyed by the low seat position (a typical sports car trait), the high and wide center console, and the ''clear, generous subdivision of the dashboard.''
For the driver, the centerpiece of the interior will be the new generation of Audi three- or four-spoke steering wheels, which can be recognized by the trapezoidal central element, the design which alludes to the design of the single-frame front grille.
Audi enjoys a strong reputation for its interiors, and clearly the German firm thinks it has lived up to its reputation with the A3. ''The attractive appearance of the interior surfaces and each individual detail is the result of excellent material quality,'' says Cortez, ''and a perfect finish at the highest level of craftsmanship expected from an Audi.
Even the luggage gets to enjoy this quality, Cortez adds, since the cargo compartment has the same level of finish as the people space.
Audi also tries to combine superior ergonomic design with ''outstanding aesthetic qualities'' throughout the car's interior. Typical examples of this are said to be the round air vents with aluminum surrounds (like the TT), the rotary knobs on the automatic climate control, and the numerous aluminum trim elements for the door and glove compartment handles.
''The interior is outstanding not only for its quality,'' says Cortez, ''but also for the amount of space it offers.'' This is of course the primary benefit of the A3 being a station wagon whose wheels are close to the corners of its body, but this feature should be enjoyed by all passengers even if it isn't unique.
While the A3 will certainly be cheaper than any other Audi we've ever seen, it must still live up to the brand's luxury reputation. So, Cortez says the A3 will offer ''a full array of premium standard equipment such as dual automatic climate control, satellite radio preparation, and 17-inch alloy wheels, for example.''
The sheer quality and diversity of the standard equipment will reflect the declared objective of the A3, says Cortez, and that is ''to offer the high levels of standard equipment found in larger, premium automobiles.''
Safety features in the A3 will include electronic stability control, front seats with active head restraints, front and side airbags for the front seat passengers, and the side airbags.
On top of that, says Cortez, additional standard equipment will be defined closer to the launch of the A3 in May 2005.
Over and above the various standard features, A3 drivers will have the choice of a few interesting options.
Thanks to the shiny big grille that it shares with the A8 and the A6, the A3 station wagon will be ''immediately recognizable'' in the rear-view mirror since it has ''the distinctive mark'' of the brand today.
Cortez says the side silhouette of the A3 becomes flatter towards the rear of the car ''in typical coupe fashion,'' and the gently rearward sloping roof line ''incorporates the tail end harmoniously into the powerful overall proportions of the car as it sits low on the road.''
Despite all that, Audi believes that the visual center of gravity of the A3 is found at its powerful rear end, which is not surprising in a station wagon, because it features a dual exhaust system.
''With its simple use of lines and graphically divided surfaces,'' says Cortez, ''the rear-end styling is as discreet as it is impressive.''
Sportiness and elegance are said to be the distinguishing features of the A3 interior, and this impression is conveyed by the low seat position (a typical sports car trait), the high and wide center console, and the ''clear, generous subdivision of the dashboard.''
For the driver, the centerpiece of the interior will be the new generation of Audi three- or four-spoke steering wheels, which can be recognized by the trapezoidal central element, the design which alludes to the design of the single-frame front grille.
Audi enjoys a strong reputation for its interiors, and clearly the German firm thinks it has lived up to its reputation with the A3. ''The attractive appearance of the interior surfaces and each individual detail is the result of excellent material quality,'' says Cortez, ''and a perfect finish at the highest level of craftsmanship expected from an Audi.
Even the luggage gets to enjoy this quality, Cortez adds, since the cargo compartment has the same level of finish as the people space.
Audi also tries to combine superior ergonomic design with ''outstanding aesthetic qualities'' throughout the car's interior. Typical examples of this are said to be the round air vents with aluminum surrounds (like the TT), the rotary knobs on the automatic climate control, and the numerous aluminum trim elements for the door and glove compartment handles.
''The interior is outstanding not only for its quality,'' says Cortez, ''but also for the amount of space it offers.'' This is of course the primary benefit of the A3 being a station wagon whose wheels are close to the corners of its body, but this feature should be enjoyed by all passengers even if it isn't unique.
While the A3 will certainly be cheaper than any other Audi we've ever seen, it must still live up to the brand's luxury reputation. So, Cortez says the A3 will offer ''a full array of premium standard equipment such as dual automatic climate control, satellite radio preparation, and 17-inch alloy wheels, for example.''
The sheer quality and diversity of the standard equipment will reflect the declared objective of the A3, says Cortez, and that is ''to offer the high levels of standard equipment found in larger, premium automobiles.''
Safety features in the A3 will include electronic stability control, front seats with active head restraints, front and side airbags for the front seat passengers, and the side airbags.
On top of that, says Cortez, additional standard equipment will be defined closer to the launch of the A3 in May 2005.
Over and above the various standard features, A3 drivers will have the choice of a few interesting options.