If there is one car that defines the premium standard in the compact car segment, it certainly is the Audi A3. And if it comes to sportiness and dynamism, the benchmark is the ABT AS3. For the new series of this successful model, the engineers of the globally largest tuner of cars produced by the Volkswagen Group have been most successful: The engines are very torquey and powerful indeed. The currently most powerful variant with ABT Sportsline shows about 280 hp (206 kW). The upratings and the ABT-typical roadworthiness are now being tested thoroughly, but what we can already say is that the 2.0 TFSI of the new Audi A3 is very potent and powerful. Up 60 hp (44 KW) on the 220 hp (162 kW) standard version is quite something, we think.
And the smaller and very efficient turbo petrol engine is also huge fun. It is a perfect mixture of reason and sportiness: 170 hp or 125 kW (standard version: 140 hp/103 kW) make for a huge drive. Regarding torque and cost savings on long distances in particular, the ABT AS3 with its 2 liter turbo diesel engine is the first choice. Depending upon the original serial performance, it then shows 210 hp (154 kW) or 180 hp (132 kW). That makes the racy compact car a real “lifestyle mule”, which is speedy even when fully loaded.
The ABT AS3 is an exceptional vehicle, a car in which you can really enjoy every single mile you drive. The ABT Sportsline designers also see to it, however, that the new car makes your heart beat faster even when it hasn’t moved one little bit yet: The front grille and front spoiler let the AS3 seem more bulky and impressive; in conjunction with the side skirts they make for an assertive and also harmonious impression. Following the motto “a beautiful rear also can endear”, ABT has come up with a very sporty one here: The rear skirt insert, the striking double two-pipe exhaust and the rear spoiler show what a winner looks like.
ABT Sportsline recommends its CR and DR series’ 18 or 19 inch design wheels. It goes without saying that these are also available in conjunction with high-speed tires. After all, ABT Sportsline makes all components part of the same successful range. The new ABT AS3 is an athlete for all seasons – no more, but also no less. Or, to use the words of Hans-Jürgen Abt, the managing director of this traditional company: “We have dealt with Audi cars for many decades now. We developed the AS3 by utilising all our experience and know-how. Our customers can always depend upon getting a fully harmonised car.“
