Audi A3 Car Leasing

Before you lease an Audi, learn about where it came from, how it has evolved and what technology makes the Audi A3 one of the most popular smaller cars to lease in the UK.

And when you've finished learning, take a look at some of the most competitive Audi A3 car leasing deals available right now.

The original Audi A3 was introduced in the European market in 1996, marking Audi's return to the smaller, more affordable car. The car was initially available only with a three-door hatchback body, in order to present a more sporty image, in both front- and four-wheel drive. All engines were an inline four-cylinder configuration, and were transversely mounted. After the A4, the Audi A3 was the second model in the Audi lineup to use five valves per cylinder.

In 1999, Audi expanded the range with the introduction of more powerful versions: a 1.8 Turbo rated 178 hp, and a 1.9 TDI diesel engine with Unit Injector technology and variable geometry turbocharger. The four-wheel-drive A3 1.8T quattro used either the 148 hp or 180hp engine, and the same Haldex Traction-based on-demand four-wheel drive system as the Audi S3 and the Audi TT. 1999 was also the year Audi introduced a five-door body to meet with market demands.

In late 2000, the A3 range was revised with new headlights and rear light clusters, other minor cosmetic changes, an improved interior, and the introduction of a six-speed manual gearbox.

The current model of Audi A3 has some impressive technology included, either as standard or available in an option.

Parallel Parking Assist
Available in conjunction with the Audi Driver's Information System, the Parallel Park Assist system is a phenomenal piece of mechanical and electronic design engineering.

As you drive along the road, the system uses ultrasonic sensors to scan the side of the road for spaces large enough to accommodate the A3 and alerts you when it finds one. You then pull up alongside the space and select reverse the steering wheel is controlled automatically to establish the correct parking line while you simply control the speed until the car is parked. Everything else is done for you. The system also features Audi Hill Hold Assist so parallel parking on hills presents no problems either.

Acoustic rear parking system
When you reverse, the optional Audi Acoustic Parking System is activated. It sounds a clear tone if there are obstacles behind the car. The nearer you get, the more frequent the tones. The sound becomes continuous at just 30cm from the obstacle.

Front and rear parking system
As above, but sensors are installed in the front bumper as well. The sensors are covered sympathetically so they don't have any effect on the design appeal of the car - they're virtually invisible.

Light and Rain Sensor Pack
The optional light and rain sensors can automatically activate or deactivate the low-beam headlights and the windscreen wipers when required. This is particularly convenient, for instance, in unpredictable and poor weather, entering tunnels, or simply, when it's getting dark. And the rain sensor reacts to the strength of the rain - adapting the wiper interval accordingly - meaning you can just concentrate on driving.

Also included in the light and rain sensor pack are auto-dimming rear view and door mirrors.

Cruise Control
Providing your Audi A3 has the Driver's Information System, it's possible to opt for cruise control. At speeds of over 25mph, just a simple, swift operation of the cruise control stalk will hold your speed until you brake or cancel. Cruise control brings significantly more comfort and relaxation to long motorway and dual carriageway driving.

Adaptive Lights
Optional adaptive lights include Xenon Plus bulbs that swivel in the headlamp cluster. They provide significantly better visibility than ordinary halogen bulbs. When turning, they follow the steering direction and cast a wider angle of illumination so you can see round the bend more clearly at night.

Included with the adaptive lights option are LED daytime running lights - a series of bright LEDs under each headlamp assembly that not only increase visibility of your car but also make an unmistakable style statement.

Interior Comfort
The A3 gives an assured, comfortable and positive driving experience combined with great practicality: you'll find there's ample space in the cabin and the boot for all your day-to-day requirements. You'll notice how everything from how positive the switches and controls feel, to the comfort of the upholstery and carpets, states quality. And you can of course take advantage of a number of trim level and optional extras to complete your driving experience.

When you take a seat in the Audi A3, what strikes you is the feeling of spaciousness. True, it's a compact car on the outside so it's easy to park and efficient to drive. But major design consideration has been put into how everything fits together on the inside.

You'll find the A3 offers exceptional headroom, rear legroom and no compromise on boot space. So an Audi A3 has luxury appeal combined with excellent practicality.

The leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel makes driving even more of a pleasure - and safer too. Numerous frequently used controls can be operated while your hands are still in a normal driving position. For example, you'll be able to switch channel on the radio and change tracks on the CD player. With optional mobile phone preparation, you'll experience true hands-free mobile operation, making and accepting calls without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

With S tronic transmission the multi-function steering wheel is also available with paddles to change gear. So you can get a sporty, race-like feel in a compact hatchback.

The multi-function steering wheel is standard with SE, Sport and S line trim levels.

2 Zone Climate Control
Manual air conditioning comes as standard on the Audi A3. You can also specify 2 zone climate control as an option so you and your front passenger can select your own cabin temperature. Directional vents help keep the two temperatures independent for added comfort.

It's another luxury option which is standard with the Sport and S line trim levels.

Boot Capacity
The Audi A3 features a 60:40 split rear folding seat as standard. With either one or both portions of the seat folded flat, you could carry an object flat, over 1511mm in length and still be able to close the boot.

DVD Satelite Navigation
With the optional Audi DVD-based navigation system, it's extremely hard to get lost. Simply enter a new destination in the centre console or just say where you want to go using the Voice Control System.

Compared to a CD-ROM, the DVD-based navigation system can hold nine times as much information. So maps load faster and there's more detail when you zoom in. You can also specify modifications to the route such as avoiding or using motorways, toll roads and ferries. And you can recall favourite and recent destinations which are stored in your address book.

The system can also adjust the route you're taking dynamically based on the latest traffic situation. It receives RDS-TMC (Traffic Message Channel) automatically so it knows about hold-ups before you do and, if dynamic navigation is active, the system automatically recomputes the route.

You can purchase updated DVDs periodically from your preferred Audi Dealer.

BOSE Sound System
The optional BOSE premium sound system is a wonder of audio technical achievement. The size, shape and placement of the speakers has been carefully optimised to match the internal dimensions of the cabin to deliver rich, full and clear sound as you travel.

A six-channel advanced amplifier delivers a massive 195 watts of power to eight high-performance speakers. One central speaker in the dashboard, two tweeters in the A pillars, two bass/midrange speakers in the doors, two bass/midrange speakers in the side sections of the rear seats and finally a powerful woofer with 9.7-litre bass reflex housing in the luggage compartment side panel.

Concert Radio Sound System
Standard on Sport and S line, the concert radio system is easy to operate. Thanks to a dynamically changing radio station list, only receivable stations are displayed. There are two FM tuners - one for receiving the currently selected station and one to hunt for new stations in the background.

The concert radio is equipped with an MP3 and WMA-compatible CD drive and, with MP3s, all the song file data (title, artist, length, etc) can be displayed. There's also an aux-in socket so you can connect audio devices such as MP3 players and deliver sound through the car's fantastic speakers.

iPod Connectivity
The optional iPod preparation allows you to play iPod tunes, in play list order.You simply plug your iPod in and play through the in-car speakers. This also charges your iPod, depending on model.

Brake system
The high-performance brake system combines short braking distances, sensitive control and optimum cooling, for a consistently effective performance even after repeated applications. ABS antilock braking and EBD provide extra peace of mind if you need to stop suddenly.

SIDEGUARD
In the event of a side impact, side airbags will activate, preventing occupant injury. The head-level airbag covers the entire front and rear side-window including the A-post area.

Intelligent airbag system
In the event of an accident, intelligent impact sensors - including an innovative 'up-front' sensor - will detect the severity and nature of the impact and trigger the appropriate occupant protection systems.

ESP
Audi's electronic stability program (ESP) is a combination of advanced technologies that helps keep the car under control in more extreme situations such as when you need to avoid an unexpected obstacle in the road. ESP is especially helpful in adverse weather conditions.

When you need to turn quickly and sharply, ESP identifies your intended direction and responds by applying the brakes to individual wheels.

ISOFIX Safety Points
With ISOFIX, compatible child safety seats can be fitted swiftly and securely. On each outer rear seat and the front passenger seat, ISOFIX mounting points are provided. The front passenger airbag can be deactivated for when a child seat is present. ISOFIX mountings are standard across the A3 model range.

Other Safety Measures
The onboard technologies on Audi vehicles make them some of the safest in the world - especially when road conditions are less than perfect.

ABS
The Anti-lock braking system works by momentarily releasing and then applying the brakes when it detects a skid resulting in reduced stopping distances and the ability to turn under emergency braking.

ASR
Anti-slip regulation - or traction control - reduces power to any wheel that is in danger of spinning. Full power is returned when traction is re-established.

EBD
Electronic brake-force distribution works in conjunction with ABS to ensure an even maximum braking force between the front and rear wheels.

EDL
The electronic differential lock allows a smooth getaway on surfaces with mixed levels of grip.

ESP
Audi's electronic stability programme uses the four technologies above. It identifies the intended direction and applies braking to individual wheels to help keep the car stable.

Design Specifications

S-Line Interior
The S line interior brings all the refinement of a premium luxury car.

Take a look at this specification.

• S line seat upholstery in Sprint cloth/leather with embossed S line emblem
• A choice of either black or silver stitching
• S line leather sports steering wheel
• Shift lever knob/selector lever trimmed in perforated leather
• S line inlays in matt brushed aluminium
• S line door sill trims

S-Line Exterior
The A3 S line comprises:

• Sporty front bumper
• Rear bumper with platinum grey diffuser insert
• Chrome-trimmed exhaust tailpipes
• S line badging
• Roof spoiler

Black Edition
In addition to the S line package it has 18inch titanium alloy wheels, privacy glass, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, piano finish black inlays, black exterior styling pack and a BOSE premium sound system.

Quattro
The Audi A3 can benefit from special treatment to put its power to the road. Enter quattro, Audi's renowned all-wheel-drive technology that's available on the A3 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI 170PS. With quattro, optimal drive delivery to each wheel is managed automatically and continuously, for superior handling and phenomenal grip.

Audi Magnetic Ride
Tight bends, bumps, potholes - the road can change in a matter of seconds. But the Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping system is even faster. This optional system adapts the damping forces of the suspension depending on your intended driving style.

'Normal' mode gives a more comfortable drive while 'sport' stiffens the suspension to reduce pitching and rolling.

Audi magnetic ride continuously interprets the prevailing road conditions to optimise ride comfort and handling.

S-Tronic Transmission
The revolutionary S tronic transmission combines the responsiveness of a manual gearbox with the convenience of an automatic. Thanks to innovative dual-clutch technology, S tronic can make a gear change in just 0.2 of a second, with no interruption to the power flow, allowing you to benefit as fully as possible from the engine's output at all times, resulting in better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

Available on selected models only.

Sports Suspension
The A3 Sport trim level features sports suspension to give a firmer ride for enhanced sport driving characteristics.

Based on an aluminium subframe, McPherson strut suspension at the front and innovative four-link suspension at the rear, the A3 sports suspension is 15mm lower than the standard suspension. The sports suspension can be further enhanced with Audi Magnetic Ride.

On the Audi A3 S line, the suspension is lowered by a further 10mm for an even sportier stance.

Servotronic Steering
Audi's servotronic steering was developed on the racetrack. It increases pressure to the steering rack based on vehicle and steering speed. It senses when the wheel is turned and distributes the perfect amount of power assistance.

When you're parking or driving more slowly, the steering wheel requires less movement for reduced effort on your part. On the motorway, the steering is optimised so long, sweeping bends are dealt with smoothly and without you having to adjust the wheel so much.

TFSI: Direct petrol injection and turbocharging combined
TFSI technology unlocks superior power, more dynamic performance and better economy from petrol engines. For example, the 1.4-litre version of the TFSI engine features great economy and, thanks to its turbocharger, manages to deliver an amazing 200Nm of torque and a top speed of 126mph. Quite simply, it feels as though it's a bigger engine than it is.

You'll notice enhanced driving enjoyment with spontaneous and dynamic torque build up. In turn, this encourages you to change up earlier so you don't feel the need to rev the engine so much, promoting greater efficiency.

TDI
All Audi TDI engines are equipped with common rail technology to achieve smooth, efficient and quiet combustion. Diesel fuel related emissions are significantly reduced thanks to a diesel particulate filter, fitted as standard, which filters out almost all soot particles contained in the exhaust gas.

The A3 1.6 TDI is the most fuel-efficient Audi ever returning a quite remarkable 68.9mpg on a combined cycle. Yet it can still accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds (11.7 on the A3 Sportback), has a top speed of 121 mph and CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km.

The turbocharger has variable turbine vane geometry to help produce higher torque and stronger pulling power. And sophisticated air-flow control also contributes to the engine's capabilities while simultaneously reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.

Start-Stop
Audi's start-stop technology cuts the engine when the car is standing still and in neutral. The engine immediately starts again as soon as you depress the clutch. The whole process is barely noticeable but it can be disabled at the touch of a button if required.

Recuperation
When you're coasting or braking, the car's alternator generates electricity. Recuperation allows it to be stored so when you're accelerating or driving at a constant speed, the stored electricity is used to drive the alternator. Recuperation reduces fuel consumption by up to 3% and therefore lowers CO2 emissions.

Audi Car Leasing

All of Audi's current range of new A3 cars are available to lease. If you are interested in leasing an Audi A3, take a look at these Audi car leasing deals:

Audi A3 Car Leasing And Contract Hire.