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2023 Audi A3 Owners Manual - Driving dynamic



Driving dynamic

Audi drive select Introduction

Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

Drive select makes it possible to experience different types of vehicle characteristics in one vehicle. With different driving modes, the driver can switch the setting, for example from sporty to comfortable. This allows you to adjust the settings to your personal preferences. This makes it possible to combine settings such as a sporty drivetrain setting with comfortable steering.

Selecting an Audi drive select mode Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select The s&@ button is located above the selector lever in the center console.

» Press the stit button repeatedly until the desired mode appears in the instrument cluster or center display. Or:

» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE HICLE > Audi drive select.

You can change the driving mode when the vehicle is stationary or while driving. If traffic permits, briefly remove your foot from the accelerator pedal after changing modes so that the mode you have selected will be activated for the drive system. The following modes may be available depending on the equipment: comfort - Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle setup and is suited for long drives on highways. auto - Provides an overall comfortable yet dynamic driving feel and is suited for everyday use. dynamic - Gives the driver a sporty driving feel and is suited to a sporty driving style. The “S” driving program is selected. With RS models, the dynamic mode results in a slightly greater distribution of driving forces in the rear.

In jal - Provides the option for personalized vehicle settings. Press ¥ to configure the mode page 104, Individual settings.

— When the ignition is being switched on, individual systems, such as the drive system, will be reset to a balanced setting. Select the current mode again to attain its full configuration.

—RS models: If you select the “# PERFORMANCE, = TORQUE REAR or, dynamic mode, there may be a noticeable increase in the amount of noise that is generated, especially when starting the engine. Show respect to others around you and the environment with the way you operate your vehicle, especially at night.

—RS models: Audi pre sense functions may not be available if an RS mode is selected in Audi drive select.

Selecting the PERFORMANCE / INDIVIDUAL RS mode

Applies to: RS models In RS models, there are two individual adjustable RS modes instead of the Individual mode. The Gs PERFORMANCE mode is designed for maximum stability in curves and is recommended for use on a driving track. The “@ INDIVIDUAL mode provides the option for personalized vehicle settings. Selecting the mode
» To switch between the RS modes and the last Audi drive select mode that was selected, press the Ge button on the multi-function steering wheel. Or:

» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Audi drive select.

Adjusting the mode > Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Audi drive select.

» To configure the respective RS mode, press 7 page 104, Individual settings.

Driving dynamic

Selecting the TORQUE REAR RS mode Applies to: RS models The Gas TORQUE REAR mode results in a high distribution of drive forces to the rear to create an oversteering driving behavior in the vehicle. The ESCs limited. The “S” driving program is selected.
» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Audi drive select > As TORQUE REAR.

Do not use this mode on public roads because it could increase the risk of an accident.

~ If the driver does not adapt his or her driving style based on the vehicle's oversteering behavior, accidents and serious injuries can result. The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle could swerve. To reduce the risk of an accident, only use this mode if you are competent in the required driving techniques.

—Also refer to the important information regarding driving with ESC limited > page 107 and sporty driving page 100.

Driving in a sporty manner while in this mode can lead to increased stress on all vehicle components. This can result in increased wear.

Individual settings Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select

The equipment in your vehicle will determine which settings you can adjust. Drive

The drive system will react to accelerator pedal movement more quickly or in a more balanced manner. The shift points are located in higher or lower engine speed ranges on vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Steering The power steering will adapt. Light steering is suitable for long trips on highways or smooth driving around curves, for example. Suspension The suspension adjusts to be tighter or more comfort-oriented when it comes to compensating for uneven spots on the road. Engine sound The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to sporty. In the automatic setting, the engine sound depends on the selected driving program. RS torque splitter Applies to: RS models Depending on the setting, the drive power at the rear axle will be distributed by the RS torque splitter* to be more sporty or comfortable > page 106.

ESC Applies to: RS models The ESC may be limited. Also refer to the important information regarding driving with ESC limited page 107.

Suspension Adaptive dampers

Applies to: vehicles with suspension control

The adaptive dampers are an electronically-controlled damping system. The firmness of the suspension will adapt to the driving conditions and the driving situation. The settings depend on the selected Audi drive select* mode.

Ground clearance

The vehicle height and clearance can be influenced by the following factors: — Change in temperature ~ Change in load

To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one gets pinched when the vehicle level is
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Driving dynamic

changing, for example when cleaning the underbody or the wheel housings.

Always make sure there is enough clearance above and below the vehicle. This is especially important for entrances with height restric tions, for example, before driving into underground garages. You could also scrape the ground when driving over the edges of curbs or on steep ramps, which could damage your vehicle.

Messages The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment:

Ell suspension: malfunction! You can continue driving There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

Steering Description Electromechanical steering supports the driver's steering movements by electronically adapting the power steering depending on the vehicle speed. The settings depend on the selected Audi drive select* mode. Progressive steering Applies to: vehicles with progressive steering The driving dynamic and driving stability are increased by the steering ratio based on the steering wheel angle. The steering is very direct when the steering wheel angle is sharp, and indirect when the angle is low. This enables comfortable maneuvering and a precise steering response at higher driving speeds.

Messages The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment: Eisteering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle

The power steering may have failed. Adapt your driving style immediately to compensate for the fact that it may be more difficult to turn the steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible. Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle page 88. Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance. Ei steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle There is a malfunction in the electronic steering lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Secure the vehicle against rolling before exiting the vehicle page 88. Do not tow your vehicle because it cannot be steered. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance. EBsteering: malfunction! You can continue driving There is a malfunction in the steering system. Steering may be more difficult or more sensitive. Adapt your driving style. Have the steering system checked immediately by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. Please note that the red indicator light may turn on after restarting the engine. Do not continue driving if it does. EB steering lock: malfunction! Please contact Service

There is a malfunction in the electronic steering lock. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunction in the electronic steering lock because this increases the risk of an accident.

If the EJ or FE indicator light only stays on for a short time, you may continue driving.

Driving dynamic

All wheel drive (quattro)

Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive

The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving power variably to the front and rear axle to improve the driving characteristics. It works together with selective wheel torque control, which can activate when driving through curves page 107. The all-wheel drive system is designed for high motor power. Your vehicle is exceptionally powerful and has excellent driving characteristics both under normal driving conditions and on snow and ice. Always read and follow safety precautions ch.

—Even in vehicles with all wheel drive, you should adapt your driving style to the current road and traffic conditions to reduce the risk of an accident.

~The braking ability of your vehicle is limited to the traction of the wheels. In this way, it is not different from a two wheel drive vehicle. Do not drive too fast because this increases the risk of an accident.

— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels can “hydroplane” if driving at speeds that are too high. Unlike front wheel drive vehicles, the motor RPM does not increase suddenly when the vehicle begins hydroplaning. Adapt your speed to the road conditions to reduce the risk of an accident.

RS torque splitter Applies to: vehicles with RS torque splitter

The RS torque splitter distributes the drive power to the rear axle based on the situation. The goal is a high level of agility and ability to accelerate on curves. The vehicle is very responsive to steering. The settings depend on the selected Audi drive select* mode.

Messages The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment: BBiatt-wheel drive: malfunction! You can continue driving. Please contact Service Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

Balt-wheel drive: currently unavailable. Please adapt driving style. See owner's manual

The transmission temperature has increased significantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive ina less sporty manner until the temperature returns to the normal range and the indicator light switches of.

If the indicator light does not turn off after some time, switch the ignition off and back on. If the indicator light stays on after that, contact an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.

Electronic Stabilization Control

Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and improves driving stability. ESC detects critical situations, such as if the vehicle is oversteering or understeering, or if the wheels are spinning. The brakes are applied or the motor torque is reduced in order to stabilize the vehicle. The following stabilization functions are integrated into the ESC, among others:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ABS prevents the wheels from locking when braking. The vehicle can still be steered even during hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Do not pump the pedal. A pulsing in the brake pedal indicates that the system is acting to stabilize the vehicle.

Driving dynamic

Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin spinning and adapts the power to the road conditions. This will increase the driving stability.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)

The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are slipping and transfers the drive power to the other wheels. This function is not available at higher speeds. In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off to keep the brake on the braked wheel from overheating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly. EDL will switch on again automatically when conditions have returned to normal.

Selective wheel torque control Selective wheel torque control is used when driving on curves. Braking is targeted toward the wheels on the inside of the curve as needed. This allows more precise driving in curves.

~The ESC and its integrated systems cannot overcome the limits imposed by natural physical laws. This is especially important on slippery or wet roads. If the systems begin acting to stabilize your vehicle, you should immediately alter your speed to match the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the increased safety provided tempt you into taking risks. This could increase your risk of a collision.

—Please note the risk of a collision increases when driving fast, especially through curves and on slippery or wet roads, and when driving too close to objects ahead. There is still a risk of accidents because the ESC and its integrated systems cannot always prevent collisions.

~ Accelerate carefully when driving on smooth, slippery surfaces such as ice and snow. The drive wheels can spin even when these control systems are installed and this can affect driving stability and increase the risk of a collision.

The ABS and ASR only function correctly when all four wheels have a similar wear condition. Different tire sizes can lead to a reduction in motor power.

The £0 button (or 2, depending on the model) for controlling the ESC is located in the center console, in front of the selector lever. The ESC is automatically switched on when the ignition is switched on. Limiting ESC

In some situations, it may make sense to limit the stabilizing function of the ESC so that the wheels can spin, for example to rock a vehicle to free it when it is stuck or to drive with snow chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide more sporty driving characteristics with fewer stabilizing corrective actions. —To limit the ESC, press the 80 button briefly.

The [indicator light will turn on. —To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization

function, press the button again. The indicator light turns off.

Switching off ESC For a more active control of the vehicle where the stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene, the ESC can be switched off.

~To switch off the ESC, press and hold the So button for more than three seconds. The [a and PRG indicator lights turn on.

—To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization function, press the button again. The indicator lights turn off.

—When the ESC is switched off or limited, there will be no vehicle stabilization or it will be limited. The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle could swerve, especially on slick or slippery road surfaces, which increases the risk of an accident.

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Driving dynamic

— Because of the increased risk of an accident, only drive with the ESC switched off or limit ed when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC as soon as possible.

~If the ESC is limited, switched off, or malfunctioning, systems with an automatic braking intervention function may not be fully available.

— If malfunctions occur in other systems or certain driver assist systems are active, the ESC must be switched on by the system. The ESC may switch on automatically and cannot be operated with the button.

Messages The following messages may appear depending on the vehicle equipment: EXD BD stabitization control (ESC/ ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual

There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This also causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still function with their normal power, but ABS is not active.

Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or autho ized Audi Service Facility immediately to have the malfunction corrected. Other indicator lights

If Fi) blinks while driving, the ESC is actively regulating. Operating noises may occur. If the indicator light stays on, the ESC has been switched off due to system needs. The indicator light turns off when the system is fully functional.


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