The Audi A3 has long been a favourite among drivers who want a compact ride with useful practicality in both in town and out on the highways. Like all Audi vehicles, build quality is second to none and now the looks have been sharpened up too: Better still, there’s both saloon and ‘Sportback’ variants. For the purposes of showing the difference, the saloon is featured in red in our images.
On The Outside
More dynamic, that’s how to describe the character of the A3 models following this major upgrade. The frameless ‘Single-frame’ grille features a new structure and is noticeably flatter and wider. It dominates the front end and in addition to the large angular side air intakes, it clearly symbolises the compact model’s sporty character.
The striking front spoiler connects the two intakes and makes the Audi A3 appear lower than on previous versions. The same is true of the rear end, which is particularly sporty with its new bumper and distinctive diffuser. Partly inspired by the brand’s high-powered RS models, the progressive design elements are particularly effective when combined with the ‘S line’ exterior. New, metallic finishes, District Green and Progressive Red are offered to emphasise the new look.
For the first time in the A3 series, it is now possible to select and switch between up to four different digital daytime running light signatures in the Audi multi-media interface (MMI) allowing for a higher degree of customization. Drivers can change the appearance of their model at any time. The LED and Matrix LED headlights create the digital daytime running lights using 24 pixel elements in three rows on the upper edge of the housing. With their wedge-shaped, flat form and wide light graphics, the headlights further emphasise the sporty character of the A3 models.
On The Inside
To match the more striking exterior, the interior has also been significantly sharpened up for a more modern vibe. Innovations abound and include the gear-shifter design, air vents, decorative fabric inlays, and new interior lighting. All these elements are precise and detailed, emphasising the vehicle’s progressive and technical look and as mentioned above, are to Audi’s high standards as usual.
For example, the new blade design, finished in chrome on the outer surface, makes the air vents appear thinner, emphasising the width of the cockpit. The centre console has been redesigned and given a new finish. The inside door handles feature a new effect finish as well. In addition to convenient cup holders, the centre console also comes with an armrest that adjusts in length and angle. The neat gear-shift provides convenient control over the functions of the ‘S tronic’ auto gearbox, while also featuring a new look. Thanks to its flatter design, it blends seamlessly into the centre console.
The standard interior lighting adds accents to the doors and footwell. Additional lighting elements and contour lighting on the switch panel and door sills are available as options. With the model upgrade for the A3, contour lighting runs around the centre console, and the cup holders are illuminated. Five segments are illuminated by a light source in the door panel. Their different sizes create a dynamic flow of light, which is also displayed when locking and unlocking the vehicle. No less than 30 different light colours are selectable via the MMI, allowing for a high degree of customisation.
Large speakers for the new optional Sonos sound system are located in the lower part of the doors, making for an immersive listening experience with 3D sound. The A3 now features a new decorative fabric inlay: a technical textured fabric that is also made from one-hundred percent recycled polyester.
Integration of apps and functions on demand demonstrate that this new car is both digital and connected, thanks to numerous connect services, functions on demand, and an app store. The standard equipment features DAB+ digital radio and a 10.1 inch touch display, along with the Audi virtual cockpit plus and an inductive smartphone charger. In addition to the two USB‑C charging ports in the centre console in the front, two additional ports in the rear also come standard.
Other features include MMI navigation plus, along with the complete connect portfolio and access to the app store, which allows the driver to use a wide range of applications via the vehicle’s display. By embedding the store, customers can directly and intuitively access popular third-party apps on the MMI touch display by means of a data link in the vehicle. The selected apps are installed directly into the vehicle’s infotainment system without taking a detour via the user’s smartphone. Users can also interact with their apps via voice commands. Amazon Alexa can be used to stream music and also to operate smart devices.
Functions include adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist. Unusually, the former can be booked for one month, six months, one year, three years, or permanently, depending on the customer’s individual needs. If, for example, a long holiday is planned with the A3, adaptive cruise assist may be a useful addition for relaxed travel on long stretches of motorway. Around town though and in general use cruise control may probably be redundant: It’s an interesting idea.
On The Road
Also available are assistance systems for city use and long drives. To enhance safety, Audi include pre-sense front, collision avoidance and turn assist features. Lane departure warning is also fitted to the A3. Adaptive cruise assist, which is available via functions on demand or as part of the optional Technology Pack, has been supplemented by an assisted lane change function, which enhances driving comfort. The system handles acceleration, braking, and steering, even at speed and also assists with lane changes at speeds above 56mph on faster roads. Activated via the MMI, the system uses data from the rear radar to indicate whether and in which direction it is possible to change lanes through white arrows in the instrument panel and head-up display. If the driver initiates the lane change by tapping the turn signal, the system actively assists the driver in steering.
In city traffic, park assist with parking system plus helps the driver in parking and backing out of parking spaces through precise steering manoeuvres. Lane change warning, exit warning and rear cross-traffic assist use the rear radars to monitor traffic behind and alongside the vehicle for even more safety and comfort.
With orders being taken from April this year, the A3 models will initially be available in two engine/transmissions varieties. The 35 TFSI with a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine has an output of 148bhp and is offered with a seven-speed ‘S tronic’ ‘box at launch. At a later date, it will also be available with a six-speed manual transmission. The 35 TDI with a 2.0-litre diesel model has an output of 148bhp and is paired with the seven-speed ‘S tronic’. Additional petrol and diesel versions of the A3 Sportback and A3 Saloon will follow later in the year. An updated plug-in hybrid model will be added to the line-up at the end of 2024.
The new premium A3 is ideal for the smaller family and can cope with both local and long distance travel. It’s worth remembering also that Audi offer a huge range of cars in sizes from small to very large. Sadly, the terrific TT sports car is no longer on the catalogue but is available in the pre-owned market. Otherwise from saloons to SUV’s, there’s a car for everyone in the prestige Audi range. Check in with us here at MHH International to find out how we can help source your Audi. We export from the UK, VAT-free, to New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya, the Caribbean and other global destinations. Ask for details of our comprehensive service.
