The successful Audi A3 is now even more attractive: the car comes to market with new driver assistance systems and engines, as well as newly designed headlights and taillights.
Also new on board is the innovative operating and display concept, the Audi virtual cockpit. The sporty Audi S3 version comes with numerous innovations and has even further enhanced its dynamic potential.
Newly designed
The new Audi A3 appears even sportier and more expressive than ever. Its Singleframe grille features sharper contours and is broader. The headlights are flatter, with distinctive outer contours.
The rear accentuates the width of the new A3 with the horizontal illuminated graphics of the rear lights and the separation edge above the redesigned diffuser. The colour palette has been expanded.
Twelve paint colours are available to choose from, including the five new colours Ara blue, Cosmic blue, Nano grey, Tango red and Vegas yellow. Daytona grey pearl effect paintwork is reserved for the S line model.
Extensively updated: the engine line-up
The engine line-up for the Audi A3 comprises six engines (three petrol and three diesel units). Their power output ranges from 110 hp to 190 hp. All A3 models fulfil the EU6 standard.
With the 1.0 TFSI, Audi is offering a three-cylinder model in the Audi A3 series for the first time. The compact engine outputs 115 hp and delivers 200 Nm of torque at 2,000 to 3,500 revolutions per minute. The new entry-level petrol engine is efficient without sacrificing driving pleasure.
The 1.4 TFSI COD ultra features cylinder-on-demand efficiency technology, turning off two cylinders when the corresponding output is not required. The engine with 1,395 ccm displacement outputs 150 hp and develops 250 Nm of torque.
Audi offers the four-cylinder TDI engine with 1,968 ccm displacement in two performance levels in the new A3. The 2.0 TDI comes optionally with 150 hp and 340 Nm at 1,750 to 3,000 revolutions per minute – and will soon be available with 184 hp and 380 Nm at 1,750 to 3,000 revolutions per minute.
The new entry-level diesel engine is the 1.6 TDI with 110 hp. It is available in combination with the six-speed manual transmission or the S tronic seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
Driver assistance systems from the Audi full-size category
With numerous driver assistance systems, the new Audi A3 raises the bar in the premium compact segment yet again. The further developed Audi active lane assist and Audi pre sense front, including predictive pedestrian protection, make town and country driving even safer.
New in the segment is the traffic jam assist, which works together with Audi adaptive cruise control (ACC) and its Stop&Go feature. The optional system keeps the car at a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and in combination with the S tronic, automatically sets the vehicle in motion again after a short stop.
For the first time in the segment: Matrix LED headlights
The Audi A3’s headlights provide a distinctive and new look with their jagged bottom edges. Xenon plus units are standard; as options, Audi offers LED headlights and, for the first time, matrix LED headlights as well.
Consistent lightweight design has brought the curb weight of the Audi A3 with 1.2 TFSI engine down to just 1,150 kg – the lightest in its class.
Controls and displays, infotainment and Audi connect
The highlight of the new Audi A3’s interior is the Audi virtual cockpit. This innovative operating concept is available for the first time in the compact class. The Audi virtual cockpit displays the most important driving-relevant information in high resolution on a 12.3-inch diagonal TFT screen.
The menu structure in the MMI system has been redesigned, with smartphone-influenced operation.
In infotainment, the new Audi A3 again sets new standards. The MMI radio plus with the electrically extended 7-inch diagonal monitor is standard equipment. The optionally available MMI navigation and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch in conjunction with the Audi connect module bring many online functions into the car.
They include, for example, navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View traffic information in real time, as well as practical information on parking, destinations, news or the weather.
The free Audi MMI connect app enables other services, such as online media streaming and transfer of the driver’s smartphone calendar to the MMI.
Cell phones with iOS and Android operating systems are connected with the car via the Audi smartphone interface.
More power: the new Audi S3
10 hp features more power and, in conjunction with the S tronic, 20 Nm higher torque – Audi has done one better with the Audi S3. Moreover, Audi engineers have integrated S3-specific control for the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) and the multi-plate clutch. The result: even greater driving dynamics, driving pleasure and safety.
The 2.0 TFSI now outputs 310 hp and with S tronic delivers 400 over the large range of 2,000 to 5,400 revolutions per minute. The S3 Sportback, the S3 Saloon and the S3 Cabriolet also profit from the extensive new features.
The new Audi A3 series is open for order in early May, with the first deliveries to customers in August.
