LUXURY IN A SMALL PACKAGE is what the Audi A3 has always offered, and the new model looks set to continue that tradition.
Audi Australia is announcing pricing and specification details of the latest generation of its popular premium compact car, the new A3. Within the progressive design of the new A3 Sportback and the new A3 Sedan are many innovations, especially its contemporary new design and an advanced new user interface.
“The all-new Audi A3 promises to be a stunning evolution of its remarkable reputation as a premium compact vehicle. The A3 established its own segment 25 years ago, and since then has consistently elevated the benchmark for others to follow.”
“In the newest generation, contemporary design, excellent fuel efficiency technologies and a new, fully connected user interface are hallmarks of the latest A3’s innovations,” said Paul Sansom, Managing Director of Audi Australia.
The new Audi A3 is characterised by the new Audi design language, with compact proportions and an even more sporty design than its predecessor. The wide Singleframe and large air inlets at the front end accentuate their dynamic character. The shoulder of the body extends in a smooth line from the headlights to the rear lights and the area below is curved inward. This is a new element of Audi’s design that puts a stronger emphasis on the wheel arches.
The sporty and sophisticated design is continued in the interior with the new shift lever, aluminium inlays, striking door openers, and an instrument panel with a black-panel look.
The new A3 models offer more space and functionality combined with compact external dimensions. Measuring 4.5m in length and 1.82m in width (without mirrors), the A3 Sportback has grown by just over three centimetres compared with its predecessor, resulting in more headroom and elbow room for the front occupants. The height of 1.43m – without the roof antenna – and the wheelbase of 2.64 metres remained unchanged.
The new Audi A3 Sedan is just over 15cm longer than the A3 Sportback. All other dimensions are identical. At 425 litres, the luggage capacity is the same as in the previous model. The rear end and the large diffuser help the Sedan to achieve an excellent drag coefficient of 0.25.
Redesigned interior
Inside the cabin, the new A3 showcases a reimagined interior with distinctive design elements including the refreshed Audi virtual cockpit – which is standard on all models. The cockpit is wholly focused on the driver. It uses familiar elements from the brand’s full-size models and is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch display as standard, which is beautifully integrated in the centre of the instrument panel. The screen is embedded in a trapezoidal black panel trim that takes up the centre area of the instrument panel. It recognises letters entered by hand, provides acoustic feedback, and can be controlled using natural language. It is a now a powerful display with 10 times higher computing power than its predecessor, allowing for the full suite of Audi connect plus services. A head-up display is offered as part of the Premium package for the 40 TFSI quattro, and projects important information such as speed, navigation and various driver assist systems within the driver’s immediate field of vision.
New technology
The new A3 is endowed with intuitive new technology, offering seamless integration of the Audi connect plus services. For the first time ever, the new A3 offers the convenience of Audi connect plus functionality, with the integration of online traffic, weather conditions, fuel prices, parking information and Google satellite map overlay into the A3 driving experience, together with additional functions enabled through the myAudi smartphone app like remote lock/unlock, Audi service request, emergency call and more, thanks to the embedded SIM card.
Innovative technologies new to this segment as well as a driver focused cockpit highlight the all-new A3’s intent. The ergonomic design of the centre console features a new gear shifter, providing shift-by-wire technology for the first time for Audi in the premium compact segment.
Two engines, four model variants
The new A3 line-up will consist of two TFSI engines, available in four model variants: A3 Sportback 35 TFSI, A3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S line, A3 Sedan 35 TFSI and A3 Sedan 40 TFSI quattro S line.
The all-new A3 35 TFSI has a new 1.5L TFSI with Cylinder On Demand (COD) and a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) under its bonnet – the first time this engine is being offered in the Australian market. Despite the larger displacement, the 1.5L TFSI provides better fuel economy over the outgoing 1.4 TFSI, yet maintaining the same performance. A belt alternator starter (BAS) is installed on the engine, feeding a 48-volt electrical system that integrates a compact lithium-ion battery located under the front passenger seat. This MHEV system provides a fuel consumption advantage of up to 0.4L/100km.
The A3 35 TFSI Sportback and Sedan is a powerful and efficient entry model, endowed with a peak power of 110kW and 250Nm of torque. Exceptional long-distance range is assured thanks to remarkable fuel efficiency of only 5.0 L/100km for the Sportback and 4.9 L/100km for the Sedan, in combination with the standard 50-litre fuel tank. The A3 40 TFSI quattro S line Sportback and Sedan models are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, with a peak power of 140kW and 320 Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency is 6.7 L/100km for the Sportback and 6.6 L/100km for the Sedan. The 40 TFSI models are equipped with a 55-litre fuel tank.
The suspension of the new A3 models is sporty and balanced, combining pleasant ride comfort with good dynamics.
Top level safety
Safety is a high priority for all Audi vehicles, and the new A3 model is no exception, having received a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. It features seven airbags and features a high level of support from advanced driver assistance systems.
In general, the A3 Sedan and Sportback model variants have raised the bar in the segment with a significant increase in standard equipment compared to its predecessor.
Revised exterior design
Exterior equipment highlights for the A3 35 TFSI models include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with dynamic indicators, heated exterior mirrors and electric tailgate release (Sedan only). Convenience key enables easy vehicle access, and once inside, interior highlights include leather-appointed seats, three-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel (with hands-on detection), dual-zone climate control and folding rear back rest (40:20:40). Infotainment is a key focal point, with the 10.1-inch touchscreen and MMI navigation plus featuring as highlights, alongside the 10.25-inch virtual cockpit. They enable seamless integration of all the Audi connect plus Navigation, infotainment, security and assistance functions, as well as DAB+. Audi smartphone interface provides Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. Audi phone box light offers wireless phone charging, while there are also 2x USB outlets for charging and connectivity functions. Important safety features include Audi pre-sense city with AEB (including pedestrian and cyclist detection), side assist, lane assist, cruise control with speed limiter, park assist with rear view camera and tyre pressure loss indicator.
The new 40 TFSI quattro S line tops the dynamic Audi A3 range. It also builds on the equipment offered in the 35 TFSI models. Audi Sport 18-inch alloy wheels sit under each wheel arch, complementing the dynamic S line exterior styling package. Inside, Audi Drive Select gives the driver even more control over the vehicle’s characteristics, while sports front seats provide additional comfort. The storage and luggage compartment package, auto-dimming interior mirror and ambient lighting package are also included.
Despite the high levels of equipment, select equipment packages are available such as the Comfort Package (available on the 35 TFSI), and the Premium Package (available on the 40 TFSI S line quattro). There is only one package per variant on offer, equipped with unique luxury and styling features, to ensure a simplified offering to customers.
Twelve exterior colours are available on the new Audi A3, as well as three interior colour schemes.
The new Audi A3 model range is offered with the comprehensive Audi five-year service plan package, priced at $2250.
The new Audi A3 model range will be available in Audi showrooms in early 2022, and will also be available to order through the Audi online purchase platform.
Pricing (plus on road costs)
| A3 Sportback 35 TFSI | 110kW | $46,300 |
| A3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S | 140kW | $52,900 |
| A3 Sedan 35 TFSI | 110kW | $48,800 |
| A3 Sedan 40 TFSI quattro S line | 140kW | $55,400 |