The new Audi A3 hatch and saloon are available to order following a comprehensive update programme.

The reworked lower-medium models are priced from £32,035 and deliver a package of design updates, advances in lighting, infotainment and driver assistance technology already seen in the brand’s larger models.

The latest A3 Sportback and Saloon models will initially be available with a choice of two engines. The 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel units powering the 35 TFSI and 35 TDI each deliver 150hp and work with a seven-speed S Tronic automatic gearbox and are available in the core Sport, S Line and Black Edition trims.

An entry-level 30 TFSI and 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid will join the model line-up later in the year.

The high-performance S3 line-up will go on sale from 15 May. It’s now powered by an uprated 333hp 2.0 TFSI petrol that also delivers 420Nm of torque and is the most powerful version of the hot hatch in its 25-year history. Also new to the S3 is a torque splitter on the rear axle, while S Sports suspension comes as standard and lowers the body by 15mm compared to the A3. S Sport suspension with adaptive dampers is available on the S3 Vorsprung, which has been specially tuned for the torque splitter and the respective Audi drive select modes.

Exterior updates bring a revamped version of the Singleframe grille, new bumper and rear diffuser, while the A3 also replicates other Audi models by displaying the specific model designation on the B-pillar.

The biggest changes in the cabin are new fabrics and inlays, remodelled air vents and an improved S Tronic gear shift lever design. Expanded three-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors with parking aid plus add to the functionality.

Equipment debuts for the revamped models include front seat heating and the 10-speaker, 180-watt Audi sound system for the Sport grade. Among the S Line gains are a new flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, multi-coloured ambient interior lighting, and, for the first time in the A3, the opportunity to switch between four individual ‘light signatures’ for the exterior daytime running lights via the Multi Media Interface (MMI).

Range-topping Black Edition models also get the S Line trim enhancements, and add a new decorative inlay in Impressum black made from fully recycled fibres.

Debuts to the list of standard technology bring wireless inductive phone charging, Audi virtual cockpit plus and the new onboard Audi app store, which allows the driver to access a wide range of popular third-party apps via the MMI touch display.

Audi’s ‘Functions on Demand’ package of subscription options is also available via the MyAudi app. Two individual infotainment and comfort functions – adaptive cruise control and high beam assist – will initially be available on demand and can be ‘booked’ for one month, six months, one year, three years, or permanently.

Audi has also updated the option packs, adding in latest technologies such as reversing camera and head-up display for the Technology Pack (£1,495), plus Matrix LED headlights, advanced key hands-free vehicle locking and unlocking and panoramic glass roof for the Technology Pack Pro (£4,995). The S Technology Pack Pro (£3,050) is specific to the S3 line-up and comes with various features such as adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist and enhanced driver safety technologies.

First deliveries of the new Audi A3 are due early May.