Facelifted Audi A3 hatch and saloon revealed
Audi has revealed its updated A3 Sportback and saloon ahead of their arrival from next month.
First launched in 1996 and currently in its fourth generation, the premium family car gets a minor exterior makeover that delivers a sportier design, selectable daytime running light signatures, extended standard equipment and new materials.
Design tweaks a now frameless Singleframe grille, plus a new rear bumper and diffuser along with latest metallic finishes. Drivers can also now choose from four different digital daytime running light signatures via the MMI, providing a higher degree of customisation.
The interior gets a mild revamp that ushers in changes to the shifter design, air vents, decorative fabric inlays, and new interior lighting. The centre console has been redesigned and given a new finish.
Standard equipment features DAB+ digital radio and the 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 apps via the vehicle’s display. Users can also interact with apps via voice commands. Amazon Alexa can be used to stream music and also to operate smart home devices.
UK customers can also add in adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist functions via the MyAudi app after purchase.
Driver assistance feature include front, collision avoidance and turn assist, and lane departure warning. The optional adaptive cruise assist is supplemented by an assisted lane change function. Other features include park assist with parking system plus, lane change warning, exit warning and rear cross-traffic assist.
The UK line-up will initially offer two engine options: one petrol and one diesel.
The 35 TFSI features a 150hp 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine. This is married up with a seven-speed S tronic automatic at launch, while a six-speed manual transmission arrives later.
The 35 TDI model comes with a 150hp 2.0-litre diesel model, again paired with 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.
Orders for the updated A3 will begin in mid-April, when full UK pricing and specifications will be confirmed.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
