New Audi A3: new design, better technology but the same philosophy

The Volkswagen group’s “trio calavera” is now complete with the arrival of the new Audi A3, the last of the three compact models still awaiting renewal. The four-ring brand has drawn on its latest design principles to create a vehicle of similar character but with certain innovations that bring the latest-generation A3 into the new direction its other siblings in the range are following. With this premise, Audi aims to offer a vehicle with a philosophy very similar to that of the previous generation, but with significant changes capable of making a difference.

This is also reflected in the cabin, an area that inherits various elements already seen in both the Q3 and its smaller sibling, the A1. However, the changes are not merely aesthetic but also functional, as Audi has placed special emphasis on the technology side, where its flagship compact model’s latest iteration stands out in particular.

An innovative design, yet faithful to its principles

When we look at the new Audi A3, we quickly notice that, in general terms,

its design remains understated and conservative. However, the German brand’s designers have managed to create a revolutionary vehicle by introducing significant novelties taken from other models such as the aforementioned A1 and Q3, or even the R8 itself. We now also find a larger vehicle, even though it shares part of the same MQB platform as the previous generation, which allows the dimensions to grow to 4.34 metres in length, 1.82 metres in width and 1.43 metres in height, figures that are complemented by a boot of 380 litres.

The singleframe grille continues to dominate the front, alongside headlights with a more curved and sharper design, although the bumper now also takes centre stage. It is in this area that a new, more aggressive splitter is introduced, flanked by two false air intakes capable of giving the whole ensemble a muscular look.

At the rear, new-style taillights with LED technology and a modest spoiler are installed, a component that will grow on the S3 and RS3 variants. The bumper, although it also features false air outlets, does not do the same with the exhausts, which sit below the bumper but without any trim piece designed to simulate them.

However, it is in the cabin where we find the most innovations, thanks to a new 10.1-inch touchscreen integrated into the dashboard, thus abandoning the outdated pop-up, floating screen of the previous generation. The Virtual Cockpit remains present in the German compact thanks to a 10.3-inch screen, or 12.3 inches as an option, and is responsible for conveying all kinds of information in a simple and fluid manner.

Three engines for now

Although Audi has confirmed that more combustion, electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains will join the A3 range later on, for the time being

we will have to make do with three options, all sending power to the front axle. On this basis, one petrol and two diesel engines make up the mechanical side of the new German compact.

In the case of the petrol variant, we find a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder TFSI turbocharged engine capable of delivering 150 CV of power. This power can be managed either with a six-speed manual gearbox or with the well-known seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The diesel range uses the familiar 2.0 TDI, a four-cylinder turbo engine available in two power levels: 116 and 150 CV. As with the petrol version, both are available with either the manual or the S tronic automatic gearbox.

It will be later this same month of March that Audi opens orders for the new A3, with the first units arriving on the market in early May. Although the full price list has not yet been revealed, the four-ring brand has set a starting price in Spain of 29,070 euros for the petrol variant.

Technical specifications of this car

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