The new Audi A3 Sportback laid bare: all its technology in 8 videos

The Audi A3 Sportback arrives loaded with state-of-the-art technologies to compete for leadership among premium compacts. Here we present the most notable ones on video.

We have already carried out an analysis of the new Audi A3 on the occasion of its official presentation to the public, which was scheduled for the Geneva Motor Show. An event that never took place because of the coronavirus epidemic. But Audi gave us an advance look at the general characteristics of the fourth generation of the A3.

We later learned the range, prices and equipment of the Audi A3 for its launch on the Spanish market. Here you have the details of the prices of the three launch engine versions of the new Audi A3, one petrol and two diesel. Also the price differences between the various trim levels, and the interesting launch version, the A3 Genuine edition.

Now, Audi has released all the available information on the new A3: the complete dossier, more images of the car and, above all, a series of videos focused on some of the most interesting technologies the new model brings. Let’s take a look.

Audi A3 Sportback: lighting

The new Audi A3 can have up to three different headlight systems. LED technology is standard even on the entry-level variants of the range. The most sophisticated headlights, with high-resolution Matrix LED technology, offer an anti-dazzle beam of light that is digitally controlled.

In the video you can see how the HD Matrix LED technology works when it comes to lighting up the road as much as possible without dazzling oncoming traffic. Also the advantages that dynamic cornering light, dynamic indicators and the junction light assistant bring to safer driving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ5xR07NkAU

Operation: screens and controls

Digitalisation comes to the Audi A3, which uses a 10.1-inch touchscreen on the console to operate the MMI touch system. The digital instrumentation relies on the fantastic Audi virtual cockpit, with a 10.2-inch screen, although the spectacular Audi virtual cockpit plus can optionally be fitted, which goes up to 12.3 inches and offers additional display modes.

Audi offers natural-language voice control, a multifunction steering wheel, a head-up display projected onto the windscreen… A new feature is the touch-sensitive control for the volume of the audio system, which is also touch-operated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FInsNWNgJQo

The adaptive suspension of the Audi A3 Sportback

As in the previous generation of the Audi A3, the brand repeats a solution that is also used by other Volkswagen group models sharing the same platform, such as the new Volkswagen Golf and the Seat León. For versions with engines producing less than 150 CV, the rear suspension is a torsion beam axle, while with 150 CV or more a multi-link rear axle is used.

The suspension can have controlled damping, which adapts the damper settings to the driving situation to improve comfort or to benefit agility, depending on the programme chosen in the Audi drive select. Here you can see how this suspension with damping control works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDYrYnUXB3k

quattro drive: maximum grip

The quattro drive and the adaptive suspension work in a complementary way on the Audi A3 to deliver, according to Audi, the most dynamic A3 to date. We still need to drive it to find out.

In the meantime, in this video you can see how both the adaptive suspension and the four-wheel drive work, with a new electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. A control unit is in charge of governing all the systems that affect the vehicle’s behaviour, which also include the optional progressive steering.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP5gstX5uhQ

48-volt Mild Hybrid petrol engine

Very shortly after launch, Audi will add to the range of TDI and TFSI engines a version with 48-volt Mild Hybrid light hybridisation, based on the 1.5 petrol engine with 150 CV. It will carry the DGT ECO label.

The following video is very illustrative of how this technology works, which saves fuel and improves the driving pleasure of the Audi A3 thanks to energy recovery and the “boost” function.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSIFUZIqKlY

TDI engines: AdBlue and new particulate filter

For the new Audi A3, the diesel versions rely on a 2-litre 4-cylinder TDI, initially offered in 116 and 150 CV variants. These are highly efficient engines that meet all emissions regulations thanks, among other things, to the exhaust gas aftertreatment system.

This system features an oxidation catalyst and an SCR particulate filter, in addition to the innovative double AdBlue additive injection system, to reduce nitrogen oxides. Here you can find everything you need to know about AdBlue if you have a diesel car. And in this video you can see how the system works in the Audi A3.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-v3wiD-RDY

The driver assistance systems of the new A3

As part of the standard equipment, the A3 Sportback has, among others, the Audi pre sense front anti-collision system, as well as the assistant to avoid obstacles on the road in a critical situation.

Most of the driver assistance systems are based on the front camera and a radar, which emits a beam capable of covering up to 160 metres in width. The rear radar sensors, twelve ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras complete the set of elements that make it possible to monitor everything happening around the vehicle. You can see how it works in this video.

https://youtu.be/EsSXpdPB0k4

Aerodynamics: the search for efficiency

A low drag coefficient helps achieve greater efficiency and contributes to a low noise level in the cabin.

In the following video you can see how details such as the wing mirrors, the underbody fairing and the channelling of the cooling air intakes have been worked on, to achieve the best efficiency when it comes to fighting the wind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzPGq8BIoCU

New Audi A3 Sportback image gallery

In addition to the whole series of videos, here you can also view a complete gallery with new images of the Audi A3 Sportback in different versions and body colours.

Technical specifications of this car

SedanAudi A337 versions · from 34,010 €