The update to the Audi A3 comes with a surprise: the A3 allstreet with crossover styling

Although it no longer plays as relevant a role in the range, the Audi A3, the model with which the German brand entered the compact car segment back in 1996, receives a new update following the latest changes the range received in 2020. And you know how these things go: some light styling touches here and there and, while at it, some of the latest technologies that the top models in the range have been debuting are incorporated. But with the new A3 family going on sale this very month there is one important novelty: the addition to the range of the new A3 allstreet, a more “adventurous” version in the style of the Allroad offered on the estate versions of the A4 and A6.

As for the new exterior design of the A3, there is little to add: the grille is now slightly flatter and wider and, together with the huge air intakes, takes on more prominence at the front. At the rear there is a new bumper and the diffuser also changes, inspired by those of the RS versions. New colours also arrive, among them Daytona Grey. Another novelty is the option to choose between four daytime running light designs from the MMI.

Inside there are no design changes beyond the new gear lever, the door handles and some decorative inserts; to be honest, they weren’t really needed. But Audi takes the opportunity to introduce features that had not yet reached the range. Among them, the new ambient lighting system, integration of the online app store for downloading third-party apps, and the possibility of adding equipment through over-the-air updates after purchase via functions on demand. In addition, standard equipment is improved, with all versions now including the leather-wrapped multifunction plus steering wheel, the ambient light pack and the front centre armrest.

Audi A3 allstreet: a compact with an adventurous spirit

But the biggest novelty is the new A3 allstreet version, which Audi does not hesitate to call a “crossover”. Besides being distinguished by a specific matt black grille, this rugged-looking version also features a spoiler that mimics a sump guard, a specific rear diffuser, roof bars, sill protectors with dark trim, wheel arch trim and a suspension that raises the body height by 15 mm compared with the A3 Sportback, with springs and dampers tuned specifically for this version. Between the new springs and the standard wheels, which are of larger diameter than those of the Sportback, the total ground clearance is about 30 mm higher.

Inside there are also some style details to differentiate the allstreet versions, which can optionally be fitted with a power tailgate, a detachable towbar and a practical storage pack to make better use of the load area.

The initial launch range for the new A3 includes two versions: the 35 TFSI with the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and 150 CV, available with S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox and MHEV mild hybridisation and, therefore, ECO DGT environmental label; and the 35 TDI with 150 CV, also paired with the S tronic gearbox. A manual-gearbox version of the 35 TFSI will follow shortly, and the less powerful versions with the 30 TFSI and 30 TDI engines, as well as the plug-in hybrids, are expected in the second quarter of the year.

Audi A3 – Image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

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