Audi has further enhanced the design, technological capability, and material quality of its compact A3 and S3 model ranges through a comprehensive update programme that aligns their attributes even more closely with models from the classes above. Distinguished by a fresh new look, upgraded lighting, and an improved cabin featuring new infotainment and driver assistance advances, the latest A3 Sportback and Saloon models are now available to order in the UK, with pricing starting at £32,035 (OTR) and first deliveries expected in early May. Orders for the S3 Sportback and Saloon begin on May 15, with prices starting at £46,925 (OTR).
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 offer 150PS and work with a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. Both can be specified in conjunction with the three existing core Sport, S line and Black Edition trims, all of which have been enhanced as part of the update.
An entry-level 30 TFSI and highly-efficient 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid will join the model line-up later in the year.
On the outside, a now wider, slimmer, and frameless Singleframe grille is a defining feature of the updated models, as are the latest flush, two-dimensional Audi rings, which now sit within it and on the tailgate. The specific model designation is also newly displayed on the B-pillar – a feature that appeared first in the Q8 e-tron SUV.
Reworked bumper and rear diffuser designs with elements that draw inspiration from the RS 3 also mark out the newcomers, and there are attractive new standard wheels for all variants. For even greater visual distinction, the more striking styling can be complemented by the new colours Arkona White, Arrow Grey, Ascari Blue, Progressive Red and District Green.
In the cabin, new fabrics and inlays, remodelled air vents, and an improved S tronic gear shift lever design are the key material changes. Everyday usability is also further enhanced across the board by features such as expanded three-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors with parking aid plus. In every variant, the already impressive portfolio of technologies is also expanded by additions including Audi phonebox wireless inductive phone charging, the more sophisticated Audi virtual cockpit plus and the new onboard Audi app store, an extension of the Audi smartphone interface that allows the driver to access a wide range of popular third-party apps via the MMI touch display.
The latest A3 is also now equipped to incorporate ‘Functions on Demand’, a collection of additional features that can be purchased for the car and added to its specification via the myAudi app even after it has been delivered. In the UK, 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.
In addition to the range-wide equipment upgrades, comfort and convenience are also further enhanced in Sport models by new features such as front seat heating and the 10-speaker, 180-watt Audi sound system.
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 naturally also benefit from the S line trim enhancements, and add a new decorative inlay in Impressum black made from a technical textured fabric derived from 100 percent recycled fibres.
As part of the product upgrade, the 2.0 TFSI powering the S3 has been uprated to 333PS and 420Nm of torque, making it the most powerful version of the hot hatch in its 25-year history. New to the S3 is the arrival of a torque splitter on the rear axle, designed to increase both agility and stability. This technology enables fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels by using an electronically controlled multiple-disc clutch on each drive shaft to distribute the torque between the rear wheels to best suit the current driving conditions.
S sports suspension comes standard on the S3 models. It lowers the body by 15mm compared to the A3. The same applies to the S sport suspension with adaptive dampers, available only on the S3 Vorsprung, which has been specially tuned for the torque splitter and the respective Audi drive select modes.
