At Audi there is no room for style revolutions, much less in a globally successful model like the Audi A3.
Even so, it is clear that the design has evolved with sharper edges in the concave side sections (which invite a variable play of lights and shadows), rear and bonnet (with the ribs on the bonnet standing out) and an interior where modernity is breathed. of the consultation and operating digital screens, and where connectivity is the watchword (very similar, by the way, to what was recently debuted on the Volkswagen Golf VIII).
The fourth chapter in the history of the Audi A3 retains the proportions of its predecessor, being just 3 cm longer (4.34 m) and 3.5 cm wider, which essentially benefits the interior width, all the more so than the distance between axes did not change.
The height of 1.43 m is the same as the previous A3 Sportback, but because the seats have been lowered there is a little more height inside, in addition to strengthening the sporty driving position. The luggage compartment remained at 380 to 1200 liters of volume, but the option of an electric gate now exists.
Visually, on the outside, the new hexagonal honeycomb grille flanked by LED headlamps, as standard, with advanced customized lighting functions (digital matrix in the top and vertical versions in the S Line version), in addition to the rear each time, is striking. more filled by horizontal optics.
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Since 2017, Audi has stopped making the three-door variant — a trend that no one shies away from these days — but the new A3 will still have an extensive body family when it's complete, which should happen in 2022 (including the three-volume variant).
Digital screens and connectivity rule
Inside, the digital resources dominate both in the instrumentation (10.25" or, optionally, 12.3" with extended functions) and in the central screen, (10.1" and directed towards the driver) with only a few physical controls as those for climate control, traction/stability control and those for the instrument panel (on the steering wheel), flanked by two large ventilation outlets.
The new Audi A3 has received the latest Modular Info-Entertainment Platform (MIB3) which is 10 times more powerful than the predecessor model and features handwriting recognition, intelligent voice control and advanced connectivity and real-time navigation functions , in addition to the ability to connect the car to the infrastructure with benefits in safety and more efficient driving.
Another extra is the head-up display that creates the feeling of projecting information relevant to driving about two meters in front of the car. New is also the shift-by-wire gear selector lever and, on the right-hand side, a first for Audi, a rotary control for the volume of audio equipment that reacts to circular movements of the fingers.
Engines like the new Golf
In Europe, there will be three engines: 1.5 TFSI of 150 hp and 2.0 TDi of 116 and 150 hp, but shortly after the launch, the 1.0 TFSI three-cylinder (110 hp) and a second version of the 1.5 gasoline will arrive. but with mild hybrid technology and 48 V and a small lithium-ion battery.
In this way, during deceleration or light braking, the system will be able to recover up to 12 kW and also generate a maximum of 9 kW (13 hp) and 50 Nm in starts and speed recovery in intermediate regimes. Another advantage of this engine is that it allows the A3 to roll for up to 40 seconds with the engine off, with benefits in consumption (announced savings of up to almost half a liter per 100 km).
In the coming months, other front-wheel drive variants will be added to these with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic with double clutch (DSG): there will be A3 with four-wheel drive and also hybrids with external recharging with two power levels and one powered by natural gas.
Chassis almost unchanged
The suspension of the new A3 doesn't change much, with McPherson front axle with lower wishbones and using torsion axle in the rear wheels in versions below 150 hp and with a more sophisticated multi-arm independent axle above that power.
It is possible to opt for a variable damping system that has a 10 mm lower setting and allows the A3 to have a more comfortable or sportier overall behavior which, in the latter case, can also be enhanced with the Sport suspension tuning, which leaves the car 15 mm closer to the road (which is always associated with versions equipped with the S Line package).
The steering varies the assistance depending on the car's speed and, optionally, the progressive, which varies the response so that, in sporty driving, the arms have to move less for the same turning angle. The brakes, on the other hand, innovate with the introduction of an electric booster brake that is quicker in response and allows for lower friction losses in the pads.
When arrives?
The new Audi A3 Sportback hits the market as early as next month in May, with an entry price of around €30,000.
