The Volkswagen Group is busy renewing its C-segment family. After the Golf, a new generation of the Skoda Octavia and the Seat Leon appeared and the Geneva Motor Show would have been the stage on which Audi would present the all-new third generation of the A3 to the world audience. The new A3 Sportback is now experiencing its purely digital debut.
Just like its aforementioned renewed group members, the new, third generation of the Audi A3 Sportback is set to further develop the well-known MQB platform. The new A3 Sportback has a length of 4.34 meters and is therefore 3 centimeters longer than its predecessor. If we put the A3 Sportback next to the hatchback versions of the Golf and the Leon, the Audi turns out to be 6 centimeters longer than the Golf, but three centimeters shorter than its Spanish brother. The wheelbase of the new five-door hatchback from Ingolstadt is 2.64 meters. That wheelbase is equal to that of the Leon and is therefore also 5 centimeters longer than that of the Golf. In addition, the A3 Sportback is 1.43 meters high and 1.82 meters wide, which means that it is about 3 centimeters lower and wider than both the Golf and the Leon. The luggage space remains unchanged at 380 liters. However, you can with the back seat flat take a little less (1,200 liters) than in the outgoing A3 Sportback (1,220 liters).
Design and interior
We can be brief about the appearance of the new Audi A3 Sportback: that is very similar to that of its predecessor, but it is equipped with current design elements from Audi that are particularly expressed at the front and rear in matters such as lighting and the bumpers. The A3 Sportback has a clearly wider, hexagonal grille, in which the slats have made way for mesh work. LED headlights are standard, viewers with matrix LED technology are optionally available. If you order an A3 Sportback with S-Line package, you will get a sports suspension lowered by 1.5 centimeters. An adaptive chassis is on the option list together with a progressive steering system. A3s with 150 hp or more have multi-link suspension at the rear.
Of course, the interior of the A3 Sportback is considerably redesigned. The dashboard of the outgoing generation was still characterized by relative simplicity, but that is a thing of the past in the new Audi A3 Sportback. With its many angular lines and various ‘islands’, the cockpit looks a lot busier, but also more high-tech. The infotainment screen of the old A3, placed loosely above the dashboard, is being replaced by a 10.1-inch touch screen, which is now integrated in the center console. The display is linked to Audi’s new MMI system, so the new A3 Sportback now also has to do without an MMI rotary knob. Behind the – by the way also new – steering wheel is a 10.25-inch digital set of instruments as standard. Optionally, Audi provides a head-up display and a 12.3 inch large and more extensive variant of its virtual cockpit. Just like in the Golf for example, the conventional selector lever of the machine has been replaced by a smaller selector in the middle tunnel. The standard equipment includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a multifunctional leather-covered steering wheel, DAB +, 16-inch alloy and electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors. The A3 Sportback is optionally available with seat covers made from recycled PET bottles.
engines
The new A3 Sportback will be available at dealers in May and will then be available with one petrol and two diesel engines. On the gasoline level, the well-known 150 hp 1.5 TFSI is ready, while dieselers can tick the 116 or 150 hp version of the 2.0 TDI. The engine list is shortly thereafter expanded with a 110 hp 1.0 TFSI and with a second variant of the 1.5 TFSI, a version with mild hybrid technology. Those who have a little more patience can expect new TFSI and TDI versions with and without Quattro drives. Just like the Golf and Leon, plug-in versions will be available and, just like the current A3 Sportback, a new generation of CNG (natural gas) will also be released from this new generation. In terms of safety systems, the A3 Sportback comes standard with an emergency braking system and Lane Departure Warning. Adaptive cruise control that works together with a system that ensures that the Audi stays in the middle of the road is optional. During traffic jams, the A3 Sportback is able to brake to a halt.
The three-door A3 does not return. It is, however, in line with expectations that cars such as the A3 Limousine will be followed up, all the more because brands such as Mercedes-Benz (A-class Limousine and CLA) and BMW (2-series Gran Coupé) offer sedan-like cars in this segment.
In person
There are three exterior designs for a customized A3 Sportback. Customers also have a choice of many (new) exterior colors and upholstery materials for the interior. Special detail: the availability of upholstery made from recycled PET bottles. The standard equipment includes a digital instrument panel, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a multifunctional leather-covered steering wheel, DAB + radio, light alloy wheels, LED headlights and electrically adjustable mirrors with heating. Individual wishes can also be perfectly met with individual options and option packages.
As mentioned, the new Audi A3 Sportback will be at the dealers in May. Extensive technical specifications follow along with Dutch prices in the run-up to the market introduction.