A Leap in the Compact Class: The Evolution of Audi A3. In 1996, Audi redefined the premium compact segment with the launch of the A3. Fast forward to today, and the latest iteration of the A3 series is making waves with its enhanced sportiness, comfort, and digital integration.
The A3, a cornerstone of Audi’s commitment to innovation, now boasts a more advanced design, a broadened array of standard features, and new material offerings. The introduction of in-vehicle apps, customizable daytime running light signatures, and the option to add vehicle functions post-purchase exemplify Audi’s dedication to personalization and customer satisfaction.
Joining the A3 family is the all-new A3 allstreet, a model that distinguishes itself with an off-road aesthetic, elevated ground clearance, and an SUV-esque driving experience, marking it as a functional yet stylish crossover addition.
Table of Contents
The A3 Sportback and Sedan: Redefining Sportiness
The latest design enhancements to the Audi A3 Sportback and Sedan push the boundaries of dynamism and emotion. The remodeled hexagonal Singleframe grille, now frameless, broader, and flatter, commands attention at the forefront of the vehicle, symbolizing its athletic nature alongside the pronounced side air intakes.
The redesigned front spoiler bridges these intakes, lending the A3 a lower, more aggressive stance. The rear complements this sporty demeanor with a new bumper and a striking diffuser. Inspired by the prowess of RS models and accentuated by the S line exterior, the new design elements shine, especially when paired with the vibrant metallic colors
Introducing the Audi A3 allstreet: A Unique Crossover Experience
The Audi A3 allstreet emerges as a standout within the A3 lineage, heralded by Stephan Fahr-Becker, Team Leader of Exterior Design at AUDI AG, for its unique crossover appeal in the premium compact class. This model’s design deliberately accentuates its increased ground clearance, thanks to a matte black Singleframe grille that’s vertically emphasized and an octagonal radiator grille that aligns with Audi’s Q models.
Off-road character is further highlighted by front and rear grooves, dark side skirts, and trim, as well as a 15 mm higher suspension setup than the standard A3 Sportback. This translates to a total of 30 mm additional ground clearance, underscoring the allstreet’s readiness for any adventure.
Despite its rugged appearance, the A3 allstreet does not compromise on comfort or functionality, offering a spacious luggage compartment and standard roof rails, among other convenient features.
Customization at Your Fingertips: Daytime Running Light Signatures
For the first time in the A3 series, Audi introduces selectable daytime running light signatures, allowing owners to tailor the appearance of their vehicles. Cesar Muntada, Head of Design Light Experience at AUDI AG, highlights this innovation as a step towards greater personalization, enabling drivers to alter their car’s expression through various confidence and agility-themed signatures.
This customization extends to “coming home/leaving home” scenarios, each designed to match the chosen light signature, underscoring the A3’s blend of technology and personal touch.
Design and Comfort: The Interior Revolution
The Audi A3’s interior redesign matches the exterior’s bold transformation, focusing on precision and detail to foster a more engaging driver and passenger experience. Innovations span the spectrum from the shifter design and air vents to the introduction of decorative fabric inlays and a revamped interior lighting scheme, all aimed at amplifying the vehicle’s modern and technical ambiance.
A significant expansion of standard features underscores Audi’s commitment to luxury and convenience. The base model now includes a multifunctional three-spoke leather steering wheel, air conditioning, an ambient light package, and a front center armrest, elevating the baseline of premium compact comfort.
In the realm of climate control, the optional package showcases air vents with a slender new blade design, accented in chrome to enhance the visual breadth of the cockpit. The center console has been reimagined with a sleek finish, complementing the new effect finish on the inside door handles.
The integration of practical cup holders and an adjustable armrest in the center console reinforces the Audi A3’s user-friendly ethos. Meanwhile, the redesigned compact shifter merges seamlessly with the console, epitomizing the vehicle’s sophisticated interior design language.
The standard interior lighting scheme introduces an aesthetic and functional layer to the vehicle’s ambiance, with optional enhancements including additional lighting elements and contour lighting. A novel design feature sees the front doors’ interior panels backlit, achieved through precision laser-cutting, illuminating the cabin with dynamic light flows.
This interplay of light and material not only adds to the car’s allure but also allows for personalization through 30 selectable light colors, enhancing the driving experience with every journey.
Audi also introduces two innovative fabric inlays: a technical textured fabric made from 100% recycled polyester and Dinamica microfiber, which offers a suede-like feel while being environmentally conscious. These materials not only contribute to the vehicle’s aesthetic but also its sustainability credentials.
Digital Innovation: Connectivity and Customization
The Audi A3 and A3 allstreet stand at the forefront of digital integration and connectivity, boasting an array of connect services, on-demand functions, and an in-built app store. Standard features include DAB+ digital radio, a 10.1-inch touch display, the Audi virtual cockpit, and an inductive smartphone charger, ensuring that drivers are always connected and in control.
The optional MMI navigation plus enhances the connect portfolio, granting access to a wide range of applications directly from the vehicle’s display. This seamless integration allows for intuitive interaction with popular third-party apps without the need for a smartphone intermediary, offering convenience and a myriad of functionalities at the driver’s fingertips.
Voice command interaction, including Amazon Alexa compatibility, enriches the user experience, enabling music streaming and smart home device control directly from the car. Functions on demand further exemplify Audi’s commitment to flexibility, allowing drivers to tailor their vehicle’s capabilities to their immediate needs, whether it’s for a long journey or everyday convenience.
Safety and Assistance: A New Standard
The A3 series prioritizes safety and driving assistance, incorporating systems like Audi pre sense front, collision avoidance assist, turn assist, and lane departure warning to mitigate accidents and enhance road safety.
The addition of adaptive cruise assist and assisted lane change functions elevates the driving experience, offering support with acceleration, braking, steering, and lane changes at high speeds, ensuring comfort and security on both city roads and highways.
For urban driving, the park assist with park assist plus feature simplifies parking maneuvers, demonstrating Audi’s attention to detail in crafting a vehicle that is both luxurious and practical, suited to the demands of modern driving environments.
Market Launch: Performance Meets Precision
Initially available in Europe in two engine/transmission configurations, the Audi A3 series offers a choice between a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with mild hybrid technology and a 2.0-liter diesel engine, both paired with a seven-speed S tronic transmission. These options cater to a range of driving preferences, ensuring performance without compromising on efficiency.
Additional engine variants and a plug-in hybrid model are slated for release, highlighting Audi’s commitment to sustainability and performance diversity.
Manufactured at Audi’s Ingolstadt plant, the A3 series embodies the brand’s dedication to quality and innovation. With a starting price that reflects its premium features and capabilities, the A3 Sportback and Sedan, alongside the adventurous A3 allstreet, set new benchmarks in the premium compact segment, offering a harmonious blend of sportiness, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.
The Audi A3 Sportback starts at 35,650 euros, the Sedan version adds 800 euros on top of that, while the allstreet starts at 37,450 euros in Germany.
