While the Audi A3’s siblings have all received the marque’s new face, the popular three-door refuses to be left behind… The popular hatchback has been given a healthy aesthetic and performance injection, and should hit SA by August.
While the Audi A3’s siblings have all received the marque’s new face, the popular three-door refuses to be left behind… The popular hatchback has been given a healthy aesthetic and performance injection, and should hit SA by August.
Apart from saying that the refreshed A3 range is being planned for its local unveiling towards the end of July, an Audi representative also confirmed that the 147 kW 2,0T FSI, currently employed in the A4 and sister company Volkswagen’s Golf GTI, will be included in the revised engine line-up.
Additional engines in the range, including the fiery 3,2 V6 with quattro remain largely unchanged and will continue to offer a choice of turbodiesel and petrol engines.
By far the most striking change, facelifted A3 also receives the now-signature single-frame grille from Audi. The manufacturer’s bold visual identity may initially have caused some concern with its more conservative buyers, but the imposing nose has steadily gained favour and the revised A3 should fit seamlessly into the current line-up.
Other exterior changes include a slight revision of the lines and a fresh rear light cluster. New metallic colours Phantom Black and Garnet Red have been added to the exterior colour palette.
The interior revisions include a fresh instrument cluster with an almost round cover inspired by the cabin design of the TT sports car and the A4 cabriolet. The circular theme is continued with the round air vents and instrument dials housed in the facia. The inside door handles and glove-box release are trimmed in aluminium for an extra dash of sportiness.
Drivers of the revised versions will benefit from Audi’s new line of steering wheels offered with a choice of three- or four-spokes and a hub mimicking the design of the front radiator grille. Sport seats are finished in black, light grey and red Nappa leather – all new colours to the range.
The gearboxes will remain unchanged with manual, tiptronic and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmissions to choose from. The McPherson front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension layout have been revised and, according the Audi, will offer greater levels of stability and a higher standard of ride comfort. A selection of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels are offered.
Specification levels are high and standard equipment for the luxury hatchback includes front seats with an easy-entry function, electric windows and height adjustable driver’s seat and steering column.
An advanced ESP system with steering assistance, front seats with active head restraints and airbags protecting the head in the event of a crash are included in the revised model’s list of standard safety equipment.
Optional extras like the sports suspension, which lowers the body by about 15 millimetres and firms it up, xenon headlights and a driver information system can be added, too.