Special feature: design and lighting
The new Audi A3 Sportback has compact proportions and a sporty design. The large Singleframe and large air intakes at the front accentuate the dynamic character of the premium compact car. The body shoulder extends smoothly from the headlights to the rear lights. The surface below is curved inward – a new element in Audi’s design that puts more emphasis on the wheel arches. Another innovation is the digital daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights. They consist of a network of pixels made up of LED segments in a three by five arrangement which create special light signatures and make the A3 instantly recognizable. The sporty and sophisticated design continues inside with the new gear lever, aluminum or carbon inlays, striking door openers and a dashboard with a black panel appearance. The upholstery of the seats in recycled PET bottles and decorated with elegant contrast stitching is used for the first time.
Digitized: controls and displays
The cockpit of the A3 Sportback is entirely focused on the driver. It uses elements familiar from the brand’s large format models and is equipped with a standard 10.1 inch touch screen, which is integrated in the center of the dashboard. It recognizes letters entered by hand, provides acoustic feedback and can be controlled using natural language. The instrument cluster, which the driver controls via the multifunction steering wheel, is also digital as standard. The Audi virtual cockpit offers additional functions such as a large display of the navigation map. The plus version measures 12.3 inches and offers three different views, including graphics with a sporty look. A head-up display that projects important information to the color windshield can be installed on request.
Intensified: infotainment
The MMI operating concept is powered by the new third generation modular infotainment platform. Its computing power is ten times that of its predecessor, it performs all tasks related to connectivity, including telephony and Audi connect services at LTE Advanced speed, and also has a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot .
Individual settings can be stored in up to six user profiles – from air conditioning and seat position to frequently selected navigation destinations and frequently used media. DAB + digital radio is included as standard and online or hybrid radio is available as an option. Route guidance is even simpler and more flexible. For example, the navigation provides forecasts of the evolution of the traffic situation, high resolution satellite images of Google Earth and detailed 3D models of many large European cities. Audi connect enriches points of interest with photos, opening hours and user reviews. Connection services also include car services at X. They help find free parking spaces on the side of the road or allow the driver to surf the green wave by communicating with the traffic lights. The A3 Sportback is connected to the smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as via the Audi telephone booth. The latter connects the device to the car antenna and charges it by induction. The Audi connect key, which authorizes the customer to lock and unlock the car and start the engine via their Android smartphone, and Amazon Alexa will follow shortly after market launch.
Sophisticated: the engines
The new Audi A3 Sportback is launched in Europe with a choice of three engine versions – a 1.5 TFSI with 110 kW (150 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l / 100 km: 5.1 – 4.8 *; CO combined2 emissions in g / km: 116 – 111 *) and a 2.0 TDI which delivers 85 kW (116 PS) (fuel consumption in l / 100 km: 3.6 – 3.5 *; combined CO2 emissions in g / km: 96 – 92 *) or 110 kW (150 PS) (fuel consumption in l / 100 km: 3.9 – 3.7 *; combined CO2 emissions in g / km: 103 – 98 *). All engines impress with their powerful torque and sophisticated operating characteristics. The engine versions at the start of production will be combined with front-wheel drive. Power will be transmitted by a six-speed manual transmission or the S tronic seven-speed quick-change gearbox, whose selector lever is now designed as a compact gear lever. The driver can push and pull to control the basic functions of the automatic transmission. Shortly after market launch, Audi will gradually expand the offering to include other engine versions, including electrified drive systems and quattro drive versions.
Refined: the suspension
The suspension of the new A3 Sportback – with a four-link rear axle for 110 kW (150 hp) engines – is sporty and balanced, combining pleasant driving comfort with good dynamics. On request, the suspension is available with an adaptive damper control, which simultaneously lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.4 inch). Each shock absorber continuously adapts to the road conditions, the driving situation and the settings of the Audi drive select dynamic driving system, creating a wide gap between a very comfortable rolling movement and agile handling. With the sport suspension – standard in combination with the exterior of the S line, if not optional – the emphasis is clearly on the latter. Due to the tighter suspension and shock absorber settings and the fact that the vehicle is lowered by 15 millimeters (0.6 inch), the compact model transmits even more direct contact with the road surface.
Knowledgeable: driver assistance systems
Equipped with the Audi pre sense front, the swerve assist and the lane departure warning, the A3 Sportback helps to prevent accidents with other road users and offers a high level of safety as standard. Other assistance systems, such as lane departure and exit warnings as well as traffic and parking assistance systems, are available as an option. The adaptive cruise assistant, which customers know of many full-size models, facilitates longitudinal and lateral guidance. It maintains speed and distance from the vehicle in front and assists in lane guidance by means of gentle interventions in the electromechanical direction. This in particular increases the level of driving comfort during long journeys.
Optimized: the concept of space
The new A3 Sportback offers more space and functionality combined with compact external dimensions. Measures 4.34 meters (14.2 ft) in length and 1.82 meters (6.0 ft) in width without the mirrors, the premium compact car has increased by just over three centimeters (1.2 inch) compared to its predecessor. The height of 1.43 meters (4.7 ft) and the wheelbase of 2.64 meters (8.7 ft) remains unchanged. Depending on the position of the rear seat, the luggage compartment can hold between 380 (13.4 cu ft) and 1200 liters (42.4 cu ft)and the loading floor can be inserted at different heights. An electric tailgate, which can also be controlled by movement of the foot, is available on request.
Scheduled: market launch and price
The presales of the new Audi A3 Sportback start in many European countries in March 2020, with the first vehicles delivered to customers in early May. 1.5 TFSI with 110 kW (150 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l / 100 km: 5.1 – 4.8 *; CO combined2 emissions in g / km: 116 – 111 *) starts at 28,900 euros. The market launch will be accompanied by a special edition model: the A3 Sportback edition with exclusive features. From the outside, it can be recognized by fixings in matt platinum gray as well as blackened Matrix LED headlights and 18-inch wheels in titanium gray. The interior of the S line with newly developed sports seats including integrated headrests, aluminum inlays and stainless steel pedals complete the dynamic look.
