Audi has taken the wraps off the 4th generation A3, with pre-sales starting in Europe later this month. The first model of the new A3 lineup is the ‘Sportback’ – a 5-door hatchback.
Built on the MQB platform that also underpins the Golf MK8, the new A3 Sportback offers more space. Measuring 4.34 meters in length and 1.82 meters in width without the mirrors, the premium compact car has grown by just over 3 cm (1.2 in) compared with its predecessor. The height of 1.43 meters and the wheelbase of 2.64 meters remain unchanged.
Depending on the position of the rear bench seat, the luggage compartment holds between 380 (13.4 cu ft) and 1,200 liters (42.4 cu ft), and the loading floor can be adjusted at different heights. An electric tailgate, which also can be controlled with foot motion, is available as an option.
The sharp styling is in line with the latest Audis. Interestingly, the headlamps and the wheels remind us of the all-electric e-tron SUV. The DRLs in the Matrix LED headlamps are a new innovation. They consist of a pixel array made up of LED segments in a 3 X 5 arrangement that creates special light signatures to give the A3 its unique recognizable signature.
The example here in the photos is a special launch edition called the A3 Sportback edition one. It gets the styling elements in matt platinum gray, darkened Matrix LED headlamps, and 18-inch wheels in titanium gray.
Inside, the aforementioned launch edition gets S line treatment with newly developed sports seats, aluminum inlays, and stainless steel pedals.
For the first time, the A3’s seat upholstery is made of recycled PET bottles and adorned with contrast stitching.
Technology inside includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with handwriting recognition, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot, and DAB+ digital radio. The connect services also include the car-to-X services. They help with finding free parking spots on the roadside or allow the driver to surf the green wave by communicating with traffic lights.
Options include a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a head-up display.
The standard suspension with a four-link rear axle is claimed to be sporty and balanced enough, offering pleasant ride comfort and good dynamics. However, buyers can opt for adaptive damper control, which lowers the body by 10 mm. The S line models get sport suspension with tauter tuning of the suspension and dampers while lowering the body by 15 mm.
Driver assistance and safety systems include adaptive cruise assist, Audi pre sense front, swerve assist and lane departure warning. The lane change and exit warnings as well as the cross-traffic and park assist systems, are available as an option.
As for the business end of the story, the new A3 Sportback at launch will be available with a choice of three engine versions: a 1.5L TFSI with 110 kW (150 hp), and a 2.0 TDI that delivers 85 kW (116 hp) or 110 kW (150 hp).
Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed S tronic. Electrified versions with quattro (AWD) drive will follow at a later date.
Prices will start at €28,900. First deliveries are expected at the beginning of May 2020.
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