Audi gives A3 a facelift 06 | 04 | 2016
AUDI HAS GIVEN its A3 a midlife facelift with a new look, a raft of new technology upgrades and a new entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. The new models – in three-door hatchback, five-door Sportback, four-door saloon and two-door cabriolet guises — arrive in Scottish showrooms next month. Prices have yet to be confirmed.
One of the main attractions of the revised range is new 113bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine which can deliver its 140Nm of torque from just 2,000rpm. Expect it to start around £18,000.
The range also gets a 187bhp 2.0 four-cylinder turbo. While the outgoing A3 2.0TFSI used a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the new model gets a seven-speed box. The 2.0-litre TFSI is the only A3 (aside from the red-hot S3 variants) available with the option of the brand’s quattro four-wheel drive.
Audi has also given its turbocharged S3’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine an added 10bhp. This takes the engine up to 306bhp, and when mated to an optional S-tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox, receives an additional 15lb/ft of torque, at 295lb/ft.
The diesel range now stars with a 1.6TDI with 109bhp, rising to a 2.0TDI with 148bhp. A 181bhp version of this engine will join the range in around six months.
Most models offer the choice of a standard ix-speed manual gearbox or a newly developed seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic ’box. Buyers also get the choice of front or four-wheel drive on selected engines, including the new 2.0-litre petrol turbo unit in the 2.0TFSI.
As you can see, the design tweaks are mild. There are new headlights with optional matrix LED operation, a more angular single-frame grille and a re-profiled bumper. At the rear of the new A3, there's revised tail-lights and a lightly modified bumper.
Across the range, the most models will continue to be offered with 16in wheels as standard, although buyers can specify optional 17, 18 and 19in alloys. There are also six new exterior colour schemes for the standard A3, along with a grey pearl-effect finish available with the optional S line styling package.
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The enhanced standard specification now includes cruise control, light and rain sensors and three-spoke multi-function steering wheel
The optional virtual cockpit technology — already available in the larger A4 and the TT — will now also be offered in the A3, allowing drivers choose between two different digital layouts, classic view or infotainment model, on the 12.3in screen.
Audi has also further strengthened its safety package, to include a developed version of its active lane assist and pre-sense front functions. These now come with predictive pedestrian protection at city speeds. There's also a new cross-traffic assist function warns the driver about cars approaching from the sides when backing out of a parking space.
The revised line-up also gets a number new safety systems, including a semi-autonomous traffic jam assist function.
This function works together with the optional adaptive cruise control to keep the new Audi at a safe distance from the car in front in stop-start traffic. In combination with the optional S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, the system automatically sets the A3 in motion again when it comes to a stop. At speeds up to 40mph, the new system provides autonomous steering for short distances.
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Jim McGill