The first facelift after its global unveiling in April 2013, the A3 sedan gets styling more in-line with its larger sibling along with a host of added features and the addition of new engines.
In terms of styling, the headlamps are redesigned and now come with the option of being Matrix LED units. The grille is a larger single-frame unit while the front bumper has been revised and gets larger air-vents. At the rear, the tail-lamps are new, while the rear bumper also gets some tweaks. The revised A3 sits on 16-inch wheels as standard, but with the option of larger units up to 19-inches is available.
Under the hood, the facelift sees the introduction of two new engines. The first of the two is a new entry level 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI 115hp unit, this is the first time the A3 will be getting a 3-cylinder engine. The second is a new 190hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI motor, with cylinder-on-demand technology, turning off two cylinders when the lot of power is not required.
The more performance-oriented S3 gets a boost in power. The 2.0-litre turbo unit gets an additional 10hp, taking total output to 310hp. Torque has also gone up from 380Nm to 400Nm for the dual-clutch automatic gearbox equipped variant.
The car is offered with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch unit with select engines getting the option of all-wheel drive, while front-wheel is standard.
Inside, the facelifted A3 receives the optional virtual cockpit technology already available in the larger A4. It consists of a 12.3-inch screen that lets drivers choose between two different digital layouts: a so-called classic view or infotainment mode.
Safety systems include a developed version of Audi’s active lane assist and presence front functions, which now come with predictive pedestrian protection at city speeds. A new cross-traffic assist function warns the driver about cars approaching from the sides when backing out of a parking space.
Also available on the facelifted A3 is traffic-jam assist, which works together with the optional adaptive cruise control to keep the updated A3 at a safe distance from the car in front in stop-start traffic and, in combination with the optional dual-clutch gearbox, automatically sets the A3 in motion again when it comes to a stop. The system also allows for autonomous steering at speeds of up to 60kph.
The new A3 will go on sale internationally in four body styles – a three-door hatchback, a five-door Sportback, a four-door sedan and a two-door cabriolet.
Audi currently offers the A3 in India in its four-door sedan and two-door cabriolet guise. The car though hasn’t seen much success as people have opted to go for its larger and more spacious sibling, the A4, with the price gap between the two models being rather small. The facelifted A3 is expected to come to India sometime later this year.