See all Motoring NewsAudi is giving the A3 hatch, Sportback, Saloon and Cabriolet a major midlife update and the biggest news is that it will now be available with the brilliant 1.0-litre TFSI turbo three-cylinder petrol engine. With 115hp and Band A emissions (TBC) it could well go on to be the pick of the A3 range.
Other mechanical changes include a wet-clutch setup for the updated S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and 15mm lower suspension (25mm lower on S line models).
Inside, buyers can now have the option of Audi's full-width 'Virtual Cockpit' instrument binnacle, which can be adjusted to show either instruments and infotainment or a full-screen satnav map; as seen on other Audi models, it brings some serious technology to the segment.
There are also changes to the infotainment system, which gets a new seven-inch screen with an optional touch-sensitive rotary controller and a new menu layout for the MMI system. You can also have on-board Internet as an option.
On the safety front, the A3 now comes with rear crossing traffic assist (for when backing out of a parking space) and if the S tronic gearbox and active cruise control have been specified then the A3 will now be able to drive itself in heavy traffic at speeds of up to 65km/h.
The A3 will also now be available with Matrix LED headlights, active lane keeping assistance and a new emergency braking system that reacts more quickly to wandering pedestrians.
On the outside you'll spot the new A3 thanks to a revised radiator grille and headlights and for the power-hungry, the S3 versions get a boost of extra grunt bringing the total to 310hp.
Sales of the updated A3 will start in the summer.
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