See all Motoring NewsAudi created the premium compact class when it launched the A3 for the first time in 1996, and now it has revealed a new fourth generation A3 Sportback. With sportier styling and a digitalised cabin, it’s a significant step from the previous model too .
In terms of styling, the A3 Sportback boasts a revised front grille with large air inlets, while the side profile had been reshaped with more emphasis on the wheels. The sporty theme continues inside with a new gear stick, aluminium or carbon fibre inlays and an instrument panel with a black-panel look. Seat upholstery made of recycled PET bottles and adorned with stylish contrasting stitching are being used for the first time.
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The cockpit of the A3 Sportback is driver focused, with with a 10.1-inch touch display as standard. This recognises letters entered by hand, provides acoustic feedback and can be controlled with voice control. The instrument cluster, which the driver operates 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. A DAB+ digital radio is included as standard and route guidance is even easier, with predictions on the development of heavy traffic, high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth and detailed 3D models of many major European cities. The A3 Sportback is connected to the smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as via the standard Audi phone box.
The A3 Sportback is being launched in Europe with a choice of two engine versions – a 1.5 TFSI with 110 kW and a 2.0 TDI that delivers 85 kW, both in front-wheel-drive from launch. Power will be transmitted by a six-speed manual transmission or the quick-shifting seven-speed S tronic. Shortly after market launch, Audi will be gradually expanding the offer to include further engine versions, including an electrified drive system
The new A3 Sportback offers more space and has grown by just over three centimetres compared with its predecessor. Depending on the position of the rear bench seat, the boot holds between 380 and 1,200 litres, and the loading floor can be inserted at different heights. The A3 Sportback is due to launch in Ireland in late Spring 2020 with additional details to be announced closer to the time.