AUDI Australia has announced pricing and specification details of the latest generation of its popular premium compact car, the A3. Within the progressive design of the new Sportback and Sedan lie many innovations, including an advanced new user interface.
The 2022 Audi A3 is characterised by the new design language, with compact proportions and an even more sporty design than its predecessor. The wide Singleframe grille and large air inlets at the front end accentuate their dynamic character.
The shoulder of the body extends in a smooth line from the headlights to the rear lights and the area below is curved inward. This is a new element of Audi’s design that puts a stronger emphasis on the wheel arches.
The sporty and sophisticated design is continued in the interior with the new shifter, aluminium inlays, and striking door openers. It has more space and functionality, combined with compact external dimensions.
The new A3 showcases a reimagined interior with distinctive design elements including the refreshed Audi virtual cockpit – which is standard on all models.
The cockpit uses familiar elements from the brand’s full-size class models and is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch display as standard, which is beautifully integrated in the centre of the instrument panel.
The screen is embedded in a trapezoidal black panel trim that takes up the centre area of the instrument panel. It recognises letters entered by hand, provides acoustic feedback, and can be controlled using natural language.
It is now a powerful display, with 10 times higher computing power than its predecessor, allowing for the full suite of Audi connect plus services. A head-up display is offered as part of the Premium package for the 40 TFSI quattro as well.
For the first time ever, the new A3 offers the convenience of Audi connect plus functionality, with the integration of online traffic, weather conditions, fuel prices, parking information and Google satellite map overlay into the A3 driving experience.
Together with additional functions enabled through the myAudi smartphone app like remote lock/unlock, Audi service request, emergency call and more, thanks to the embedded SIM card, the A3 offers the complete package.
The ergonomic design of the centre console features a new gear shifter, providing shift-by-wire technology for the first time. Two engines will be available across four model variants, including the A3 Sportback 35 TFSI and A3 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S line.
The A3 Sedan 35 TFSI and A3 Sedan 40 TFSI quattro S line complete the line-up. The 35 TFSI variants feature a new 1.5-litre engine with cylinder on demand technology and a mild-hybrid system under its bonnet.
Peak power of 110kW and 250Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency sits at just 5.0-litres/100km for Sportback and 4.9-litres for the sedan, with both fitted with a standard 50 litre fuel tank. The A3 40 TSI quattro S line Sportback and Sedan steps the power up a notch.
The dueo deliver peak power of 140kW and 320 Nm of torque, with fuel efficiency of 6.7-litres/100km for Sportback and 6.6-litres for the sedan, with a 55 litre fuel tank.
The suspension of the new A3 models is sporty and balanced, combining pleasant ride comfort with good dynamics. Safety is a high priority for all Audi vehicles too, and the new A3 model is no exception.
Having received a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, it features seven airbags and a range of advanced driver assistance systems.
Exterior equipment highlights for the A3 35 TFSI models include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with dynamic indicators, heated exterior mirrors and electric tailgate release (Sedan only).
Convenience key enables easy vehicle access, and once inside, interior highlights include leather-appointed seats, three-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel (with hands-on detection), dual-zone climate control and folding rear back rest (40:20:40).
Infotainment is a key focal point, with the 10.1-inch touchscreen and MMI navigation plus featuring as highlights, alongside the 10.25-inch virtual cockpit. The package includes DAB+ digital radio, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Audi offers wireless phone charging, while there are also two USB outlets for charging and connectivity functions. Important safety features include Audi pre-sense city with AEB (including pedestrian and cyclist detection).
You’ll also find side assist, lane assist, cruise control with speed limiter, park assist with rear view camera and tyre pressure loss indicator.
The new 40 TFSI quattro S line builds on the equipment offered in the 35 TFSI models, with Audi Sport 18-inch alloy wheels complementing the dynamic S line exterior styling package. Audi Drive Select gives the driver more control over the vehicle’s characteristics.
Sports front seats provide additional comfort. The storage and luggage compartment package, auto-dimming interior mirror and ambient lighting package are also included.
Despite the high levels of equipment, select equipment packages are available such as the Comfort Package (available on the 35 TFSI), and the Premium Package (available on the 40 TFSI S line quattro).
A selection of 12 exterior colours are available on the new Audi A3, as well as three interior colour schemes. The new Audi A3 model range is offered with the comprehensive Audi five-year service plan package, priced at $2,250.
The new Audi A3 model range will be available in Audi showrooms in early 2022, and will also be available to order through the Audi online purchase platform at audi.com.au
Pricing starts from $46,300 for the A3 Sportback 35 TFSI, with the higher spec Sportback 40 TFSI quattro S at $52,900. The Sedan variants are $48,800 and $55,400 respectively. All prices are plus on-roads.
