Audi A3 Facelift Globally Revealed, to Get Plug-In Hybrid Variant Later

The iconic Audi nameplate —A3 —has been significantly upgraded for the global market. Along with exterior and interior changes, the new A3 now includes an all-new allstreet version with crossover and off-road aesthetics. This new variant has 30mm more ground clearance and a higher seat position than the A3 Sportback. As of now, the four-rings manufacturer hasn't disclosed any information about bringing the A3 back to India. The car was on sale in our market as the most affordable offering from the brand till the adoption of BS6 emission norms in 2020, when it was discontinued. However, if the premium manufacturer decides to introduce the updated model here, it may compete with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class limousine and the BMW 2-series.

Audi currently sells some popular sedans in our market, such as the A4, e-tron GT, A6, S5 Sportback, and A8 L.

Audi A3 Facelift: Exterior and Interior 

The A3 facelift sports a redesigned hexagonal, frameless grille, an all-new bumper with large air intakes, a headlamp with Matrix LED illumination, and four configurable light signatures. At the rear, the refreshed model includes black highlights, updated taillights, and a new bumper. The vehicle comes in three new color finishes: Progressive Red, Ascari Blue, and District Green, and standard 18-inch and optional 19-inch wheels. In contrast, the new A3 allstreet crossover comes with numerous off-road design elements such as black rocker side skirts, wider wheels, higher ground clearance, and roof rails, which adds to its distinct look.

The A3's interior has also undergone significant modifications. These consist of a revamped gear selector design, a redesigned center console, and air-conditioning vents with blade designs. The 30-color interior ambient lighting has also been revised, with contour lights wrapping around the center console and door sills, stretching towards the illuminated cup holders. Other notable interior highlights include two choices for fabric inlays composed of Dinamica microfibre and 100% recycled polyester, a three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction plus, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a Sonos sound system, a 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The car includes features such as a pre-sense front, collision avoidance, turn assist, and lane departure warning, as well as four USB Type-C ports (front and rear). In some regions, additional features including adaptive cruise assist, high-beam assist, and two-zone temperature control are offered as options.

Audi A3 Facelift: Engine 

The revised A3 will initially have two engine options: 1.5-litre mild hybrid gasoline and 2.0-litre diesel. Both units produce 148bhp and are linked to a 7-speed automatic transmission. By year's end, Audi promises to expand the vehicle's range with a plug-in hybrid variant. Additionally, it stated that in the second quarter of this year, more A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan gasoline and diesel models will be introduced.