New A3 impresses at launch

In motorsport, it’s long been held that it’s much harder to stay in front of the opposition than it is to chase. That is also true in the automotive world in general, where maintaining an edge in a particular market segment is a lot trickier than letting others make the running. But that’s been the case with Audi’s tremendously popular A3 models since they first arrived on the scene in 1997 and showed that a small, hatchback model (the Sedan arrived in 2014) could also be luxurious and sporty and offer up the sort of technology that was usually only found in the much larger, premium models.

Back then the A3 was a three-door, but later became the five-door Sportback we know now. Along the way the offering has expanded with the aforementioned A3 Sedan and of course there are the performance models – the S3 and RS 3 – which have built their own loyal followings. But the core A3 model has continued to set the standard in what’s called the small/compact segment, significantly raising the bar with each successive model, as a legion of imitators have scrambled to keep up.

That winning combination is on show with the latest A3 models touching down in Australia and once again refining the offering across performance and handling, styling and appointment and leading-edge automotive technology.

There’s no mistaking the new A3 models – available as an A3 35 TFSI Sportback ($54,800*) and a A3 35 TFSI Sedan ($57,800*) – but while the new exterior design gives them a sharper, fresher new look, it  is again an evolution of the model as opposed to a radical departure.

Both Sportback and Sedan have a more sculpted, muscular look, particularly down the flanks, while the front end is more aggressive, with a revised, frameless front Singleframe grille design and inlay that sits lower and is wider than before, giving the impression of greater width. Air intakes too are larger and the LED headlights feature up to four selectable digital daytime running light signatures, contributing to the sharp front end look, while down the back, there is likewise a new lighting treatment, new bumper and rear diffuser.

Customers can choose from seven colours in addition to Glacier white metallic, and the inclusion of the S line exterior package further enhances the sharp look of both vehicles, most noticeable in the likes of the subtle roof spoiler on the Sportback. Rolling stock is made up of 18-inch wheels in a five-Y-spoke design finished in graphite grey, and then there is the high gloss styling package adding that includes highlights that sees the side window strips finished in anodised aluminium.  Less obvious at a glance are the likes of an electric tailgate release with gesture control on the Sedan and both body styles come with a space saver spare hidden away in the luggage compartment.

The overall result is a very sharp looking car in both body styles, although in this author’s opinion, the Sedan remains the best looking small sedan on the market. The interior too is clean, beautifully designed and executed, with the S line treatment also standard here, with S line sports front seats that are heated and feature four-way lumbar support, with the driver’s seat also electrically adjustable.

A combination of cloth and leatherette upholstery embossed with the S logo provides a perfect combination of comfort and support, although customers can opt for leather appointed upholstery for $1100, while three-zone climate control gives fingertip control for passenger comfort. Privacy glass ($650) and a glass sunroof ($2000) can also be added as options.

Up front, the S line multifunction wheel likewise carries the S line logo and features paddles for manual gear changes, while the standard Audi virtual cockpit plus allows the driver to keep an eye on all vehicle systems. The likes of MMI plus, Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Audi phone box light with wireless charging via the Qi standard are all standard inclusions along with a 180-watt Audi 10-speaker sound system, and the Audi Connect plus system. This literally connects the A3 to the outside world, providing the likes of online traffic information, parking information and destination entry via myAudi or Google Maps, as well as security services like online roadside assist and energy call.

In addition, customers also have the option to add to the A3’s impressive equipment with two packages – the Style package and Comfort package – as well as the aforementioned individual upgrade items.

The Style package ($2000) adds distinctive 18-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in five-twin spoke Y design finished in black, as well as a black exterior styling package the sees badging and wing mirror caps finished in black. Inside, the Style package also includes a colour ambient lighting package to tailor the feel of the cabin after dark.

The Comfort package ($1700) adds electric front seats and 360 degree surround view camera, as well as electronically adjustable, heated and folding wing mirrors which are also auto dimming and feature kerb view on the passenger side to assist with parking.

The new A3 is powered by a state-of-the-art 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels via a seven-speed S tronic transmission. Again bucking the ‘small packages’ classification, it outputs 110kW between 5000rpm and 6000rpm and delivers 250Nm of torque from 1500rpm to 3000rpm for plenty of pull off the line.

Put the A3 on the right bit of road and it has plenty of go, and with torque available from so low in the range makes it easy to stay in the sweet spot racing from corner to corner or to take advantage of breaks in the traffic in a city driving environment. Out on the open road, the A3 will happily gallop along all day and with its cylinder-on-demand technology which shuts down two of the four cylinders when not under load, its fuel efficiency is next level.

That the A3 can achieve 5.3-litres per 100km is also due in part to the use of a 48 volt mild hybrid system which is able to recoup up to 12kW and accounts for up to 9kW and 50Nm of torque. This system, which uses a 48 volt belt-driven alternator can account for a saving of nearly half a litre per 100km (0.4L/100km to be precise). It all adds up to give the A3 those fuel figures that are amongst the best on the road.

When you’re not concerning yourself with fuel efficiency though, the A3 gets along at a good pace, with plenty of torque on hand where it does the most good. 

That the A3 handles as well as it does driving just the front wheels is a testament to Audi’s engineers and the work that’s gone into the chassis. On the twisty mountain road out of Cairns where the A3 was launched to the press, the A3 35 TFSI acquitted itself admirably, its four-cylinder engine and seven-speed S tonic offering up an engaging drive that felt surefooted and planted even pushing hard into the corners. The 110kW and more importantly that 250Nm of torque providing plenty of urge for a spirited drive that will put a smile on the face of anyone who likes to drive.

Once again the A3 punches well above its weight and while it doesn’t try to be all things to all people, it does manage to combine performance, with a premium interior boasting a high level of appointment and technology. Eye-catching styling – regardless of body shape – and of course the highest five-star ANCAP safety rating available in Australia, thanks to an impressive complement of safety and driver assistance systems. 

Think Audi pre-sense front with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian and cyclist protection, adaptive cruise assist including adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, traffic jam assist and emergency assist to name just some of the systems.

Indeed the new models continue to raise the bar in each of these key areas as has always been the case with A3, offering up $10,000 of additional equipment over the previous model in an even more refined and comprehensive package than ever before.

This all adds up to the understandable appeal of the Audi A3 which endears the models to a broad customer base. This is a car that works equally for customers with a young family or empty-nesters looking for something more compact, but without compromising practicality. Whether it be Sportback or Sedan, the A3 can be the perfect entry to the Audi family, or just the ideal choice for someone wanting a smaller car. Most importantly, the A3 is all Audi, once again bringing the attributes of the larger luxury models to the compact segment – and once again setting the pace and letting the competitors do the chasing.

Book a test drive or learn more about the new A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)