New tech for A3 models

A completely new cockpit design and new technology lie at the heart of changes to be released in the updated versions of the immensely popular Audi A3 range. Expected to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2027, the updated range will included Sedan and Sportback variants of the A3, S3 and RS 3 models offering the different levels of performance and appointment that have proven so successful over each generation of the brand’s compact, luxury family. The A3 e-hybrid also remains under consideration for introduction to the Australian market.

The most obvious visual change to the updated A3 models is the completely redesigned interior and cockpit layout which will feature the large, curved design dash treatment rolled out across the other vehicles within the Audi range. Made up of an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and 12.8-inch MMI panoramic display, the new layout presents all vehicle and entertainment functions in a large, cohesive format that also accentuates the uncluttered, spacious feeling. There are also four material options from which to choose, with carbon fibre, Dynamic microfibre and two textile fabrics on offer.

The centre console has also been redesigned with the mobile phone tray now oriented toward the driver and offering 25-watt wireless charging. In addition, all of the steering wheel options will feature physical scroll wheels in the multifunction clusters for ease of use and customers will also be able to choose between three different steering wheel designs – two double-spoke versions and a three-spoke, with flat-top-and-bottom design for the S line and S models.

The upgraded models will also see the range of driver assistance systems grouped into three new packages – Tech, Tech plus, and Tech pro. The core system is the adaptive cruise assist plus which combines adaptive cruise control with active lane guidance at speeds of up to 210 km/h. The system assists with longitudinal and lateral guidance, taking road markings, roadside structures and surrounding traffic into account, while on highways, the system can change lanes by itself when the indicator is used.

As a new feature, adaptive cruise assist plus enables automatic braking at red lights.

Surround-view cameras provide a 360-degree image of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings for easy parking and manoeuvring, while park assist plus and pro use the cameras to detect parking lines, allowing the vehicle to pull in and out of parking spaces on its own. With the park assist pro, a remote function is included that allows the driver to get out of the vehicle before parking or wait until the vehicle has pulled out of the space before getting in. Another new feature in the A3 models is trained parking, which allows the vehicle to memorise specific parking manoeuvres such as a garage that is difficult to access. The A3 only needs to be trained once to be able to park automatically from that point on and up to five parking manoeuvres over a distance of 50 metres can be stored in the MMI.

The updated A3 models also feature a range of enhanced digital services, with new remote functions that allow users to check not only the vehicle’s parked location – displayed on a map in the smartphone app – but also the status of the parking brake, lights, and any doors or windows that may have accidentally been left open. In addition to this, the myAudi app provides a full overview of mileage, fuel level, remaining range, tyre pressure, oil level and service intervals, as well as remote control of the auxiliary heating and remote locking and unlocking of the vehicle.

The exact specification and pricing across the A3 range of models is yet to be confirmed for its Australian introduction, but will be announced ahead of the vehicles’ expected arrival here in the first half of 2027.