Audi has further enhanced the design, technological capability, and material quality of its compact A3 and S3 model ranges through a comprehensive update programme that aligns their attributes even more closely with models from the classes above. Distinguished by a fresh new look, upgraded lighting, and an improved cabin featuring new infotainment and driver assistance advances, the latest A3 Sportback and Saloon models are now available to order in the UK, with pricing starting at £32,035 (OTR) and first deliveries expected in early May. Orders for the S3 Sportback and Saloon begin on May 15, with prices starting at £46,925 (OTR).
“Audi defined and set the standard for the premium compact class with the first A3 in the mid-nineties, and our continual focus on honing that original concept gave rise to the hugely accomplished fourth-generation model in 2020,” commented Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle.
“For us, there is always scope to go further, though, and these updated versions do just that, making gains in virtually every area that I’m sure will help them build on the current car’s phenomenal success.”
The latest A3 Sportback and Saloon models will initially be available with a choice of two engines. The 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel units powering the 35 TFSI and 35 TDI each offer 150PS and work with a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. Both can be specified in conjunction with the three existing core Sport, S line and Black Edition trims, all of which have been enhanced as part of the update.
An entry-level 30 TFSI and highly-efficient 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid will join the model line-up later in the year.
Up to speed inside and out
On the outside, a now wider, slimmer, and frameless Singleframe grille is a defining feature of the updated models, as are the latest flush, two-dimensional Audi rings, which now sit within it and on the tailgate. The specific model designation is also newly displayed on the B-pillar – a feature that appeared first in the Q8 e-tron SUV.
Reworked bumper and rear diffuser designs with elements that draw inspiration from the RS 3 also mark out the newcomers, and there are attractive new standard wheels for all variants. For even greater visual distinction, the more striking styling can be complemented by the new colours Arkona White, Arrow Grey, Ascari Blue, Progressive Red and District Green.
In the cabin, new fabrics and inlays, remodelled air vents, and an improved S tronic gear shift lever design are the key material changes. Everyday usability is also further enhanced across the board by features such as expanded three-zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors with parking aid plus. In every variant, the already impressive portfolio of technologies is also expanded by additions including Audi phonebox wireless inductive phone charging, the more sophisticated Audi virtual cockpit plus and the new onboard Audi app store, an extension of the Audi smartphone interface that allows the driver to access a wide range of popular third-party apps via the MMI touch display.
The latest A3 is also now equipped to incorporate ‘Functions on Demand’, a collection of additional features that can be purchased for the car and added to its specification via the myAudi app even after it has been delivered. In the UK, two individual infotainment and comfort functions – adaptive cruise control and high beam assist – will initially be available on demand and can be ‘booked’ for one month, six months, one year, three years, or permanently.
In addition to the range-wide equipment upgrades, comfort and convenience are also further enhanced in Sport models by new features such as front seat heating and the 10-speaker, 180-watt Audi sound system.
Among the S line gains are a new flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, multi-coloured ambient interior lighting, and, for the first time in the A3, the opportunity to switch between four individual ‘light signatures’ for the exterior daytime running lights via the Multi Media Interface (MMI).
Range-topping Black Edition models naturally also benefit from the S line trim enhancements, and add a new decorative inlay in Impressum black made from a technical textured fabric derived from 100 percent recycled fibres.
Enhanced high-performer
As part of the product upgrade, the 2.0 TFSI powering the S3 has been uprated to 333PS and 420Nm of torque, making it the most powerful version of the hot hatch in its 25-year history. New to the S3 is the arrival of a torque splitter on the rear axle, designed to increase both agility and stability. This technology enables fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels by using an electronically controlled multiple-disc clutch on each drive shaft to distribute the torque between the rear wheels to best suit the current driving conditions.
S sports suspension comes standard on the S3 models. It lowers the body by 15mm compared to the A3. The same applies to the S sport suspension with adaptive dampers, available only on the S3 Vorsprung, which has been specially tuned for the torque splitter and the respective Audi drive select modes.
Updated option packs
The ever-popular option packs available for the A3 have also undergone improvements that make them even more compelling propositions. The Technology Pack (£1,495) now includes a reversing camera, a head-up display, adaptive cruise assist (incorporating the functions of adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and active lane assist) and a SONOS premium audio system.
To that list, the Technology Pack Pro (£4,995) adds Matrix LED headlights, advanced key hands-free vehicle locking and unlocking, a panoramic glass roof, and powered front seats and mirrors. It also brings further safety-focused driver assistance systems, plus an even more sophisticated version of adaptive cruise assist incorporating emergency assist and assisted lane change functions, the latter capable of executing lane changes at speeds in excess of 55mph on multi-lane carriageways.
Specific to the S3 line-up is the S Technology Pack Pro (£3,050), which brings the following features: adaptive cruise assist with emergency assist, advanced key, head-up display, lane change assistant with exit warning system and rear cross traffic alert, LED matrix headlights, panoramic glass roof, power front seats and mirrors with memory function, pre-sense basic and pre-sense front.
Audi A3 & S3 UK pricing and technical data
Audi A3 Sportback and Saloon UK specification key features by trim
Sport
- 17″ x 8.0J ‘5-V-Spoke’ alloys with 245/45 R17 tyres (New)
- B-pillar model and fuel type badging (New)
- Front seat heating (New)
- Routine cloth upholstery (New)
- Inlays in fine paint finish Volcano grey (New)
- Three-zone climate control (New)
- 2 x USB C inputs at rear with charging function (New)
- Audi virtual cockpit Plus (New)
- Audi Phonebox Light with wireless handset charging (New)
- Audi sound system (New)
- App store and smartphone interface (New)
- Front and rear parking sensors, with parking aid plus (New)
- Adjustable speed limiter (New)
- Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor (New)
- Standard suspension
- Audi drive select
- LED headlamps
- Rear halogen combination lamps
- Sport styling
- Mirrors, electrically adjustable, heated and folding
- Light and rain sensors
- Three-spoke leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel
- Front sport seats with four-way electric lumbar support
- Split/folding rear seat bench
- LED interior lighting pack
- MMI Navigation Plus with 10.1” touchscreen and 3D map display
- Audi connect navigation and infotainment services (three-year subscription)
- Voice control system
- Audi pre-sense front
- Collision avoidance assistant
- Lane departure warning
- Camera-based traffic sign recognition
S line key features (Over Sport)
- 18″ x 8.0J ‘5-twin-Spoke’ alloys graphite grey with gloss turned finish (New)
- Decorative inlays in ‘Spektrum’ dark aluminium (New)
- Multi-coloured interior ambient lighting (New)
- Flat-bottomed, leather-rimmed multi-function Sport steering wheel (New)
- Sport suspension
- LED headlights with LED rear lights and dynamic rear indicators
- S line styling
- Privacy glass
- Sport seats in Twin leather with S embossing for front seats
- Split/folding rear seat backrest
- Front and rear centre armrest in leather
- Black cloth headlining
- Door sills with aluminium inserts incorporating illuminated ‘S’ logo
Black Edition key features (Over S line)
- 19″ 9.0J ‘5-Y-arm’ structure matt grey gloss turned finish alloys (New)
- Decorative fabric inlays in Impressum black (New)
- Exterior black styling pack
- Audi beam
Audi S3 Sportback and Saloon UK specification key features by trim
S Black Edition (Over Black Edition)
- 19″ x 8.0J ‘5-twin-spoke edge’ diamond cut alloy wheels in Anthracite Black
- Quattro permanent all-wheel drive
- Progressive steering
- S Sport suspension
- Audi Drive Select with S3 Torque Splitter
- Decorative inlays in Black Dinamica microfibre, (New)
- SONOS Premium Sound System (New)
- Brake calipers in Gloss Black with S logo
- Audi Beam
- Flat-bottomed 3-spoke multifunction Sport steering wheel with S logo and gearshift paddles
- Head-up display
- Front Sport seats and rear seats in Fine Nappa leather
- Front and rear parking sensors, with parking aid plus and reversing camera
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Black styling pack including Audi rings, grille, window surrounds, air inlets and door mirrors
- Dual-branch oval twin tailpipes in ‘Black Chrome’ finish
- Multi-coloured ambient interior lighting package
S Vorsprung (Over S Black Edition)
- 19″ x 8.0J ‘Multi-spoke’ S-design alloy wheels in anthracite black gloss turned finish with 235/35 R19 tyres
- S Sport suspension with damper control
- S Technology Pack Pro
- Audi Matrix LED headlights with LED rear lights, dynamic front and rear indicators, and headlight cleaning system
- Carbon fibre inlays
- Advance key
- Audi Beam with Vorsprung logo
- 360 camera
- Adaptive Cruise Assist with lane change assistant, exit warning system and rear cross traffic alert
- Electrically adjustable front Sport seats with driver seat memory function
- Panoramic roof
- Power-operated tailgate
