New Audi A3 Debuts – 2.0 TFSI, Virtual Cockpit And More

After almost four years on the market, Audi AG has given its A3 range a mid-lifecycle update. From the outside, the new facelifted A3 looks quite similar to the pre-facelift model, but the new A3 now comes with a lot more advanced driving aids, a new instrument panel, plus a new range of engines.

The updates apply to all body-type variants, including the Sportback, sedan and convertible.

New engines

The engine line-up now consists of 3 petrol engines and 3 diesel engines. The 1.2 TFSI unit has been replaced with a 1.0 TFSI engine that produces 115 hp and 200 Nm of torque.

The 1.4-litre TFSI now comes with Cyliner-on-Demand technology (COD), which shuts off two of the four cylinders when additional power is not required. The updated engine produces 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque.

The outgoing model’s 1.8 TFSI engine has been replaced with a 2.0 TFSI unit that produces 190 hp and 320 Nm of torque.

The 2.0 TFSI engines are joined by a newly developed seven-speed wet-type dual-clutch S tronic transmission. It replaces the previous six-speed dual clutch transmission. Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive technology is available as an option for the 2.0 TFSI model.

The diesel engines available are the 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI. The latter is available in two different state of tunes – 150 hp and 184 hp.

New suspension

The new A3’s suspension has been revised and the optional sports suspension now rides 15 mm lower. S line models with sports suspension will now ride 25 mm lower. Electrically powered progressive steering system is also available as an option.

Matrix LED headlights

The standard headlights are Xenon plus units, but LED and Matrix LED headlamps are also available on certain variants.

Virtual Cockpit

As with the Audi TT and Q7, the new A3 will feature Virtual Cockpit – Audi’s signature 12.3-inch full colour TFT screen instrument panel.

On higher variants, the MMI infotainment system’s round rotary/push-button control is now illuminated in white (in higher range variants only). The menu structure in the MMI system has been redesigned, and now mirrors flat hierarchies commonly seen in smartphones.

Driving Aids

The new A3 now features Traffic Jam Assist, which works in conjunction with the Adaptive Cruise Control and Stop&Go feature that allows the vehicle to, during a traffic jam, to automatically drive the vehicle forward while maintaining a safe distance with the vehicle in front.

In sluggish traffic of up to 65 km/h, the traffic jam assist even briefly takes over the steering on well-paved roads. Another new feature for the A3 family is the optional Emergency Assist. This system initiates braking down to a safe stop if, despite warnings, no steering activity by the driver is detected. The new rear cross-traffic assist warns the driver about cross traffic when slowly backing out of a perpendicular parking space, for example.

Exterior Styling

The new A3 is differentiated by its more A4-like styling elements. Most notably the new headlights and tail lights. The front grille is also broader and features sharper contours.

Coming To Malaysia?

The Audi A3 models sold in Malaysia are imported from Ingolstadt, Germany. Not all the features mentioned here are applicable for our market, but key features like engine options are likely to be similar, meaning that the 1.8 TFSI engine will be replaced with a 2.0 TFSI unit, with a new 7-Speed S tronic (wet) dual clutch transmission.