KEEPING abreast with the polished BMW 1- and a couple of Sequence and succesful Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback and sedan is not any simple feat. Taking a step forward of these premium small automobiles appears virtually unimaginable.
However maybe “unimaginable” simply isn’t in Audi’s dictionary…
The brand new Audi A3 – which was launched in Europe over 18 months in the past and is now lastly in Australia – is proof that the Ingolstadt-based model doesn’t take threats to its small-car superiority mendacity down. The brand new mannequin is extra succesful, environment friendly, technologically superior, and safer than ever earlier than, plus, with elevated cabin area, it is usually nearer in dimension to the earlier technology A4 than it maybe has any proper to be.
For upsizing A3 drivers – or downsizing A4 house owners – that’s clearly an excellent factor. However from a distance, and from behind the ‘wheel, the brand new and outgoing A3 could also be tough to inform aside… and simply wait till you try the hiked-up listing costs.
The A3 vary’s entry level is now $9700 increased than that of the outgoing mannequin. The 35 TFSI Sportback begins from $46,300 (plus on-road prices) and the 40 TFSI quattro S line from $52,900 (+ ORCs) whereas sedan fashions bounce an extra $900. Regardless of the rise, the A3 nonetheless undercuts its direct opponents from BMW and Mercedes-Benz – the 118i begins at $47,570 (+ ORCs) and the A180 at $48,720 (+ ORCs). For reference, the entry-grade A4 retails for $59,900 (+ ORCs).
A3 35 TFSI fashions are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine outfitted with cylinder-on-demand and mild-hybrid expertise. It develops 110kW/250Nm whereas sipping between 4.9-5.0 litres of gas per 100km on the mixed cycle relying on the physique fashion.
Mid-tier A3 40 TFSI quattro S line variants function a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine creating 140kW/320Nm. The sedan model is alleged to eat 6.6L/100 km and the hatchback 6.7L/100km.
Normal tools throughout the entry-level A3 35 TFSI vary now extends to 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone local weather management, leather-based upholstery, LED headlights, wi-fi charging pad, in addition to Audi’s 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Sportback variants add a powered tailgate.
The ten.1-inch central touchscreen infotainment system incorporates wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto connectivity by way of cable, DAB+ digital radio reception and satellite tv for pc navigation. The myAudi smartphone app, in the meantime, permits entry to further options, together with distant lock/unlock, emergency calls, and Audi Service request.
Increased-grade A3 40 TFSI quattro S line variants moreover function Audi Sport 18-inch alloys, Audi drive mode selector, Audi baggage compartment bundle, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, inside LED ambient lighting bundle, and sports activities seats.
Normal security tools consists of AEB with bicycle owner and pedestrian detection, cruise management, lane-keeping assistant, reversing digital camera and tyre-pressure monitoring. Left-hand drive variations of the Audi A3 scored a five-star security ranking underneath EuroNCAP’s strict new crash testing standards.
All A3s can be found in a alternative of 12 paint colors and with three upholstery color schemes.
Audi Australia backs the A3 vary with a complete five-year service plan bundle priced at $2250.
