Audi is attempting to redefine the premium hatchback segment with the all-new Audi A3, which has been revealed in three-door guise at the Geneva motor show.
The third-generation Audi A3 features a high-class premium interior packed with ‘big car’ technology, a significant weight reduction thanks to its new lightweight modular platform and a highly-efficient new range of petrol and diesel engines.
As before, Audi is planning to launch a full range of bodystyles, including a five-door Sportback and soft-top Cabriolet. For the first time, there will be a new four-door saloon targeted at North America and China. High-performance S3 and RS3 models will again be launched.
Chassis
The three-door A3 is the first production car to be underpinned by Volkswagen Group’s new modular ‘MQB’ platform, which will be used as a basis for anything between an A1 and A5 Sportback in size.
In its lightest 1.4 TFSI-powered form, the new A3 weighs just 1175kg, some 80kg less than the equivalent model in the current line-up. The bulk of the body is made from high-strength steels. Aluminium is used for some of the bodywork, including the bonnet and parts of the bumpers.
The suspension is MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear. A sport chassis is offered that lowers the car by 15mm, and the S Line package lowers the car by a further 10mm. Adaptive damping is fitted if the Audi Drive Select package is specced. Standard alloy wheels are 16in in diameter, with up to 18in available.
Size and styling
At 4237mm long, 1777mm wide and 1421mm high, the new A3 is 1mm shorter, 12mm wider and the same height as its predecessor. Despite the length remaining virtually identical, the wheelbase has grown 23mm to 2601mm, which in turn has given the car a shorter front overhang.
Audi has stayed true to the look of the A3 saloon concept, which debuted at the 2011 Geneva motor show. It sports a cleaner, technical look at the front end, which features a large single-frame six-corner grille and a LED ‘wave’ in the optional xenon headlights pictured here.
The three-door’s most distinctive exterior feature is the sharp ‘tornado’ line beneath the rear windows. At the rear, the LED lights sit proud from the tailgate to give a 3D effect, something first seen on Audi’s smaller A1.
Another nod to the A1 is in the design of the A3’s C-pillars. Audi claims their sloping shape, which blend into a subtle rear spoiler, gives the hatchback the effect of looking like a coupe.
Interior
Audi says much of the A3’s development has centred on the interior, as drivers demand ever-greater comfort levels and in-car connectivity. The wraparound driver-focused interior is rich in high-quality, soft-touch materials, and features an intuitive new layout for all the major cabin controls.
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Re: Geneva motor show: Audi A3
As a usual Audi hater, I must say upon looking at the new A3 as a whole, it's a pretty good effort. OK the outside profile is verging on the boring, but the interior is great. Just as MB and BMW catch up with Audi's interiors, they move forward. But the best thing to me is 2 fold, 1- that they've reduced the weight by so much and 2- that you can buy a nicely powered petrol engine with fewer than 130g CO2. hats off to them, i am suitably impressed and would defo consider one against a new 1 series...
Re: Geneva motor show: Audi A3
Dammit, first they give women breasts, then infants with a special scent to keep us procreating, we're trapped genetically and chemically........
Sorry on the Scots name. My wife was pushing for it despite being Lithuanian herself, but too many Camerons, Lewis's, etc up here at the moment. Nicholas settled on, mainly because he can become Nico if he's a decent speed merchant if/when I buy him his first kart.
Re: Geneva motor show: Audi A3
Good thanks, waiting arrival on first pauldalg Jnr over next few days. Was patient for 9 months, but have now developed impatience over last few days.
I think the next generation will probably see the end of the large black Audi grille, suits most and gives a family identity, but would prefer something else on the TT and R8 (scoops and dams). It was shocking at the beginning, but now is just part of the styling. In my opinion a family identity is important in a car range, and I think it's why for example Renault are struggling i.e. what does Renault actually stand for, and where's the consistency? I think they're going down a blind alley with electric cars with the current (sorry) range restrictions, but at least it shows a direction for them.
A2's going really well, refurbished one alloy in the garage (surprisingly good job with rattle cans of base and lacquer, even if I say so myself), and car is now immaculate inside and out. Runs perfectly, has great steering, a little harsh with potholes as expected, but I can't really believe it's just over 11 years old. Can they make something as innovative with the next one that seems to be in the pipeline?