Wow… Audi have hit it out the park with the new generation Audi A3 saloon. We here at DCB HQ are not advocates of small compact saloons/sedans but if they look as good as the 2020 Audi A3 Saloon, then put my name on the waiting list. As you can clearly see, the compact four-door model has undergone a wholesale redesign. It will feature the very latest Audi developments in digitalisation, connectivity, driver assistance technology and powertrain optimisation. The All-new A3 Saloon available to order in the UK from Thursday, 23 April. Prices start from £26,870 for the 35 TFSI Sport with manual transmission, rising to £32,220 for the 35 TDI S line S tronic. Deliveries will begin in the summer. Model trims will from Sport, S line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung.
Technology highlights include the adoption of fully digital cockpit architecture with the touch-screen MMI Touch concept at its heart, the integration of mild hybrid MHEV drivetrains for selected models and the introduction of advanced new lighting configurations that give each variant a specific light ‘signature’. Compared with its predecessor, the new A3 Saloon is now 4cm longer, while its wheelbase remains unchanged, 2cm longer and 1cm taller. At 425 litres, the luggage capacity is exactly the same as in the first-generation model.
The new A3 Saloon is available with a choice of three engines at launch – two 1.5-litre TFSI units and one 2.0-litre TDI – all of which major on efficiency. For example. The 35 TFSI, a 1.5-litre direct injection engine, incorporates cylinder-on-demand technology and delivers 150PS. The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch shift-by-wire transmissions will feature a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
The third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3) provides ten times more computing power than the previous system and runs at LTE Advanced speeds. Later this year, the Amazon Alexa voice assistant will also become available, offering the opportunity for remote control of home devices while on the road.
Smartphone connection integrates iOS and Android phones with Apple Car Play and Android Auto in the MMI, as well as via the Audi phone box which is fitted as standard to Vorsprung versions.
The smartphone interface joins the 10.1-inch touch display in the centre console, the Audi Virtual Cockpit in either 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch forms – dependent on spec – MMI Navigation Plus and Audi Connect Plus on the standard equipment highlights list for all A3 Saloon models.
Sport-specific styling details inside and out mark out the lead-in model, which also offers features including 17-inch alloy wheels, Twin leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. S line adds more overt S line-specific sports styling, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights with dynamic rear indicators and privacy glass, and inside gains sport seats with S line embossing and contrast stitching plus upgraded inlays.
Audi says the standard suspension of the new A3 Saloon has been tuned to strike an even more finely judged balanced between precision, response, adjustability and absorbency.
