Audi chairman Bram Schott has granted production approval to the new A3 ahead of its UK introduction in mid 2020.
However, it will be another year before sporting variants of the new fourth-generation Audi model – including a rapid 417bhp RS3 with a new mild-hybrid drivetrain and revised electro-hydraulic four-wheel drive system – challenge rivals from Mercedes-AMG and BMW M.
The arrival of the new A3 has been delayed by more than a year because of fallout from the diesel emissions scandal and Audi’s decision to prioritise development of its pure-electric E-tron models. However, the new A3 has been heavily reworked in a move that, one senior Audi official has suggested to Autocar, will make it the most advanced car in its class and a new benchmark in terms of refinement.
“It is better in every way, especially the interior, which is a real strong point and brings a true premium feel and digital features you otherwise only find in the luxury class,” our source said. “We’ve also spent a lot of time on improving refinement, especially the ride quality, which our latest tests show place it right at the top of its class. With the move towards partial electric propulsion in plug-in hybrids, where there is no influence from mechanical noise developed by the engine, this particular area of development is more important than ever.”
The new A3 sports a bold new look that links it closely with the smaller A1 and higher-riding Q3. The upcoming BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class rival, known under the internal codename AU380, sits on a heavily re-engineered version of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform.
The steel and aluminium structure is said to be lighter and more rigid than the platform used by today’s A3 and includes developments that specially target vibration and noise reduction.
The MQB II platform supports a more advanced electrical architecture that will allow the new A3 to offer a wider range of both mild- and plug-in hybrid drivetrains throughout its planned seven-year life cycle. It has also been brought up to date with digital cockpit functions, internet-based communication features and upcoming 5G-enabled autonomous driving innovations.
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st3v3n
Diesels using 12v or 48v electric system?
The article says that Diesels may using 12v electric system making them 10% more efficient. Should that be 48v?
jagdavey
Absolutely horrible!
Audi design language used to be first-class. The pureness of the way each surface cleanly intersected the other was what put Audi way ahead in design. But just look at this new car, It's absolutely hideous. There are at least 12 vents on the front alone, and endless double or triple "invertions" where the surfaces meet on the waistline. The new A3 won't go down as a classic design. Or maybe they've let their junior inexperienced designers work on this car whilst the senior designers work on the more important EV that will replace this car in 6-7 years time!
Tonrichard
I agree. Designers seem to
I agree. Designers seem to want to add more and more lines and creases. BMW by far the worst offenders but VW also showing worrying tendencies. Am I alone in thinking that the current Polo is more fussy than its predecessor. I fear the next Golf will not have the pure design of the current Mk 7.5 - which to my eyes still looks good 7 years after launch.
I like the look of the new liftback but sad to see the death of another 3 door car and the convertible. I struggle to see the market’s obsession with Crossovers, SUV or the fake imitations with just raised ride height and wheel arch extensions. I believe even the TT is unlikely to be replaced.
Tonrichard
I agree. Designers seem to
I agree. Designers seem to want to add more and more lines and creases. BMW by far the worst offenders but VW also showing worrying tendencies. Am I alone in thinking that the current Polo is more fussy than its predecessor. I fear the next Golf will not have the pure design of the current Mk 7.5 - which to my eyes still looks good 7 years after launch.
I like the look of the new liftback but sad to see the death of another 3 door car and the convertible. I struggle to see the market’s obsession with Crossovers, SUV or the fake imitations with just raised ride height and wheel arch extensions. I believe even the TT is unlikely to be replaced.
Jimbbobw1977
Audi really are bringing up
clsmithj
The sedan model looks like
The sedan model looks like Audi is aiming to put up right against the Honda Civic.
In some of the spied shots I seen it looks like they finally gave the A3 the defuser they showed off with the 2011 A3 Concept car. It took about 8-9 years, but that is the only good thing I see on the car.
Ozmosis
No 3-Door Kills Cabriolet?
iranfox
This article
I like the look of the new liftback but sad to see the death of another 3 door car and the convertible. please visit My Web Sites بلیط هواپیما باکو And بلیط هواپیما پاتایا And بلیط هواپیما پاریس And بلیط هواپیما پکن And بلیط هواپیما تفلیس . But I struggle to see the market’s obsession with Crossovers, SUV or the fake imitations with just raised ride height and wheel arch extensions. I believe even the TT is unlikely to be replaced.
iranfox
This article
good post
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