New Audi A3 Sportback comes Fourth

This fourth-generation Audi A3 will make its debut here in late Spring with additional details announced closer to the time.

Outside look

Audi from any angle, this fourth generation A3 wears its design lineage with ease. This 2020 Audi A3 Sportback front end is dominated by a wide Singleframe grill and air inlets that trap your eyes immediately. The body-line is very pleasing, with the high shoulder line extending rearward to the light units, while the lower line of the body is curved inward.

Space concept

The 2020 Audi A3 Sportback measures 4,322mm in length, 1.966mm in width, height of 1.404mm and a wheelbase of 2.64 metres. Boot space is dependent on the position of the rear bench seat, holding between 380 and 1,200 litres. The loading floor can be inserted at different heights.

Inside story

Here again, the new A3 Sportback carries its Audi lineage to deliver an interior that is fresh and distinctive. The driver sits into a cockpit that is aimed right at them, with eye and hand tactility aspects that will delight. Occupants will sit onto upholstery made of recycled PET bottles and adorned with contrasting stitching, used for the first time.

A new gear lever, aluminium or carbon inlays and an instrument panel with a black-panel look, plus familiar elements from Audi’s bigger models, including a 10.1-inch touch display as standard await. This unit recognises letters entered by hand, providing acoustic feedback and can be controlled using natural language.

The A3 Sportback’s instrument cluster, which the driver operates via the multifunction steering wheel, is also digital as standard. The Audi virtual cockpit offers additional functions such as a large display of the navigation map. The plus version measures 12.3 inches and offers three different views, including graphics with a sporty look.

Infotainment

The MMI operating concept is powered by the new third generation modular infotainment platform. Its computing power is ten times higher than that of its predecessor, it performs all tasks relating to connectivity, including telephony and the Audi connect services with LTE Advanced speed, and also has an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.

The DAB+ digital radio is included as standard and route guidance is even easier and more flexible. The optional navigation offers predictions on the development of heavy traffic, high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth and detailed 3D models of many major European cities.

Audi connect enriches points of interest with photos, opening hours and user reviews.  The A3 Sportback is connected to the smartphone via the myAudi app, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as via the standard Audi phone box. 

A3 Engines

A choice of two engine versions is available on the new A3, a 1.5 TFSI with 160bhp and a 2.0 TDI that delivers 115bhp. All engines will be combined initially with front-wheel drive. Power will be transmitted by a six-speed manual transmission or the seven-speed S-tronic. Shortly after market launch, Audi will be gradually expanding the offer to include further engine versions, including an electrified drive system.

Refined: the suspension

The suspension of the new A3 Sportback – with a four-link rear axle for engines from 110 kW. Upon request, the suspension is available with adaptive damper control, which simultaneously lowers the body by 10mm. Each damper permanently adapts to the road condition, the driving situation and the settings in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, creating a wide spread between highly comfortable roll motion and agile handling.

With the sport suspension – standard in conjunction with the S line exterior, otherwise an option – the focus is clearly on the latter. Due to the tauter tuning of the suspension and dampers, and the fact that the vehicle is lowered by 15 millimetres, the compact model promises an enhanced driver feel.

Optional Driver-assist systems

·         Lane change and exit warnings

·         Cross-traffic

·         Park assist systems,

·         Adaptive cruise assist assists with longitudinal and lateral guidance. This system maintains the speed and distance to the vehicle in front and assists with lane guidance by means of gentle interventions in the electromagnetically steering.