It is 2020 and even though the Geneva Motorshow got axed, the team at Ingolstadt trundles on with the release of their latest Compact Sedan A3 Sedan. Marginally bigger, marginally more spacious, substantially more beautiful.
It is said that the latest from Audi is somewhat Lamborghini inspired. We decided to take a look and… hmm… we do see some similarities… Particularly in the shape of the front grille, the bottom front lip, the wheel arches and the recessed bottom part of the doors. If you really pay attention, the Urus may peek back at you.
The new A3 Sedan has grown a bit. 4cm in length, 2 in width and 1 in height. Inside it comes with a bit more elbow room, 2cm of extra headroom and a boot that is now 425l. The prominent front grille that has distinguished Audi for the last few years is now aggressively stenciled and quite bling. Head and back lights are LED and the front sports two bottom side air intakes, we assume to cool the brakes?
Fully digital dashboard with a 12.3″ screen for the driver and a console integrated 10″ as head of the infotainment. A Heads-Up-Display can also be fitted as an option.
Launching in three engine options, the first two are based on a direct injection 1.5l inline 4, delivering up to 150HP, and a 2l turbo-diesel producing the exact same power. Fuel efficiency stands at 4.5-5.0 l/100km for the gasoline, and 3.9 l/100km for the diesel. CO2 emissions are 114g/km for the first, and 101g/km for the second. In terms of transmission, the new A3 comes in a 6-gear manual and an optional 7-speed dual-clutch sequential.
Available in the summer, starting prices range from 30,000 to 35,000 USD.