Audi A3 returns from the knife with new subscription features

Having had its world debut take place almost exactly four years ago, Audi has handed the A3 its first, and potentially final, facelift in addition to introducing a new crossover variant based on the Sportback.

New face

Set to be replaced in 2027 by an all-new generation, which will retain the internal combustion engines with added electrification, the revisions, for now, only apply to the standard A3 and not the performance S3 or RS3.

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Externally, the makeover comprises a wider Singleframe grille, a new front bumper with enlarged side vents, a new front spoiler derived from the RS3 and three new colours; Progressive Red, Ascari Blue and District Green.

Along with the grille, the LED headlights have also been redesigned and while standard across all models, can be swapped-out for the optional Matrix LED diodes made-up of 24 pixel LEDs each.

Less extensive are the changes at the rear comprising a new bumper and faux integrated diffuser, and revised LEDs for the light clusters.

Enter allstreet

As mentioned, the main aesthetic addition comes in the shape of the new SUV-inspired A3 allstreet most likely to replace the Q2 Ingolstadt plans on discontinuing next year.

Seemingly inspired by the A1 variant of the same name – originally known as the citycarver – the A3 allstreet gains 15 mm more ground clearance over the Sportback, black cladding around the wheel arches, satin silver roof rails, Manhattan Grey faux front and rear skidplates, a gloss black honeycomb pattern grille and a combination of grey and gloss black accents.

Although mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels from the start, the A3 allstreet can be had with up to 19-inch alloys, which results in ground clearance increasing by 30 mm over the Sportback.

However, unlike the Sportback and A3 Sedan, which debuted in 2021, the allstreet benefits from a retuned suspension and shock absorber setup as par of the increased clearance, together with aluminium pivot bearings supposed to reduce unsprung mass and new lower control arms on the front suspension.

Paid for extras now different

Inside, comparatively little has changed as both the 10.1-inch MMI Plus infotainment system and 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster have been retained without change.

While the centre console has undergone a refresh with new colours, a standard armrest, an even smaller toggle selector for the S tronic transmission and new fabrics, a number of features are now solely offered as subscription-based items such as the Adaptive Cruise Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and Auto High Beam Assist.

Worth noting though is the pay-for-items won’t be offered in all markets.

Standard though is an expanded ambient lighting package with 30 colours, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-Collision Detection with Turn Assist and Lane Change Assist.

In terms of practically, the A3 Sportback offers up 380-litres of boot space, or up to 1 300-litres with the rear seats folded down, while the Sedan accommodates 425-litres.

No added grunt

On the power front, the A3 remains as is with the 35 TFSI producing 110 kW from its mild-hybrid 1.5 TFSI Evo petrol engine and the 35 TDI also 110 kW from its 2.0-litre non-electrified oil-burner.

While set to eventually drop the manual gearbox at some stage, for now, the three-pedal layout prevails as the standard option on the 35 TFSI, with the option, a seven-speed S tronic, being the only choice for the 35 TDI.

Audi has, however, indicated that more petrol variants will be added throughout the year, along with a plug-in hybrid and most likely a quattro all-wheel-drive model.

At present, all A3s, including the allstreet, are front-wheel-drive with all-wheel-drive being reserved for the S3 and RS3.

Not yet approved

On-sale in its home market from later this month, pricing for the A3 starts at €35 650 (R724 434) for the Sportback, from €36 450 (R740 690) for the sedan and from €37 450 (R761 011) for the allstreet.

According a report from cars.co.za, the facelift A3 is expected to arrive in South Africa in September with pricing to be announced then.

As a comparison, current A3 stickers start at R681 300 for the 35 TFSI Sportback and ends at R805 500 for the special Black Edition of the 35 TFSI sedan added earlier this month.

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