Audi has unveiled the new Saloon variant of its latest best-selling A3 model.
Joining the Sportback (hatchback), which has been on sale since March, this sleek new model offers impressive levels of technology, as well as mild-hybrid powertrains for the first time.
This new second-generation model is marginally longer, taller and wider than its predecessor – providing additional rear space. Its 425-litre boot remains the same as before, and 45 litres larger than the Sportback.
It takes similar design cues to the Sportback – including its large honeycomb grille and LED headlights – though it’s the rear that’s new. Aside from the obvious saloon shape, it’s 15cm longer than the hatchback and has revised lines to emphasise its length.
Just like the hatchback, the A3 Saloon comes as standard with a 10.25-inch digital cockpit (a 12.3-inch display on top-spec models) and a 10.1-inch touchscreen – the latter being angled towards the driver. It runs on the latest operating software, which grants the car an in-built Wi-Fi hotspot, ‘car-to-x’ services (essentially where the A3 can ‘communicate’ with other cars) and from later this year an Amazon Alexa voice assistant will be available.
At launch, the only petrol option is a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol unit (35 TFSI) paired to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. It’s available with 48-volt mild-hybrid engine technology for the first time on the A3, which provides additional torque and drops fuel consumption and CO2 emissions thanks to the engine being able to switch off when coasting. A 148bhp 2.0-litre unit (35 TDI) is available as well, and comes paired to an automatic gearbox.
Later this year, less powerful petrol and diesel units will also join the line-up, while sportier ‘S’ and ‘RS’ versions will debut in the future.
Four trims are on offer – Sport, S line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung. Standard kit includes half-leather upholstery, 17-inch alloys and dual-zone climate control, with S line models adding 18-inch alloy wheels and a sportier bodykit.
Edition 1 versions bring 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, heated front seats and Alcantara and leather upholstery, while top-spec Vorsprung models come with a Bang & Olusfen sound system, wireless phone charging and a panoramic sunroof.
Prices for the new A3 Saloon start from £26,870, with models being around £500 more expensive than the Sportback. First deliveries are expected in the summer.
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