Smooth Minimal - Clean Lines Define New Audi A3. Now With Mild Hybrid Tech

The Audi A3 has proven to be a popular choice for premium car buyers. From upgraders, to those who are keen to own something a little more premium. Audi has just launched the 4th generation A3 Sedan and Sportback, and has again moved the bar to how a compact premium car should be. Both the A3 Sedan and Sportback boast clean-purposeful lines and pronounced quattro blisters, amplifying the concave surface under their broad body shoulders. While the Sedan has a higher rear than the previous model, it is slightly more aerodynamic at 0.27Cd, 0.02Cd better than before. The Sportback boasts a Cd of 0.29 (previously 0.31). Other wind-cheating features include active brake cooling ducts to reduce wind resistance, and a paneled underbody. Audi has also included a controllable cooling-air inlet, with two electrically actuated louver modules behind the singleframe grille. The A3 Sportback has grown a little more than 3cm, versus its predecessor, measuring 4.34 meters in length and 1.82 meters wide; while the wheelbase has remained unchanged, at 2.64 meters. Luggage room at 380 litres, 10 more than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback, and identical to the BMW 1 Series.

OneShift Editorial Team

12 May 2021

The A3 Sedan is 15 longer than the Sportback, and boasts 425 litres of luggage space, identical to the previous iteration. In contrast the A-Class Saloon is five litres smaller.

The new A3 features a sophisticatedly-styled driver-focused cockpit, and at the centre of the dash, a 10.1” touch display, which is slightly inclined to the driver. The infotainment offers smartphone connectivity via their myAudi app, and also through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Up to six users can store their favourite settings, including seat adjustments, climate control and media preferences. For the driver, a 12.3” Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus display, presents a choice of three different views.

Those who see the need for a green car, there is a special Green Solid (among a choice of twenty-one colours), developed for Porshce. Otherwise, if that kind of green car is not your thing, then you can also opt for seat upholstery made from recycled PET bottles. In all, up to forty-five recycled 1.5 litre PET bottles are used per seating system, and sixty-two repurposed bottles for the carpet in the new Audi A3.

For Singapore, there is just one power source, a 1.5 litre TFSI engine, delivering 150hp and 250Nm, paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, designed to recover energy during deceleration, and supports the drive with up to 50Nm during acceleration from low engine speeds and starting off. The same system also allows the new A3 to coast, with the engine switched off, while keeping all the necessary hardware running. Drive is sent to the front wheels, via a 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission. Audi claims that in everyday driving, consumption is reduced by 0.4 litres per 100km.

The all-new Audi A3 Sedan and Sportback retail for $167,890 and $166,140 respectively (including COE and VES), and have already bagged themselves the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2020’ award in the ‘Compact Cars’ category.