The A3 model series has been widely popular for generations. Now, the compact class is getting an upgrade, focusing on the redesigned interior with a panoramic display as well as a wider range of driver-assist systems. The A3 series is becoming more capable and more digital.
Whether it’s a Sportback, Sedan, or allstreet; a traditional gasoline or diesel engine; a plug-in hybrid; or the sporty S3 and RS 3 models: the A3 lineup offers immense variety to meet a wide range of needs. Going forward, all models will feature a new interior and enhanced equipment.
A3 models will now come with a completely new cockpit layout. The centerpiece is the curved display, comprising the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 12.8-inch MMI panoramic display. The dashboard complements this redesign: the decorative inlay is wider than before and forms a continuous horizontal line from the instrument cluster to the passenger door. There are four material options to choose from, namely carbon fiber, Dinamica microfiber, and two textile fabrics: “Light crepe” is now also available alongside the familiar “Impressum black.” The center console also has a new look: the cell phone tray is now oriented toward the driver’s seat and offers 25-watt wireless charging.
All steering wheels in the upgraded A3 models feature a physical scroll wheel integrated into the multifunction buttons. Regardless of the features, customers can choose between three different steering wheel designs: two double-spoke versions and a three-spoke, flat-top-and-bottom design for the S line and S models.
The range of driver assist systems is expanding significantly. Audi is grouping the key systems into a new three-tier package structure: Tech, Tech plus, and Tech pro. They make everyday driving easier, improving both comfort and safety.
The core system is the adaptive cruise assist plus. It combines adaptive cruise control with active lane guidance at speeds of up to 210 km/h. For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the system assists with longitudinal and lateral guidance, taking road markings, roadside structures, and surrounding traffic into account. On highways, the system can change lanes by itself when the turn signal is triggered. As a new feature, adaptive cruise assist plus enables automatic braking at red lights. If the vehicle has not come to a complete stop, the A3 will automatically drive on when the light turns green.
For the first time, the longitudinal and lane guidance systems also use swarm data, meaning the vehicle adjusts its own speed to the average speed of the road. With online data, adaptive cruise assist can maintain the vehicle’s lane even without visible road markings, increasing comfort in rural and urban traffic. Use of online data for adaptive cruise assist is included for three years after vehicle delivery. Customers can then extend the term for a fee.
Four wide-angle surround-view cameras provide a 360-degree image of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings for easy parking and maneuvering. The image is shown in 3D on the MMI, where multiple views can be selected and adjusted via the touch display. For example, there is a fully pannable and zoomable 3D exterior view, including a virtual bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle and its surroundings. Helpful guide lines make it easier to stay oriented while maneuvering. When pulling into a car wash, for instance, a 3D view of the vehicle along with on-screen guide lines helps the driver position the A3 perfectly between the side rails.
In addition, park assist plus and pro use the cameras to detect parking lines, allowing the vehicle to pull in and out of parking spaces on its own. The A3 handles steering, acceleration, braking, and gear shifting. Once the driver has activated the feature on the MMI touch display, they can sit back and relax while the vehicle is automatically guided into the parking space.
With park assist pro, a remote function is included. This means the driver can exit the vehicle before parking or wait until the vehicle has pulled out of the space before getting in. This is particularly useful in tight parking spaces, whether parallel or perpendicular to the road. The A3 performs the maneuver independently as soon as the driver initiates the process in the myAudi app on their smartphone.
Another new feature in the A3 models is trained parking, which allows the vehicle to memorize specific parking maneuvers. If a carport or garage is difficult to access, the A3 only needs to be trained once and will be able to park automatically from then on. The vehicle steers, accelerates, brakes, and shifts gears by itself. The same applies to exiting a parking space. The MMI can store up to five parking maneuvers over a distance of 50 meters. Each maneuver can be given its own name. Clearly, not India bound for a long time, the Audi A3 model series continues to be tempting.
