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I'm reluctant to disappoint the Audi fans among my readers, but anyone who was hoping for fundamental changes to the A3's appearance will have to continue to be patient. Because the current revision hardly brought anything worth mentioning in this regard. Some molded plastic here, other optional materials there, plus a little more shine on the dashboard air vents and a different selector lever for the automatic transmission – not much else has changed on the surface, unless you want to grab the new A3 Allstreet SUV actor. There are also innovations in the invisible area, which in some cases are definitely quite something.
A3 Allstreet
Audi seems to have had good experiences with the beefed-up version of the A1. Now we're hoping for at least the same level of response from customers. For the style change to an SUV, a slightly higher radiator grille, applications made of unpainted plastic and 15 mm more ground clearance must be sufficient. The latter is quite remarkable, because not all of these seemingly more robust versions have this. Audi charges 1,800 euros for it, and the chances of it being a success are definitely there. Kia, among others, has had good experiences with the Xceed in this regard.
(Image: Audi)
Upgraded standard equipment
The standard equipment of the basic model has so far been quite clear. The most recent price list from September 2023 was 136 pages long because, among other things, it contained in detail what customers have been able to expect in new cars for a good 40 years. Front headrests, interior lighting, front disc brakes, a fully foldable backrest and a dimmable rearview mirror are actually nothing that needs to be mentioned in a current car – especially in this price range. Maybe Audi will take advantage of the opportunity and clear out here. With the revision, at least a leather steering wheel, automatic climate control with one zone and a center armrest will be included in the future.
As before, Audi can rely on customers making active use of the additional equipment options. Within certain limits, she even has the chance to do this retrospectively. Because a number of functionalities can also be activated after purchase. The customer can even choose whether they want to buy the extras permanently or just rent them for a certain period of time. The offer includes a second temperature zone, the factory navigation solution, adaptive cruise control and the option to integrate Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The fact that the latter is not part of the standard scope of delivery, but has to be purchased separately via the “smartphone interface” option, shows the confidence of the calculators at Audi.
(Image: Audi)
Only four cylinders
As in the recently revised VW Golf, there are also a few changes in the drive area. The one-liter three-cylinder with 81 kW is history. In its place is a reduced-power variant of the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 85 kW. As with the performance level above, which produces 110 kW, Audi is also scaling up in terms of technology: only the versions with a dual clutch transmission have a 48-volt starter generator, which reduces consumption in the WLTP by a few tenths of a liter. Anyone who chooses the six-speed manual transmission will not be offered a mild hybrid. More powerful gasoline engines will follow. When it comes to diesels, however, the two-liter engine remains, which is offered with 85 and 110 kW.
Significantly upgraded plug-in hybrid
However, it is the plug-in hybrids that benefit most from the facelift, although Audi apparently only wants to offer one, at least for the time being. Two are in preparation for the Golf, with system outputs of 150 and 200 kW. Which of the two Audi is installing here has not yet been revealed. Regardless of the system performance, Audi is improving two values, which makes electrical use much easier than before. As a reminder: previously the battery was 10.4 kWh (net), the maximum charging power was 3.7 kW. Significant improvements are being made in both aspects. In the future, three-phase AC charging with 11 kW will be standard, and the option to obtain electricity from the DC column with up to 50 kW will probably be optional. In addition, the energy content increases to 19.7 kWh. In practice, that should easily be enough for 70 to 80 km.
Prices
There was no price list at the time of going to press, but we expect that the A3 will only be moderately more expensive. The basic model most recently cost 29,200 euros. With the slightly improved standard equipment, the 30,000 euro mark will probably be exceeded. The revised Audi A3 will arrive at dealers in the second quarter, i.e. before summer.
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(mfz)