Audi has revealed details of a facelift to be applied to the third generation of the beloved Audi A3, refreshing and upgrading the vehicle from the inside to the outside. Signature Car Hire are excited to provide the details to the A3’s new look, in anticipation of a potential addition to our own Audi Car Hire fleet, available for both Self Drive Hire and Chauffeur Car Hire.
What’s New Under the Bonnet?
First and foremost, two new petrol engines will be packaged with the Audi A3 facelift, consisting of both an 113 BHP turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit and an 187 BHP 2.0-litre four-pot turbo, creating yet more options for everyday use of the Audi A3. A further detail our team were delighted to hear was the 10 BHP addition to the Audi S3’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, breaking the 300 BHP boundary and boosting the power up to 306 BHP; of course, an optional S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox will be available to add to the car, and an option of front or four-wheel drive will also be a choice of the buyer.
Subtle Physical Changes for the Audi A3
Styling changes have been kept mild again on the Audi A3. To the front of the car, new headlights, a re-profiled bumper and a more angular grille can be spotted, while the rear of the marque sports revised tail-lights and a lightly modified bumper. The purpose of both appears to be to provide a greater emphasis on perceived width, adding an even more distinguished road presence to the A3.
Audi has extended its range of optional extras, too; buyers can now specify their own factory ordered Audi A3 with 17, 18 or 19 inch alloys, or really create an impression with one of Audi’s six new exterior colour schemes, including a grey pearl-effect finish available with the optional S-line styling package – it certainly sounds exquisite.
The New Audi A3 Cabin Receives the Facelift Treatment Too
Sit yourself inside the cabin, and Audi drivers everywhere will be ecstatic to discover the Facelifted Audi A3 has been gifted with the optional virtual cockpit technology already available in the larger A4. The 12.3-inch screen allows drivers to choose between two different digital layers, from a so-called classic view or infotainment mode.
The new Audi A3 has also been upgraded with a developed safety system, including the latest version of Audi’s active lane assist and front functions; the car now operates predictive pedestrian protection at city speeds, and a new cross-traffic assist function warns the driver about cars approaching from the sides when backing out of a parking space. Moreover, the Audi A3 will also perform “traffic jam assist”, keeping the new car at a safe distance from the car in front while in stop-start traffic, as well as setting it in motion again when necessary. Astonishingly, At speeds up to 40mph, the new system provides autonomous steering for short distances. As Dee Bhatia, our CEO, previously mentioned in our newsletter, the rate at which car brands are gearing up towards fully autonomous driving is truly astounding as well as amazingly clever, and we are honoured to be a part of the journey to witness and test this groundbreaking technology.