Audi A3 Gets a Facelift

With this mid-life refresh, it's all about filtering the best bits of technology that we've seen elsewhere in the Audi range down into the A3. And when you think A3, don't just think hatchback, because there's also the saloon and cabriolet.

This includes Audi's virtual cockpit, a 12.3-inch TFT display that replaces the standard analogue instrument dials. Of course, this does come at a premium.

The MMI infotainment display has also been redesigned with a simpler and intuitive menu structure. It measures 7 inches as standard and features iOS and Android integration, just like the A4 and Q7. Two mobile phones can be connected via Bluetooth at any one time (for the first time in an A3) which will open doors for company car drivers.

Other technologies include a traffic jam assist system and cross-traffic assist.

When it comes to design, the A3 follows its bigger family members with some bold, sharp creases along the body and a prominent grille. Five new colours will be available, including Ara blue, Cosmic blue, Nano grey, Tango red and Vegas yellow.

A new entry point will be made for the A3 with the German's 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TFSI petrol engine, usually reserved for the A1. Despite its little design, it still packs a punch, with 113 bhp and 200 Nm thanks to a turbocharger. This will be the lightest A3, weighing it at just 1150 kg!

The hugely popular 1.4-litre TFSI engine with cylinder-on-demand technology remains. It's able to disengage 2 of its 4 cylinders under low acceleration, yet still provide 148 bhp and 250 Nm when needed.

There's also a new 2.0-litre TFSI with 187 bhp and 320 Nm, however it's the diesels that are the most popular.

The 1.6-lite TDI diesel produces a meagre 108 bhp, however the 2.0-litre TDI can be had in 148 bhp or 181 bhp guises, with 340 or 380 Nm of torque. The latter uses the same engine as Volkswagen's Golf GTD, the diesel equivalent to the GTI.

The optional sports suspension (which comes as standard on S line models) lowers the car by 15 mm, however this increases to 25 mm for the S line sport suspension.

All models come will alloy wheels measuring 16 inches and above, and even the entry-level A3 will come with xenon headlights and LED daytime runnings lights. Automatic lights and wipers, and cruise control, all make up the standard equipment list.

If you opt for a higher spec, you can be upgraded to full LED headlights, and Audi's matrix LED headlight system can also be optionally requested. Other options include a driver's seat with massage functionality.

Fret not, the eco-friendly e-tron plug-in petrol-hybrid will stay the same. The 1.4-litre TFSI engine and electric motor make for a total of 201 bhp and equally impressive running costs.

Also on the cards is the S3. With the S tronic transmission is gains 10 bhp and 20 Nm, with total figures of 306 bhp and 400 Nm (available from a very broad range of 2,000-5,400 rpm).

For the RS 3, we're going to have to wait a bit longer to find out what happens to it.