Audi A3 facelift revealed

The refreshed Audi A3 has been revealed, with a new look, a host of technology upgrades and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine kicking off the range
by Greg Kable
5 April 2016

Audi has revealed a facelifted version of the third-generation A3, with a refreshed look, new engines and the option of a new digital instrument display.

The revised A3 line-up also receives a number of new safety systems, such as a semi-autonomous traffic jam assist function.

Read our review of the new Audi A3 Sportback here

The facelifted A3 will arrive in showrooms next month in three-door hatchback, fivedoor Sportback, four-door saloon and two-door cabriolet guises, although new pricing has not been announced.

Read our review of the Audi S3 saloon here

The update also adds two new petrol engines to the line-up: a 113bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit and a 187bhp 2.0 four-pot turbo.

The S3’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine gains an added 10bhp, taking it to 306bhp. In combination with an optional S-tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox, it also receives an additional 15lb ft of torque, at 295lb ft.

Read our review of the Audi A3 Convertible here

Buyers can choose between a standard six-speed manual gearbox or a newly developed seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic ’box on most engines. There’s also the choice of either front or four-wheel drive on selected engines, including the new 2.0-litre petrol turbo unit in the A3 2.0 TFSI.

Read our review of the Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI 150 S Line

In keeping with previous generations of A3, the styling changes are mild. At the front, there are new headlights with optional matrix LED operation, a more angular single-frame grille and a reprofiled bumper.

Our Verdict

Audi A3

Audi A3 hero front

Third-gen Audi A3 gets a mild facelift, more equipment, some new engines and a new hot model - but is it the cream of the premium hatch crop?

Find an Autocar car review

Driven this week

The rear adopts revised tail-lights and a lightly modified bumper, both of which are said to provide a greater emphasis on perceived width.

Audi has also introduced new equipment lines. Most models continue to be offered with 16in wheels as standard, although buyers can specify optional 17, 18 and 19in rims. In addition, there are six new exterior colour schemes for the standard A3, along with a grey pearl-effect finish available with the optional S line styling package.

Inside, the facelifted A3 receives the optional virtual cockpit technology already available in the larger A4. It consists of a 12.3in screen that lets drivers choose between two different digital layouts: a so-called classic view or infotainment mode.

Safety systems include a developed version of Audi’s active lane assist and presense front functions, which now come with predictive pedestrian protection at city speeds. A new cross-traffic assist function warns the driver about cars approaching from the sides when backing out of a parking space.

Also available on the facelifted A3 is traffic jam assist, which works together with the optional adaptive cruise control to keep the new Audi at a safe distance from the car in front in stop-start traffic and, in combination with the optional S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, automatically sets the A3 in motion again when it comes to a stop. At speeds up to 40mph, the new system provides autonomous steering for short distances.

Join the debate

Comments
9

BriMarsh

5 April 2016
Always useful to know what the car the biggest tools on the road will be driving next season. When their fleet managers have decided for them, that is.
  • If you want to know about a car, read a forum dedicated to it; that's a real 'long term test' . No manufacturer's warranty, no fleet managers servicing deals, no journalist's name to oil the wheels...

Paul Dalgarno

6 April 2016
What's the point in this comment?

andyourcaris7

6 April 2016
BMW

TegTypeR

6 April 2016
Pretty much what you'd suspect, minor improvements with various pieces of tech trickling down from the models higher in the range. Audi are sticking to their formula as it is proving popular with their customer base.

Interesting they are offering 16", 17", 18" and 19" wheels. I would suspect the spring and damper rates are not changed according to wheel size, so it goes some way to explaining why Audi's handling is always compromised, due to the fact they need to use a "universal" setting.

 

 

It's all about the twisties........

xxxx

6 April 2016
TegTypeR wrote:

Pretty much what you'd suspect, minor improvements with various pieces of tech trickling down from the models higher in the range. Audi are sticking to their formula as it is proving popular with their customer base.

Interesting they are offering 16", 17", 18" and 19" wheels. I would suspect the spring and damper rates are not changed according to wheel size, so it goes some way to explaining why Audi's handling is always compromised, due to the fact they need to use a "universal" setting.

It’s not unusual to offer 16 and even 19 inch wheels in this class of car. The sport model with 17 inch and above do have different springs on as standard and maybe different dampens too, then there’s the electronic variable damping option. All handing on all road cars is a compromised to allow for comfort etc!

typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion

xxxx

6 April 2016
Great to see the a 'standard' 2.0 turbo appearing in the A3 although I'm surprized as VW have wanted to keep a distance between a Golf GTI and effectively an A3 GTI (although why they couldn't pump up the 1.8 I don't know). Also, from memory you couldn't get the 1.8 in manual 2 wheel drive so the only question remains is what will happen to the 1.8 Turbo surely there can't be room for a 180hp 1.8 and a 187hp 2.0

typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion

Jimbbobw1977

6 April 2016
An updated version of the favourite PCP car. Expect to see plenty of these on the road...

bol

6 April 2016
And I will continue to rigorously obey the speed limit whenever one attempts to mount me from behind.

Bristolbluemanc

7 April 2016
Is this the same engine that is in the new A4? With a 187bhp it should go like a bomb.

Add your comment

Log in or register to post comments

Find an Autocar car review

Driven this week