Audi has officially introduced the new A3 lineup. The Sportback gains 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) of length and thus amounts to 4.34 meters (14.24 feet) long. The wheelbase stays unchanged at 2.64 meters (8.66 ft.). The trunk volume varies between 380 and 1,200 liters (13.4 – 42.4 cubic feet).
The front axle now uses McPherson suspension, while the rear one makes do with a sloid beam (entry-level) or multi-link design (high-end). Wheels measure between 16 and 19 inches across.
The infotainment display now measures 10.25 inches across, and the Virtual Cockpit feature adds dual 12.3-screens plus HUD. You can take advantage of an SAE Level 2 self-driving system as long as you keep under 210 km/h (130 mph).
The engine lineup begins with a 150-hp (112-kW) gasoline turbo-four and a 116-hp (86-kW) diesel. You may also opt for a stronger 2.0-liter turbo diesel rated at 150 hp (112 kW). These will be the only powertrains available at the time of launch. Later on, a three-cylinder gas turbo will be introduced with 110 hp (82 kW).
There is also one mild hybrid system, which comes based on a low-end gasoline engine and a 48-volt engine starter that churns out 12 hp (9 kW) and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) of its own. The main profit from the electric add-on comes in the form of all-electric cruising, which can last up to 40 seconds at a time and reduces average fuel consumption by 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers covered.
The internal combustion engines ship with a choice between manual and dual-clutch auto transmission, while the hybrid only supports the latter.
AWD will hit the market later, along with two new PHEVs rated at 218 and 245 hp (163 and 183 kW), the new 2021 Audi S3 2.0 TFSI with 310 hp (231 kW), and the range-topping 2021 RS3 with around 400 hp (300 kW).
Pre-ordering has already started, and first shipments are expected in May.