New Audi A3 – third-gen compact makes Geneva debut

New Audi A3 – third-gen compact makes Geneva debut

Perhaps it’s the same-same looks, or Audi’s ever growing range of models, but this third-generation Audi A3 nearly slipped under our Geneva radar. It is instantly familiar, as if we’ve seen it all before, but put the new A3 side-by-side with the model it replaces, and the evolution becomes obvious.

Apart from a few Sportbacks by Euromobil, the A3 was never really marketed here, but the hatchback is a very important model for Audi. Over its production life to date, the A3 model series has represented over 20% of total Audi sales. The four-ringed premium compact is very popular in its home continent, Europe.

New Audi A3 – third-gen compact makes Geneva debut

The new A3 appears more dynamic than before. Its length of 4,237 mm and height of 1,421 mm are pretty much unchanged, but the wheelbase is up by 23 mm to 2,601 mm. The front overhang is now shorter, width is increased by 12 mm, and there’s more rake to the C-pillars. The single-frame Audi radiator grille is the current and sharper new version. Xenon plus technology together with LED DRLs are available now, with full LED headlights in the pipeline.

Audi has made the A3 80 kg lighter than before. Components made of form-hardened and hot-formed steels form a strong structure in the underbody, pillars and roof arch. Elsewhere, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel grades are used. The engine hood and fenders are made of aluminum, which saves over 9 kg. The 1.4 TFSI model, for instance, weighs just 1,175 kg, significantly less than rivals.

New Audi A3 – third-gen compact makes Geneva debut

Unlike the exterior, Audi chose a new direction for the cabin design. The old A3’s conventional dash with a tall centre stack makes way for a minimalist look also seen on the A1. The reason why it can look so simple is because many functions have been integrated into the MMI system, which projects info on a seven-inch pop up colour display. The screen’s 11 mm thin housing is made from magnesium.

The top spec MMI navigation plus with MMI touch has a touchpad for input of letters and numbers by finger motion. A Bang & Olufsen sound system (705W amplifier, 12 channels, 14 speakers, 5.1 sound) is also available.

New Audi A3 – third-gen compact makes Geneva debut

The new A3 will launch with three new four-cylinder engines – a 1.4 TFSI (122 hp/200 Nm), a 1.8 TFSI (180 hp/250 Nm) and a 2.0 TDI with 150 hp and 320 Nm. The 1.8 TFSI is mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, while the other two come with a six-speed manual gearbox. Compared to the previous model, fuel economy has been improved by about 12% on average.

Audi’s quattro AWD and other engines – including a 1.4 TFSI with cylinder on demand tech – are a few months away. Also coming soon are low-emissions variants, including a CNG version and a 1.6 TDI that consumes just 3.8 liters of diesel per 100 km.

New Audi A3 – third-gen compact makes Geneva debut

Audi drive select is standard on selected trim levels. With it, the driver can alter steering, accelerator pedal and transmission characteristics. It also incorporates the optional adaptive shock absorbers that utilise magnetic ride technology.

The highlight in the driver assistance systems list is Audi adaptive cruise control. This one helps maintain a desired distance to the car ahead by accelerating and braking – up to 150 km/h. If one orders the assistance package, which combines several systems, the control range is extended up to 200 km/h. Nothing groundbreaking, but in this segment and size of car, it’s unique.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • supertoron on Mar 12, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    great!..
    can’t wait to see the the gen of S3 n RS3 too..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • SpeakUp on Mar 12, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    Looks like a bigger A1 … the A1 is sweet and this looks as sweet if not more!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Well…this look kinda weirdo for me.==ii…prefer volvo than this

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • VOLVO FOR LIFE on Mar 12, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    it’s nice but a year too late…considering how cool the a-class and v40 looks

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • The Enthusiast on Mar 13, 2012 at 9:05 am

      New A Class will be all-wheel drive, so I reckon it will be at a premium price (the badge itself is premium). Volvo will be half the price and personally, I’d prefer the new V40 over the new A Class :)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Glee Power on Mar 13, 2012 at 11:22 am

        lol this being an audi, it will also be a premium especially couple with their “quattro”. however the “quattro” is a better system than merc’s 4-matic.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • I’m sorry, I just can’t accept it. Its just an enlarged A1, and I’m very dissapointed! Audi is one of my most favourite car manufacturers, but this is just plain unoriginal!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • kadajawi on Mar 14, 2012 at 12:07 am

      All Audis look the same. And the A3 was there (and looking like this) long before the A1 came. Otherwise I do agree, they are too similar. All of them.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • shawal on Mar 12, 2012 at 11:14 pm

    yawn~!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • albag on Mar 13, 2012 at 7:55 am

    personally i love the looks of Audi… i think Audi current corporate design is never outdated… they still look very futuristic and sophisticated… the interior really attracts me a lot, simplicity yet elegant! a perfect daily drive…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Jaybond on Mar 13, 2012 at 8:03 am

    The lines are quite straight and simplistic, maybe Audi just want to make a subtle evolution approach, leaving the headlights & rearlights to make an impact. This is also quite obvious in most of the Audi & VW hatchbacks. Mercedes, BMW & Volvo on the other hand went for a more radical lines for their hatchback design..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • The Enthusiast on Mar 13, 2012 at 8:56 am

    Bring on the RS!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 188oko on Mar 13, 2012 at 11:08 am

    Find me a reason to buy this after been attracted by Merc A class & Volvo V…

    But…this still loo
    ks way better than 1 series.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • quottro on Mar 13, 2012 at 11:24 am

    Golf based?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • The only thing interesting in this car is the aircon’s vents look like a nipples.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • like other audis, this car’s design is nice, plain, boring and safe.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required