SPIED: Next-gen Audi S3 cabin seen for the first time!

Just shortly after our spy photographers captured the next-generation Audi A3 and S3 out in the open, a new set of photos came through, complete with a single image clearly showing the top half of the cabin.

As seen in the picture above, the dashboard is entirely new, complete with a deeply recessed instrument binnacle that houses the Audi Virtual Cockpit. The steering wheel here is of the fancier kind, with a trapezoidal centrepiece and chromed lower spokes, which looks virtually identical to that of the Audi Q5.

Elsewhere, the A3 and S3’s cabin looks set to get horizontal air vents as opposed to the outgoing model’s circular units. The overall layout is similar to the all-new Audi A1, in that the instrument binnacle is flanked by two air-con vents, one on each side. Over to the centre, one can clearly see the new MMI infotainment unit (also angled towards the driver), which is most likely the range-topping 10.1-inch MMI Navigation plus with hybrid route guidance and Audi connect. Besides that, not much else is known of its interior.

On the outside, the A3 and S3 will get a brand new look, although interestingly the jagged headlights would seemingly be the single most identifiable feature of the car. Expect the hotter S3 model to get largely the same looks, albeit dressed in a suitably more aggressive body kit, larger wheels and beefier brakes.

For performance, again, not much is known, but it’s likely that the A3 will be underpinned by an upgraded version of VW Group’s MQB platform. Expect the existing range of engines to be fine tuned and carried over – the Group’s 1.5 litre EA211 TSI evo engine with Active Cylinder Technology could be offered, as well as a range of advanced electrified powertrains.

Also, the A3 could possibly be joined by a new four-door coupe, in addition to the current hatch, five-door Sportback, Cabriolet and four-door sedan models. The coupe is said to be modelled after the TT Sportback concept and will go head to head against the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

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