The Audi A3 facelift has just made its debut. Offered in sportback and sedan variants like in the past, the A3 lineup is now joined by a more rugged-looking and heightened-up hatchback variant known as the A3 Allstreet.
On the outside, changes Audi has made to the facelifted A3 include a flatter and wider Singleframe front grille, along with new front and rear bumpers, as well as a new rear diffuser element. The German carmaker mentioned that it has integrated some design elements from its performance-oriented RS models to give the A3 facelift a sportier look. Customers can now select up to four digital daytime running light (DRL) signatures with the newly updated Audi A3 as well.
New to the Audi A3 lineup, the A3 Allstreet sports a rugged look, thanks to body claddings all around, roof rails, as well as the matte black Singleframe grille. Audi has also raised the A3 Allstreet’s height, giving it a 30 mm lift as compared to the A3 Sportback.
The higher ride is thanks to the A3 Allstreet’s suspension which offers 15 mm higher ride height than the standard suspension setup found in its hatchback sibling. The larger standard 17-inch wheels fitted unto the A3 Allstreet also contribute to the A3 Allstreet’s extra height. Audi also mentioned that the radiator grille in the crossover-inspired variant is positioned slightly higher than on the hatchback.
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Performance-wise, the Audi A3 facelift is offered with two powertrain options. This includes the 35 TFSI powertrain that packs a 1.5-litre mild hybrid turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, paired with a 7-speed S tronic transmission, making 150 hp (metric).
There is also the 35 TDI diesel powertrain that comes with a diesel engine making 150 hp (metric). The transmission option for the diesel engine is also the same 7-speed S tronic transmission found in the petrol model.
Aside from the above two options, Audi mentions that there will be more petrol and diesel powertrains made available for the facelifted A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan in the second quarter of 2024. A plug-in hybrid model will join the lineup as well at the end of the year.
Inside, the facelifted Audi A3 now comes with new interior equipment such as a new gear selector which the carmaker says has been made flatter compared to the outgoing model. Audi has also given the A3’s air vents and centre console, along with the door handles a redesign to keep them looking fresh.
Also new to the newly updated Audi A3 is the new interior ambient lighting which now comes with backlit front doors as well. Audi says the fabric panel was laser-cut 300 times for this to be possible.
Included with the Audi A3 facelift is the Audi virtual cockpit, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display that can be opted for with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as an option. A wireless smartphone charger is also available as standard.
Safety-wise, the facelifted Audi A3 comes with a series of active safety features, including Audi pre sense front, collision avoidance, turn assist, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise assist. Lane change warning, exit warning, and rear-cross traffic assist are also available.
All Audi A3 models will be produced at the brand’s Ingolstadt plant and will be available to order from March in Germany. Prices for the A3 Sportback with the 35 TFSI S tronic powertrain start at EUR 35,650 (approx. RM 182,390) in Germany, while the Sedan variant will cost an additional EUR 800 (approx. RM 4,093). The A3 Allstreet with the 35 TFSI powertrain on the other hand is available from EUR 37,450 (approx. RM 91,599) onwards.
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