be him Audi A3 is compact of the brand with the four rings since 1996, the year in which the first of its editions was presented. It is the forerunner of the premium C-segment, a segment that today it shares with its greatest rivals, also of German origin. At the beginning of 2020, the last of its generations was presented, the fourth, with important changes at all levels.
We have tested this car:
Audi A3 2024 test, with debut of the new S3 and Audi A3 Allstreet (with video)Test Audi A3 Sportback 30 TDI 116 CV Black Line (with video)Test Audi A3 Sportback 30 TDI 116 CV S lineThe first of the changes, which is obvious to the naked eye, is the design. With the arrival of the A3 2020 Audi standardizes its range of models in order to present all the same aesthetic DNA. Classic and easily recognizable elements inside the house such as the Singleframe grille or the headlights with that characteristic shape. The same philosophy applied to the second body in the range, the A3 Audi Sedan officially presented just a year later. Both units undergo an update in mid-2024.
Inside, the quality atmosphere typical of Audi. To the aesthetic renovation of the exterior is added a no less important interior renovation. A very changed structure that presents, in addition to these good materials, cutting-edge technology and last generation. In this section, the A3 has taken a leap forward and has little or nothing to envy to models from higher segments such as the Audi A4.
Technical characteristics of the Audi A3
For the fourth of its editions, the Audi A3 once again makes use of the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, the one it shares with its brothers and rivals; the SEAT Leon and Volkswagen Golf. This platform has been redesigned to host different mobility solutions. From thermal mechanics to hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Not forgetting, of course, the most powerful units, the S3 and the Audi RS 3 Sportback and Sedan.
As happened with the previous model, the new generation of the A3 does not have a three-door body. However, we have traditional versions such as the five-door body, or Sportback, plus a Sedan body. The novelty is the disappearance of the convertible body in the absence of potential buyers. In this way the BMW Serie 2 it will be the only compact convertible left on the market.
As the platform has not changed, the Audi A3 has the same measurements as in the past. 4,35 meters long, 1,82 meters wide and a height of 1,43 meters. Its wheelbase does not change either, 2,64 meters that translate into the same interior space. The trunk for its part slightly improves the dimensions, presenting a minimum volume of 380 liters (280 liters in the PHEV) and a maximum of 1.200 liters. The A3 Sedan improves the figures to offer a minimum volume of 425 liters.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Audi A3
Thanks to the new mobility trends that the market is experiencing, the 3 A2020 debuts solutions never seen before in the model. The mechanical range is presented as the most varied and complete in its history. To the traditional diesel and gasoline engines are added Mild-Hybrid drives and other plug-in hybrid solutions. In this way the Audi A3 becomes more efficient with C, ECO and ZERO stickers to satisfy all tastes.
By power the range starts with the A3 35 TFSI MHEV petrol with 1.5 litre turbo engine powered and ECO label. It generates a maximum power of 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Like the rest of the range, it is associated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission after the disappearance of the manual transmission. With the same number of horses we find the Audi A3 35 TDI with a four-cylinder, two-liter turbocharged engine that develops 150 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque.
At the head of performance we find the plug-in hybrid models recognized under the name TFSIe. There are two versions: 40 and 45 TFSIe with 204 and 245 horsepower with a ZERO label from the DGT and up to 63 kilometers of electric autonomy. (These models have not yet undergone the same facelift as the rest of the family.) The range is rounded off by the S3 and RS3 versions with two-litre petrol engines offering 333 and 400 horsepower. These models come with Audi's famous quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
Equipment of the Audi A3
How could it be otherwise The Audi A3 boasts the latest technological advances from the Volkswagen Group. It can be said that with the change to the fourth generation everything has become much more digital. The physical buttons give way to digital surfaces with which we can alter the parameters just by placing our finger on it. Trim levels are: Advanced, S Line and Black Line Edition.
In the absence of one, there are two screens mounted by the A3. One in the instrument panel with the already famous Audi Digital Cockpit, with a size of 10,1 inches. And the second one in the center console. Different sizes for the latter, being able to reach a maximum of 12,3 inches. Optionally, a HUD can be added that projects the most important information on the windshield.
But the equipment list of the new A3 does not end there. State-of-the-art connectivity solutions are released, not only for mobile devices, but also for connection with other vehicles and infrastructure thanks to C2X technology. We cannot forget a voice control through Amazon Alexa, sunroof, matrix LED headlights, keyless entry and start, automatic gate and many, many more technologies and driving assistants.
Test of the Audi A3 on video
The Audi A3 according to Euro NCAP
As usual, the new generation of the Audi A3 undergoes Euro NCAP crash tests in 2020, receiving a five-star rating, the highest possible score. The results by section are as follows: 89 out of 100 for adult passenger protection, 81 out of 100 for child passenger protection, 68 out of 100 for pedestrian vulnerability and 73 out of 100 for safety and driving assistants. These ratings remain valid after the 2024 update as there are no changes to the vehicle's structure.
The Audi A3 of Km 0 and Second Hand
Thanks to the tremendous popularity acquired by the Audi A3 over the years, we find many possible options on the second-hand and second-hand market. Its premium character and excellent durability have made it a highly sought after model for buyers. That translates into a depreciation lower than that of its rivals, standing at around 28%. Percentage that varies depending on the model and generation.
If we take a look at second-hand and second-hand market we see that prices start in amounts close to 1.000 euros for older models with more than 300.000 accumulated kilometers. The offer available in the Km 0 channel is not as extensive, but it is more expensive. The cheapest units start from 30.000 euros.
Rivals of the Audi A3
To speak of the European C-segment is to speak of the most popular segment of the market. All brands fight for their piece of cake, though in the premium segment we do not find too many models that the A3 has to face. That does not mean that the fight is hard. The direct rivals of the German are: the BMW Serie 1 and Mercedes A-Class. To these we can add another of a general nature such as the Peugeot 308, Renault Mégane, Mazda3 and the already mentioned Golf and Leon.
Highlight
- Interior finishes
- Equipment
- mechanical options
To improve
- High price
- expensive options
- few sensations
Audi A3 prices
Audi is synonymous with premium character. Those from Ingolstadt know that their products are desired by thousands of customers and therefore their prices are high. In the best case the starting price of an Audi A3 is 36.580 euros. That's for the entry-level 35 TFSI version with a 1.5-litre engine and 150 horsepower with S Tronic automatic transmission. The most expensive in the range, lacking the RS version, is the Audi S3 with 333 horsepower with a minimum price of 65.270 euros, without offers or promotions.
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