Audi has digitally revealed the new-generation A3 Sedan. The second model in the A3 family after the Sportback, the Sedan is now bigger, better looking, and gets new-age connected technology. The smallest sedan in the Ingolstadt line-up also debuts hybrid powertrain for the first time.
Audi posted a short video of the car on Twitter with the caption, “Elegant, efficient, and evolutionary: the new #Audi #A3 Sedan. The second generation is digitally and fully connected and ensures a dynamic driving experience.”
Elegant, efficient, and evolutionary: the new #Audi #A3 Sedan. The second generation is digitally and fully connected and ensures a dynamic driving experience. Check out all the features of the model >> https://t.co/0lL1njmhhw pic.twitter.com/PxwKkrqZTp
— Audiofficial (@AudiOfficial) April 21, 2020
Audi A3 Sedan Unveiled
The new Audi A3 sedan adopts the same technologies as the recently revealed A3 Sportback, with mild-hybrid powertrains, refined suspension and a heavily revised interior.
Stylistically, the next-generation A3 sedan is only subtly updated over its predecessor, but it is intended to have a more coupé-like appearance.
The booted A3 is longer, wider and taller than before, creating an extra 20mm of headroom in the front along with more elbow room, while boot space remains unchanged, at 425 litres.
The car sits on the same updated MQB platform like the new Volkswagen Golf. This platform is claimed to be lighter yet also more rigid than the one it replaces.
The model receives digital daytime running lights, made up of 15 LEDs, for the first time. Certain trim derivatives have an individual light signature to set them apart.
Aerodynamics are better than the outgoing model’s, thanks to a higher rear end and large diffuser. The car achieves a Cd value of 0.25, which is 0.04 better than before. A controllable cooling-air inlet, with two electrically actuated louvre modules behind the grille, regulates the flow of air, according to the situation.
The standout engine is a 150hp 1.5-litre TFSI petrol unit with 48V mild-hybrid technology, first announced in the A3 Sportback. Available only when paired with Audi’s S Tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, it can recover about 16hp during deceleration, supports the engine with up to 50Nm of torque when driving off and can coast with its engine off for up to 40sec. It promises a 10% improvement in fuel consumption.
There are two other engine choices at launch – the same 35 TFSI with 150hp but with a 6-speed manual transmission, and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel delivering 150hp and paired with a 7-speed S Tronic.
Later, a 115hp 2.0-litre TDI diesel will arrive alongside a 110hp 1.0-litre 30 TFSI three-cylinder petrol. The 30 TFSI engine will be available as a 48V mild-hybrid in dual-clutch guise. Two plug-in hybrid variants will go on sale further down the line.
Market launch of the new A3 sedan is slated for April 2020 in European markets. Prices are expected to start at 27,700 Euros. Meanwhile, Indian debut is likely to happen next year. It rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan and the new BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe.