The new 2021 Audi A3 sedan has been revealed ahead of a local launch early next year.
Dimensionally, the new A3 sedan is 40mm longer (4495mm), 20mm wider (1816mm) and 10mm taller (1425) than the outgoing model.
Audi says the front seats now sit lower which has liberated 20mm of additional headroom. The luggage capacity is unchanged at 425L.
Style-wise, the A3 sedan gets a large Singleframe honeycomb grille flanked by new headlights. Higher grades will get Matrix LEDs as standard.
Compared to the new A3 Sportback, the sedan is 150mm longer with a body line that extends up to the rear bumper. The roofline slopes down from the B-pillar for a coupe-like appearance that will line the car up against the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.
The aerodynamics benefit from the higher rear end compared with the predecessor as well as the large diffuser. As a result, the sedan achieves a Cd value of 0.25.
The controllable cooling-air inlet with two electrically actuated louver modules behind the Singleframe also contributes to aerodynamic efficiency. They regulate the flow of air based on the driving situation. In addition, the panelled underbody, the exterior mirrors with improved aerodynamics, and the active brake cooling reduce air resistance.
On the inside, there’s a new gear shifter, aluminium or carbon inlays, and the latest MMI infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, digital radio, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
According to Audi, the third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3) boasts computing power ten times higher than in the predecessor model.
Safety tech will include autonomous emergency braking that uses both camera and radar, active cruise control, lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic assist, vehicle exit warning, and a surround-view camera system.
Depending on the market, three engines will be available at launch – two petrol and one diesel.
Given the local market is swinging away from diesel, it’s unlikely the 2.0-litre 110 kW oiler will head Down Under.
The A3 should launch in Australia with the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It will be badged as a 35 TFSI.
The 1.5-litre powertrain features cylinder on demand technology and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It recovers energy during deceleration, supports the engine with up to 50Nm of torque when driving off and accelerating from low engine speeds and allows the car to coast with the engine switched off.
Audi says the suspension has been tuned to be sporty and harmonious which will make the sedan “a touch more precise than in the predecessor model.” As an alternative to the standard set-up, there is a sport suspension and a suspension with controlled dampers on the options list.
The all-new Audi A3 sedan is expected to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2021. Further details on specific models, pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.
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