Audi has unveiled the new updated A3 sedan for the International markets; the new model has been built on the new MQB platform. It is now longer by 40mm, wider by 20mm and taller by 10mm, What’s unchanged however is the  wheelbase at  2636mm and boot capacity at 425mm.
The Audi A3 is now in its second generation; the car continues with its three box shape and spotty looks. However it does receive a massive single frame grille flanked by sharp LED headlights. The bonnet gets prominent lines on it and the bumper houses what looks to be hexagonal air inlets and a splitter for added sportiness.
Audi says the LED’s consist of 15 LED segments that can be actuated individually and give the various versions of the Audi A3 a specific signature. The side profile doesn’t have any drastic changes, save for the new alloy wheel pattern. However at the back there’s an all new boot-lid lip spoiler that can also be had in carbon fibre along with new pattern LED taillights and a redesigned rear bumper as well.
Audi has taken a totally different approach with the A3; the interior is now younger, modern and sporty. The dashboard now receives two squared out A/C vents with a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster in the centre along with a 10.25 inch touchscreen infortainment system that’s angled for convience on the go and gets Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MMI navigation. Also on offer in the 2020 A3’s interior is a rotary touch controller for volume controls and a stubby selector the automatic versions.
Powering the new Audi A3 internationally is a 1.5 litre 150hp TFSI petrol motor with 48v mild hybrid and comes mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox, while the 35 TFSI and 2.0 litre TDI diesel are also on offer. Although for India it makes sense in bringing the 35 TFSI petrol motor mated to an automatic transmission, it remains to be seen what really makes it our shores when the car arrives sometime in 2021.
Blending comfort with dynamics at once is a sport suspension setup that is tuned to be sporty and harmonious in nature. It accompanies the standard suspension with the former offering highly comfortable, roll motion and agile handling.
The new Audi A3 may have just been unveiled in the international markets but is still sometime away from heading to our shores with a launch expected only in mid or late 2021. However by the time it does get here, the Mercedes A class sedan and BMW 2 series Gran Coupe will already make their presence felt to put up some real competition.
