New Audi A3 Arrives With More Aggressive Styling And A Hint Of Lambo DNA Inside

Forget about the Seat Leon being the sportiest looking compact hatchback from the Volkswagen Group, as that role has now been taken by the new Audi A3.

Presented online at a streaming press conference that should have taken place at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, the fourth generation A3 retains the familiar shape from previous generations, but has embraced more characterful if not convoluted design language and lines.

The front end follows the themes from Audi’s latest models sporting sharper headlights with LED DRLs, a more muscular bonnet that ends in a straight line above the new honeycomb grille, and prominent side air intakes.

The front fenders have been narrowed but the rear shoulderline is bulkier, ending with the bumper that incorporates air outakes and slimmer taillights. The diffuser is now more discreet and doesn’t hold on to the tailpipes anymore, as these are hidden away. The car has similar overall proportions and the boot has a capacity of 380-1,200 liters (13.4-42.4 cu-ft), depending on the position of the rear seats.

Opening the door reveals a completely new dashboard panel, with air vents on the driver’s side that have a very Lamborghini-ish feel. The free-standing infotainment screen has been replaced with a unit incorporated in the dashboard while the HVAC control panel is new. The car features the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital dials, which will be available as an option, an available head-up display and a newly styled steering wheel with buttons for the voice commands, music volume and menu controls.

The center console hosts the 12V charge port and electronic handbrake button that has been moved closer to the gearshift lever. There are two cup holders between the front seats and another cubby for storing the smartphone in front of the gear stick. The door cards can be partially wrapped, depending on the specification, in different-style leather trim, like the seats and other touchable surfaces. Creating a more pleasant environment is the ambient lighting.

In Europe, the new A3 will be launched with three engine choices: the 1.5-liter TFSI petrol with 150 PS (148 HP / 110 kW) and the 2.0-liter TDI diesel, making 116 PS (114 HP / 85 kW) and 150 PS (148 HP / 110 kW). Front-wheel drive will be standard at first, with the output being challened to the wheels via a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. More powertrains will be added to the lineup, as well as versions packing the permanent Quattro all-wheel drive system.

You may want to choose an engine option with at least 150 PS, as that’s the only way to get the four-link rear axle suspension. This can be enhanced with adaptive damping, which drops the body by 10 mm (0.4 in), while the sport suspension, which is standard with the S Line exterior and optional without it, makes the ride firmer and shaves 15 mm (0.6 in) from the ground clearance.

Audi will start accepting orders for the new-gen A3 Sportback in most European countries this month, with deliveries to commence in early May. Pricing for the petrol model starts at €28,900 ($32,087). Early buyers will get the A3 Sportback Edition One, with exclusive features such as darkened Matrix LED headlights, matte platinum grey exterior attachments and titanium grey 18-inch wheels, alongside the front sports seats, aluminum inlays and stainless steel pedals in the cockpit.