Audi A3 facelift brings massive digital upgrade to the compact segment. When will it arrive in Romania and how much will it cost?
The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer is taking another hit on the premium compact market, with a major interior update for the popular Audi A3. While there are no major changes on the outside or under the hood, the interior of the car is undergoing a radical transformation, aligning itself with the German brand's latest visual and technological standards. The main innovations are a spectacular curved panoramic display and a suite of state-of-the-art assistance systems designed to provide a greater degree of automation.
A completely redesigned cabin: Curved panoramic screen and premium materials
The centerpiece of the new interior is undoubtedly the panoramic curved screen, a top-of-the-line feature taken from the new generations of its larger siblings in the range. It unifies under the same glazed surface the 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster and the 12.8-inch central touchscreen dedicated to the MMI operating system. Visually, the leap is huge, bringing the A3 model to the same cutting-edge technological standard as the rest of the German manufacturer's modern portfolio.
The ergonomics have also been carefully optimized. Audi is responding to customer requests and is once again focusing on intuitive controls by integrating physical wheels into the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel. Three different steering wheel designs are available for the new Audi A3: two modern double-spoke variants and a sporty, flattened 3-spoke version (available exclusively for the S Line package and the S3 performance version).
The centre console has been completely redesigned and is now subtly oriented towards the driver. It houses an induction charging area for smartphones, capable of delivering a considerable power of 25 watts. The premium ambience is complemented by refined finishes: the interior can be decorated with carbon fibre trim, Dinamica microfibre and new textured textiles, such as Light Crepe and black Impressum fabric.
Cutting-edge technology: Full automation and "Swarm" data
In addition to the aesthetic revolution, the Audi A3 is making strong strides in terms of safety and automation. The new advanced assistance systems are now structured much more simply for customers, being grouped into three large packages: Tech, Tech Plus and Tech Pro.
Among the most spectacular new systems is an intelligent adaptive cruise control, capable of operating at speeds up to 210 km/h. For versions with the S tronic automatic transmission, this system provides full lateral and longitudinal guidance, recognizing markings, road structures and surrounding traffic. On the motorway, the car is able to change lanes automatically by simply activating the turn signal. In addition, the adaptive cruise control brakes automatically when it detects red traffic lights.
An absolute first in the segment is the use of swarm data (collected anonymously from other interconnected vehicles in traffic) for lane keeping systems, allowing the car to adjust its speed itself according to the actual average pace of the road. At the same time, tight maneuvers become a mere formality thanks to the 4 video cameras that offer a 360-degree 3D perspective. The new A3 also introduces a parking assistance system that can be operated remotely (via smartphone), as well as a parking memory function, capable of learning up to 5 different parking maneuvers over a distance of 50 meters.
Unchanged engines: From efficiency to extreme performance
Under the hood, Audi has chosen to keep the technical recipe for success unchanged. The compact model remains available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, with outputs ranging from 116 hp to 150 hp. Fans of green propulsion have the plug-in hybrid A3 e-hybrid variants available, available in two power versions: 204 hp and a generous maximum of 272 hp.
For those passionate about extreme dynamics, the sports versions retain their untouched pedigree: the S3 hot hatch offers 333 horsepower, while the flagship of the range, the legendary RS 3 powered by the 5-cylinder engine, delivers no less than 400 horsepower.
Availability and prices for the Romanian market
The new updated Audi A3 is scheduled to officially arrive on the European market and in showrooms in Romania starting in mid-September.
As for prices, official configuration lists strictly adapted for Romania will be opened in the Porsche Romania dealer network as the commercial debut approaches. However, estimates based on the Ingolstadt manufacturer's pricing structure and the added standard technology indicate the following price thresholds (VAT included):
- Base versions (petrol/diesel, 116 HP - 150 HP): The starting price for the base Sportback variant (30 TFSI) will start at around 32,500 - 34,000 euros. The higher-end versions (Advanced or S Line) equipped with the 2.0-liter diesel engine (35 TDI) will quickly climb to the 37,000 - 43,000 euros range.
- Plug-in Hybrid versions (A3 e-hybrid): The plug-in hybrid variant, highly sought after on the local market, will have an estimated starting price of around 45,500 euros for the 204 HP version.
- Performance models (S3 and RS 3): For customers who want pure sportiness, the new Audi S3 will start at around 56,500 euros, while the exclusive and fierce Audi RS 3 will exceed the 71,000 euros threshold before adding options.
Thanks to the curved panoramic screen now offered inside and the restructured assistance packages, the new Audi A3 promises to once again become one of the most attractive and technologically advanced options in the premium compact segment in Romania.
