CARS OF THE WORLD

Updated Audi A3 2027.

Audi A3: subscription to comfortable options and allstreet cross version.

Audi has introduced an updated family of compact A3 cars for Europe.

At the moment, the basic hatchback and sedan with gasoline and diesel engines have been declassified, the allstreet cross-hatchback has appeared in the range for the first time, plug-in hybrid and sports versions of the S3 are expected later this year.

The fourth-generation Audi A3 on the MQB Evo platform debuted in 2020 and turned out to be very successful — at least in its home market of Europe.

Last year, the Audi A3, according to the analytical agency JATO Dynamics, became the best-selling premium C-class car in Europe — 128,222 units were sold. (+16% compared to sales in 2022).

For comparison, let’s say that the BMW 1 Series sold 86,496 units in Europe in 2023. (+30%), Mercedes-Benz A-class — 80,714 units. (-9%).

The fifth generation of the Audi A3, according to rumors, is expected no earlier than 2027 and, most likely, will already be fully electric, so the current updated family still has quite a long life ahead — it is possible that the fourth and fifth generations will be produced in parallel for some time.

During the restyling, the Audi A3 received a slightly more flattened radiator grille without an external frame and with much larger cells.

The design of the bumpers has been changed — each body has its own. The shape of the headlights and lanterns is the same, but the LED filling is new.

24 upper LED daytime running lights in each headlight allow you to customize the design of the light pattern via the MMI multimedia system menu — 4 options are available.

The Audi A3 cross-hatchback (yellow car in the photographs) was called allstreet — a similar version appeared two years ago in the younger Audi A1 hatchback.

The allstreet version differs from the regular Audi A3 Sportback hatchback in its ground clearance increased by 30 mm, a protective plastic body kit along the lower perimeter of the body and silver inserts imitating metal.

In addition, the Audi A3 allstreet has a slightly more angular and higher-mounted radiator grille than other versions; the Audi logo is located inside its perimeter, whereas on a regular hatchback and sedan the logo protrudes a third beyond this perimeter.

In the cabin, the design of the air duct guide strips and the automatic transmission selector has been changed — instead of a vertical “flash drive,” a large horizontal button is now used.

The finishing materials have been updated: the door panels behind the laser-perforated fabric inserts now have atmospheric LED lighting.

The audio system supplier has been changed: the top-end “music” with 15 speakers is now from Sonos, and not from Bang & Olufsen, the woofers are now located lower and provide richer bass.

The central box armrest between the front seats has become more comfortable. Rear passengers get two USB-C charging ports of their own.

The 10.1-inch multimedia screen is equipped with an updated MMI operating system with a built-in store of popular third-party applications and a subscription tool for comfortable options.

Many consumers hate subscriptions, but the Volkswagen group, which includes Audi, is now rigorously optimizing costs.

The subscription institute is part of this optimization: the point is that identical, lavishly packaged machines roll off the assembly line, but access to all equipment is available only through a subscription.

For example, in the “base” Audi A3 there is only air conditioning, and the dual-zone climate control mode is activated through a subscription.

Also available by subscription are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone interfaces, adaptive cruise control and automatic high-low beam headlight switching.

You can subscribe to the desired option for a month, six months, a year, three years, or buy a lifetime subscription.

At the moment, only two engines are announced for the updated Audi A3 family — a petrol 1.5-liter TFSI (150 hp) paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid add-on (belt-driven starter-generator) and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel ( 150 hp) with urea injection and bulky treatment facilities.

The gearbox is currently only a 7-speed automatic DCT type (with two clutches), and the drive is only front-wheel drive.

Later, simpler versions with a “handle”, all-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid versions and updated sports versions of the S3 are expected.

Orders for the updated Audi A3 in Europe are already being accepted: a regular hatchback with a gasoline engine costs in Germany from 35,650 euros, a sedan — from 36,450 euros, a cross-hatchback — from 37,450 euros.