• New engine line-up delivers power and efficiency in spades
• New infotainment and connectivity technology, together with the most advanced driver assistance systems in the segment
• Up to $7,000 in extra value, starting at only $35,900 MLP

"The current generation A3 range is enormously versatile, which is why it was voted World Car of the Year in 2014, and why it has proven so popular in Australia," said Andrew Doyle, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

"The Sedan has already established itself as a design icon in the segment, the Cabriolet is one of the most attractive and beautifully proportioned soft-tops on the road and the Sportback's handsome looks disguise the fact that it's extremely practical – and the perfect companion for those with an urban lifestyle.

"The Audi A3 has never been more popular than in this, its third generation. With the advancements and added value that arrive with the new model ensure that its enormous popularity continues."

The new A3 is offered with two petrol engines across the range, starting with the highly efficient 110kW/250Nm 1.4 TFSI with Cylinder-On-Demand. In addition, a new 2.0 TFSI engine makes its debut in the A3 range, featuring an innovative combustion concept that delivers strong performance – 140kW and 320Nm – while returning frugal fuel efficiency. Together with its direct and indirect fuel injection arrangement, and start-stop functionality, average fuel consumption in the A3 Sportback is just 5.0L/100km. The new 2.0 TFSI engine is available with and without quattro permanent all-wheel drive across the three body styles.

In addition, a new entry level engine makes its debut exclusively in the A3 Sportback: a three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI that produces 85kW and 200Nm. It also returns the lowest fuel consumption in the new line-up, at 4.8L/100km.

For the first time, all engines are mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.  For the 1.0 and 1.4 TFSI engines, the familiar dry clutch concept is retained. For the new 2.0 TFSI engines, an all-new seven-speed transmission with two wet clutches has been developed, that is suited to either front-wheel drive or quattro drivetrains. It supersedes the outgoing 6-speed transmission and has been designed for higher torque values.

The new transmission is also deployed in the all-new S3 range, which is more powerful and faster than ever. Endowed with a 213kW/380Nm 2.0 TFSI engine, the new S3 Sportback and Sedan sprint to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The quattro all-wheel-drive drivetrain has been retuned by Audi engineers to deliver even more dynamic handling characteristics, by actively distributing more torque to the rear wheels. A six-speed manual transmission remains a no-cost option.

The new A3 brings a host of advanced driver assistance systems that collectively set a new standard for the premium compact segment, like Matrix LED headlights, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) up to 65km/h, in addition to side assist, active lane assist, and rear cross traffic assist, depending on the model.

Infotainment and connectivity features are unparalleled in the segment, with MMI Navigation now standard across the range, along with the rollout of Audi Connect into next year, also as a standard item. The innovative Audi virtual cockpit is now available in the A3 range (standard on S3), along with smartphone interface for Apple Carplay and Android Auto functionality (standard on 2.0 TFSI and up).

The Audi A3 has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Depending on the model, the new Audi A3 range offers up to $7,000 in additional value.

Pricing
(Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] - excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

– ENDS –

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. In the second half of 2016, the production of the Audi Q5 will start in San José Chiapa (Mexico). 100-percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include quattro GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).

In 2015, the Audi Group delivered to customers approximately 1.8 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,245 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and about 54,800 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2015 financial year, the Audi Group achieved total revenue of €58.4 billion and an operating profit of €4.8 billion. At present, approximately 85,000 people work for the company all over the world, about 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on new products and sustainable technologies for the future of mobility.