Audi has brought a comprehensively improved series of compact A3 models to Croatia. The upgrade covers the Sportback, Limousine and Allstreet versions, including traditional petrol and diesel engines, plug-in hybrids and the sporty variants of the S3 and RS 3. The main emphasis of the refresh was placed on a new interior layout and a significant expansion of digital features and driving assistance systems. The arrival of refreshed A3 models on the Croatian market is expected at the end of June, when the prices will be defined, while the sporty RS 3 models will be available in July.
Physical buttons on the steering wheel
The central part of the redesigned cockpit is a curved panoramic screen that integrates the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 12.8-inch MMI screen. The horizontal line of the new instrument panel extends to the passenger door, and four materials are available to customers, including carbon fiber, Dinamica microfiber and two types of fabric. The center console now has a 25W wireless mobile phone charging pad facing the driver, while the new steering wheels come in three different designs with physical steering wheels.
Driver support systems are organized into three new packages: Tech, Tech plus and Tech pro. Rustling Adaptive cruise assist plus combines distance control and lane guidance up to a speed of 210 km/h, and for the first time uses online data to adjust speed and maintain direction even on roads without visible markings. The system also brings the function of automatic braking at a red traffic light and the possibility of changing the lane on the highway independently after activating the turn signals.
Four wide-angle cameras with a 3D display of the environment on the MMI screen are responsible for easier maneuvering. Parking assistance systems enable the vehicle to drive, accelerate and brake completely independently when entering or leaving a parking space, while the pro version also offers remote parking via the myAudi application. The new practiced parking function enables the memory of up to five specific maneuvers at a distance of up to 50 meters, while the reverse assist automatically guides the vehicle in the same direction backwards at distances of up to 50 meters.
The Audi Connect digital system enables drivers to remotely view the location and status of the vehicle, fuel level, tire pressure and service intervals, as well as remote locking and heating control. Through the Functions on Demand service, users can subsequently activate additional functions, such as an advanced audio package for sound optimization and virtual surround sound.
A wide range of drives
The range of powertrains includes gasoline and diesel engines with power of 85 kW (116 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp) and the plug-in hybrid A3 e-hybrid available with 150 kW (204 hp) or 200 kW (272 hp). The hybrid model offers an electric range of up to 143 kilometers in the combined WLTP cycle, supports fast DC charging for half an hour, and has a trailer towing capacity increased to 1,700 kilograms.
The highlight of the offer is the sports models S3 and RS 3 equipped with quattro all-wheel drive and a torque converter for more dynamic driving. The S3 model is powered by a 245 kW (333 hp) 4-cylinder turbo engine, while the RS 3 uses a 294 kW (400 hp) 5-cylinder 2.5 TFSI engine. Both versions bring specific markings in the Singleframe grille and unique digital light signatures, with the RS 3 retaining the checkered flag motif and the S3 getting a new signature of its own. Drivers can choose between four different daytime running light designs via the MMI system.