A redesigned, third generation version of Audi’s compact hatchback has finally made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
Our live photos reveal a car that isn’t radically different from its predecessor. Changes include crisper character lines adorning the flanks, Audi’s hexagonal grille up front and more angular headlamps that resemble those on the 2013 A4 and the latest A6.
Audi already officially unveiled the new A3′s interior at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, so there aren’t many surprises in that regard.
The overall look of the A3′s interior is similar to the one found in the A1 city car, which is a welcome departure of the dated cabin in today’s A3. The newest A3 will also gain a significant upgrade in technology, adopting the same general MMI system used in Audi’s A6 and A8 models. That means a familiar touchwheel located in the center console accompanied by a new touchpad that allows drivers to “write†characters with the swipe of a finger. The A3 MMI system will also be updated with Multi Media eXtension, which is a flash-based system that promises to make upgrading a snap.
The highlight of the A3′s interior is a new retractable LED display. Although dash-mounted screens are nothing new in the auto industry, the A3′s system is ground breaking as it is the first-ever in-vehicle application of 3D graphics.
Finally, the 2013 A3 will gain an advanced head-up display unit. In addition to displaying standard information like vehicle speed and navigation directions, the HUD system will be able to display the distance to the vehicle ahead, warn the driver of direction changes after a hillcrest and even alert the driver as to which direction a pedestrian is walking in the road ahead.
What’s under the hood?
The new A3 will be launched with an assortment of four-cylinder engines: the entry-level offering will be a 120 horsepower 1.4 TFSI, next up will be a 177 horsepower 1.8 TFSI and diesel fans will get a 138 horsepower 2.0 TDI.
Start/stop technology is standard across the line to help curb emissions, while Audi employed extensive weight savings technique to reduce the car’s mass by up to 176 lbs., depending on the model.
The three-door version shown in Geneva won’t be headed to U.S. showrooms, but a new sedan variant that will debut at a later show is expected to be offered here.
