- Audi has upgraded the A3 family with a new curved cockpit display and wider digital functions.
- Driver assistance expands with adaptive cruise assist plus, remote parking and trained parking for tight spaces.
- The broad A3 range continues with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, S3 and RS 3 variants overseas.
Audi has given its A3 family a technology-heavy update, led by a redesigned interior and a wider suite of driver assistance systems.
The compact range now gets a new cockpit layout built around an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 12.8-inch MMI panoramic display. Audi says the dashboard has also been reworked, with a wider decorative inlay running across the cabin and new trim options including carbon fibre, Dinamica microfibre and textile finishes.
The centre console has been redesigned too. A phone tray is now angled towards the driver and supports 25W wireless charging, while all upgraded A3 steering wheels get a physical scroll wheel integrated into the multifunction controls.
Parking gets cleverer
The more useful changes may be in the assistance package. Audi is expanding the A3's driver-assist systems into three bundles: Tech, Tech plus and Tech pro.
Adaptive cruise assist plus combines adaptive cruise control with active lane guidance at speeds up to 210km/h. In automatic models, it can support longitudinal and lateral control, assist with lane changes when the indicator is used and, in a new function, brake automatically at red lights.
The system can also use online swarm data. Audi says that lets the A3 maintain lane guidance even when road markings are not visible, subject to service availability.
Parking assistance has also been upgraded. Park assist plus and pro can use four wide-angle cameras to detect parking lines and manoeuvre the car into or out of spaces. With park assist pro, the driver can start the manoeuvre remotely through the myAudi app.
Powertrain choice remains broad
Audi says the A3 family still spans Sportback, Sedan and allstreet body styles, along with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, S3 and RS 3 models in relevant markets.
The overseas powertrain list includes petrol and diesel options from 85kW to 110kW, while the A3 Sportback e-hybrid variants offer 150kW or 200kW system outputs. Audi has not disclosed any New Zealand timing, pricing or local specification for the upgraded range.
