Singapore gets the all-new Audi A3; two body styles available

KUALA LUMPUR: The all-new Audi A3 has made it to Singapore, yes the same nation that recently passed one of the strictest ever motorcycle emission regulations. Audi is offering the model in two body styles - Sedan and Sportback.

So, what all is on offer? Starting with the design language. The new A3 showcases the same exterior layout as its batchmates, the A7 and Q3. At the front, it gets a wide Singleframe grille with sporty air inlets on either side. Maintaining the continuity are standard LED headlights with Matrix technology that with the help of 15 individual LEDs creates a unique lighting effect.

Both the Audi A3 models feature a large shoulder line starting from the headlight and going all the way to the taillamps. The wheel arches are prominent and are part of Audi’s latest design scheme, they house 8.0Jx 17-inch wheels.

As for the size difference, the A3 Sedan version is 15 cm longer than the Sportback and thus offers a bigger boot, i.e., 425-litre. The A3 Sportback, on the other hand, has a trunk capacity of 380-litre. The latter also comes with a clever luggage floor that adjusts the depth as per storage requirements.

The cabin is well-equipped with advanced features all of which are intuitive to operate. The car features a 10.1-inch touchscreen display that integrates into the instrument panel and is also inclined towards the driver. It includes features such as handwriting detection, natural language control, smartphone connectivity via the myAudi app, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Also part of the kit is the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus instrument cluster with three views, power-adjustable seats, and leather/leatherette combo upholstery.

For a more sustainable offering, the automaker is offering seat covers made of recycled plastic bottles.

Under the hood configuration? Both the Audi A3 Sedan and Sportback models are powered by the brand’s latest petrol mill with mild-hybrid electrification. The power is sourced by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine making 150 hp and 250 Nm. Alongside comes a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with a belt-alternator-starter and compact lithium-ion battery. It generates 12 hp and 50 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch transmission. All this setup helps the new A3 cover the 0 to 100 kmph distance in 8.4 seconds.

The new Audi A3 price tag reads SGD 166,140 (approx. RM 515,726) for the Sedan version. Interested in the Sportback model, get ready to shed an additional SGD 1,750 (approx. RM 5432).

Also Read: Europeans can now buy the fully-electric Audi, the e-tron GT