► New A3 Saloon revealed
► Junior exec expands the range
► Deliveries start in summer 2020
Audi has confirmed a new saloon variant of the A3 is joining the range, and these are the first pictures.
The new A3 saloon is due imminently on sale, with the first deliveries expected in summer 2020.
What’s different about the A3 Saloon?
It still has the frowny, big-mouthed face of the A3 Sportback hatch, with Audi pointing to discreet active aero designed to reduce drag.
It’s the blocky backside that’s the main differentiator – the A3 saloon is 15cm longer than the hatchback and can be complemented with a carbonfibre spoiler. Matrix LED headlights are also available.
Give me engine details
Audi has raided the powertrain technology cupboard of the v8.0 VW Golf, so there’s a three-cylinder petrol with 109bhp available and a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel. The most technologically advanced, however, is a new 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol with both mild hybrid assistance and cylinder deactivation technologies.
On top of the ‘regular’ versions, a 306bhp S3 and circa-400bhp RS3 Saloon will arrive later.
Any clever technology?
Again, lifting new bits from the Mk8 Golf, the A3 Saloon takes advantage of the VW’s interior upgrades but puts its own spin on it. Unlike VW, Audi has stuck with a certain amount of physical buttons, instead increasing the amount of technology accessed via the infotainment system.
Car-to-X tech, Alexa integration (to come later in 2020) and the ability to start your car via a phone app are all available.
When can I get one?
Audi says deliveries will start in the summer of 2020, starting at around £26,000.
Check out our Audi reviews