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The A3 model series has been widely popular for generations. Now, the compact class is getting an upgrade, focusing on the redesigned interior with a panoramic display as well as a wider range of driver-assist systems. The A3 family is becoming more capable and more digital, and in the UK more affordable, as a new Technik trim reduces the starting price to £28,650 (OTR). Whether it is a Sportback or Saloon, a traditional petrol or diesel engine; a plug-in hybrid; or the sporty S3 and RS 3 models: the A3 lineup offers immense variety to meet a wide range of needs. Now, all models feature a new interior and enhanced equipment. Interior: a modern panorama A3 models will now come with a completely new cockpit layout. The centrepiece is the curved display, comprising the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 12.8-inch MMI panoramic display. The dashboard complements this redesign: the decorative inlay is wider than before and forms a continuous horizontal line from the instrument cluster to the passenger door. There are four material options to choose from on selected models, namely carbon fibre, Dinamica microfiber, and Impressum black. The centre console also has a new look: the mobile phone tray is now oriented toward the driver’s seatand offers 25-watt wireless charging. All steering wheels in the upgraded A3 models feature a physical scroll wheel integrated into the multifunction buttons. Regardless of the features, customers can choose between three different steering wheel designs: two double-spoke versions and a three-spoke, flat-top-and-bottom design for the S line and S models. Assistance systems: reliable support in everyday driving The range of driver assist systems is expanding significantly. First is adaptive cruise assist plus (available on S3 Vorsprung & RS3 Carbon Vorsprung), which combines adaptive cruise control with active lane guidance at speeds of up to 130mph. For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the system assists with longitudinal and lateral guidance, taking road markings, roadside structures, and surrounding traffic into account. On highways, the system can change lanes by itself when the turn signal is triggered. As a new feature, adaptive cruise assist plus enables automatic braking at red lights. If the vehicle has not come to a complete stop, the A3 will automatically drive on when the light turns green. For the first time, the longitudinal and lane guidance systems also use swarm data, meaning the vehicle adjusts its own speed to the average speed of the road. With online data, adaptive cruise assist can maintain the vehicle’s lane even without visible road markings, increasing comfort in rural and urban traffic. Use of online data for adaptive cruise assist is included for three years after vehicle delivery. Customers can then extend the term for a fee. Four wide-angle surround-view cameras (available on S3 Vorsprung & RS3 Carbon Vorsprung), provide a 360-degree image of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings for easy parking and manoeuvring. The image is shown in 3D on the MMI, where multiple views can be selected and adjusted via the touch display. For example, there is a fully interactional 3D exterior view, including a virtual bird's-eye perspective of the vehicle and its surroundings. Helpful guidelines make it easier to stay oriented while manoeuvring. When pulling into a car wash, for instance, a 3D view of the vehicle along with on-screen guidelines helps the driver position the A3 perfectly between the side rails. In addition, park assist plus and pro (available on S3 Vorsprung & RS3 Carbon Vorsprung), use the cameras to detect parking lines, allowing the vehicle to pull in and out of parking spaces on its own. The A3 handles steering, acceleration, braking, and gear shifting. Once the driver has activated the feature on the MMI touch display, they can sit back and relax while the vehicle is automatically guided into the parking space. With park assist pro, a remote function (available on S3 Vorsprung & RS3 Carbon Vorsprung), is included. This means the driver can exit the vehicle before parking or wait until the vehicle has pulled out of the space before getting in. This is particularly useful in tight parking spaces, whether parallel or perpendicular to the road. The A3 performs the manoeuvre independently as soon as the driver initiates the process in the myAudi app on their smartphone. Another new feature in the A3 models is trained parking (available on S3 Vorsprung & RS3 Carbon Vorsprung), which allows the vehicle to memorise specific parking manoeuvres. If a carport or garage is difficult to access, the A3 only needs to be trained once and will be able to park automatically from then on. The vehicle steers, accelerates, brakes, and shifts gears by itself. The same applies to exiting a parking space. The MMI can store up to five parking manoeuvres over a distance of 50 metres. Each manoeuvre can be given its own name. In narrow streets or parking aisles with no room to turn around, reverse assist (available on S3 Vorsprung & RS3 Carbon Vorsprung), steps in. It records the last stretch driven forward – up to 50 metres at a maximum speed of 21mph – and automatically steers the car back along the same path in reverse. The system handles steering, while the driver remains in control of acceleration and braking. Digitalisation: smarter features, better information Audi connect makes driving the A3 more convenient and efficient. A versatile range of digital services provide information before, during, and after every journey. New remote functions allow users to check not only the vehicle’s parked location – displayed on a map in the smartphone app – but also the status of the parking brake, lights, and any doors or windows that may have been left open. In addition, the myAudi app provides a full overview of mileage, fuel level, remaining range, tyre pressure, oil level, and service intervals. It also allows convenient remote control of the auxiliary heating as well as remote locking and unlocking of the vehicle. With functions on demand, a wide variety of features can be added later. New to the lineup is a package that optimises bass reproduction, balances volume levels between sources, and improves the quality of compressed audio signals. Also available is virtual surround sound, which simulates a variety of acoustic environments – from concert hall to recording studio. Variety of models: a broad portfolio for every need The A3 lineup is exceptionally versatile and covers a wide range of powertrains. Petrol and diesel engines are available in power levels of 116 PS and 150 PS. The A3 e-hybrid is offered as a plug-in hybrid with system outputs of 204 PS. Its electric range is up to 88 miles on the combined WLTP cycle, and the battery can be fully recharged in around 30 minutes thanks to DC charging. The towing capacity of the A3 e-hybrid models is now 1,700kg, which is 300kg more than before. The sporty variants S3 and RS 3 offer particularly agile handling. Both models feature quattro all-wheel drive and the torque splitter, enabling fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels for enhanced driving dynamics. The S3 is powered by a 333 PS four-cylinder turbocharged engine, while the Audi RS 3 features a 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine producing 400 PS. Both models are distinguished by their specific badge in the Singleframe and a unique digital daytime running light signature. The RS 3 has signalled its sporting character with a checkered flag design since the start of its current generation, and now the S3 has a distinctive signature of its own. Drivers can choose from four different daytime running light designs for the Matrix LED headlights and customize their selection via the MMI. Three of the four signatures have been completely redesigned for the base model. UK model specification and pricing The updated A3 models will be available at Audi Centres at the end of September 2026. Prices start at £28,650 (OTR) for the A3 Sportback, while the A3 Sportback e-hybrid is available from £39,980 (OTR). The Audi S3 starts at £49,960 (OTR). The Audi RS 3 is available from £63,655 (OTR). The A3 / S3 / RS 3 specifications: A3 Technik Sport S line Black Edition S3 Black Edition Vorsprung RS 3 Carbon Black Carbon Vorsprung