New Audi A3 set to raise its game on quality and tech in 2019 ~ station of gear

Audi’s fourth-generation A3 will push upmarket and feature 48-volt electric tech when it goes on sale in the UK in 2019

2017-04-08 18:00

BMW’s new 1 Series is on the horizon for late 2018, but Audi will also have a fresh challenger ready to take it on in the form of the latest A3. The popular hatch will debut in hatchback, saloon and, eventually, coupe form.

The A3 is one of the best-selling premium models in the UK thanks to its range of bodystyles, trim levels and powertrains covering all the bases. So don’t expect the formula to radically change for the fourth-generation car, with evolutionary styling to bring it into line with the latest A4 as our exclusive images show.

Like the forthcoming Volkswagen Golf Mk8, the next A3 will use the VW Group's updated MQB platform, but it’s also set to grow slightly to allow for increased space inside. Don’t expect the same weight-saving from generation-to-generation as the A4 as a result, but there could still be a few kilos shaved off as Audi’s engineers work their magic.

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We can expect much of the same interior technology drafted in from the A4, though. The clever virtual cockpit digital dials should be available across most of the range, while further features like wireless smartphone charging and a WiFi hotspot are likely. Whether or not we’ll see some of the clever autonomous tech that’s set to debut in the next Audi A8 is yet to be seen. The dash design itself is unlikely to be too different from the A4, however.

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Image 2 of 4

Using the MQB platform means there’s scope for a huge variety of engines to be offered. Many will be updated from the existing (and not yet out of date) units, with both three and four-cylinder turbo petrols and diesel on the cards. A super-frugal plug-in hybrid e-tron model will push the claimed fuel economy figures event further, while it’s expected that the brand’s 48-volt electric system could be used to create a number of ‘mild hybrid’ models. Of course, there will also be the cooking S3 and super-hot RS3 variants for 2020 and beyond.

We’re expecting the new A3 to be previewed late next year ahead of it arriving in showrooms in the first half of 2019. Prices will likely increase slightly over the current model, so expect to be paying around £20,000 for entry-level cars.

Will Audi's A3 plans give it an edge over BMW and Mercedes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments...

Lawrence Allan

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