Look! Audi reveals its all-new A3 compact saloon

Audi has officially revealed the all-new 2021 A3 saloon and it is based on the latest A3 Sportback. Now entering its second generation, it adopts several aspects of the A3 Sportback including some of its design cues, technology as well as its chassis.

The new A3 saloon is underpinned by the updated MQB Evo platform and it has grown in dimensions; it is now 40mm longer than the predecessor (4,500mm) is wider by 20mm (1,820mm) and its height has increased by 10mm (1,430mm). However, it retains the same wheelbase as the outgoing model.

The compact saloon now offers 20mm more headroom for front seat passengers but its luggage capacity remains unchanged at 425litres. It has a Cd value of 0.25 which is an improvement of 0.04 over the previous generation thanks to several aero features including active grille shutters and a large diffuser.

At launch, Audi will only offer the new A3 saloon with one TFSI engine and one TDI engine. The entry-level unit is the 35 TFSI - a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine rated at 148 horses - and it can be had with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic. When equipped with the latter, it also gets a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

There will be more options in the future such as a 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder making around 240 horses while the S3 will could have over 300 horses.

The interior looks identical to the A3 Sportback and features the same huge 10.25in digital instrument panel and central 10.1in MMI touch display.

Audi says the connectivity has improved compared to the previous generation, while the available driver assist systems include pre sense front, adaptive cruise assist, efficiency assist, exit warning, and cross-traffic assist. Prices could start at approximately $32,250 for the 35 TFSI.