Two Body Variations, Two Drivetrains, Three Engines

The new A3 series lineup introduced in Japan comes in two body styles, sedan and Sportback, with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (quattro). All models feature the standard "1.4 TFSI," and this time, a new "sport" model has been set up with 17-inch wheels and a 15mm lower ride height. In addition to these, there are a total of 10 lineups including the S3.

There are three powertrain options. Front-wheel drive models retain the conventional 122ps 1.4 TFSI engine and 7-speed S tronic powertrain. Quattro models are equipped with a new 2.0 TFSI engine, which adopts Audi's unique new combustion method "B cycle," replacing the previous 1.8 TFSI. While delivering 190ps, a 10ps increase over the previous generation, it achieves 8% better fuel economy at 16.0 km/l.

Audi A3 Sportback

The top-grade S3 sees an increase in output from 285ps to 290ps for its 2.0 TFSI engine. Additionally, the paired S tronic transmission has been upgraded from 6-speed to 7-speed, improving drivability.

Enhanced Safety Features

The most significant enhancement in this update is the safety equipment. Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically controls the distance and speed by managing the brakes and accelerator, and Audi pre sense front, including automatic braking for collision prevention and pedestrian protection, are standard on all models. Furthermore, Audi active lane assist, which helps maintain lane position, Audi side assist, which reduces the risk during lane changes, and traffic jam assist, which reduces driver burden in congestion, will be available as an optional safety package for vehicles sold from summer 2017 onwards.

The Virtual Cockpit, adopted in models like the "TT" and "A4," is available as an option (standard on S3). The MMI control unit has also been completely revamped. Additionally, the Audi smartphone interface is now available in combination with the optional navigation system. This allows for compatibility with both iPhone and Android smartphones, enabling the use of phonebooks, music files, and Google Maps by directly connecting your smartphone. These functions can be easily operated via the MMI controller and voice control.

Minimal Exterior Changes

The changes to the exterior and interior primarily concern the front and rear areas. Silke Mix, Head of Marketing at Audi Japan, explained, "The new design around the headlights and the new styling of the Singleframe, emphasizing strength and sportiness, are distinctive features. The rear, including the taillights, has been given the same design as Audi's higher-end models, creating a more premium appearance and a design that enhances the joy of ownership."

Audi S3 Sportback

Mix described the A3's position as, "It is a pioneer in the premium compact segment. With its compact body size, versatility for various uses, and reasonable price, it is a model that enjoys strong popularity worldwide."

The current generation, which debuted in 2012, is the best-selling model in Audi's lineup and was similarly the case in Japan in 2014. "We have sold over 77,000 units in Japan to date, and cumulative global sales exceed 4 million units."

Regarding the target user for the A3, she commented, "We believe it will be particularly appealing to urban families aged 30 to 50, living in or around urban areas, who desire an imported car with driving performance and quality that elevates their lifestyle, or who seek a sophisticated imported car that showcases their youthfulness and good taste."

Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI | Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI
Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI sport | Audi A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI sport
Body Size | Length 4,325 x Width 1,785 x Height 1,465 mm
(sport) Length 4,325 x Width 1,785 x Height 1,450 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Weight | 1,320 kg
Engine | 1,394cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 90 kW (122 ps) / 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 200 Nm / 1,400-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (S tronic)
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 205/55R16 (sport) 225/45R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 19.5 km/l
Price | 2.93 million yen (sport) 3.29 million yen

Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro | Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro
Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro sport | Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro sport
Body Size | Length 4,325 x Width 1,785 x Height 1,465 mm
(sport) Length 4,325 x Width 1,785 x Height 1,450 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Weight | 1,460 kg
Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 140 kW (190 ps) / 4,180-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 320 Nm / 1,500-4,180 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (S tronic)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires | 205/55R16 (sport) 225/45R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 16.0 km/l
Price | 3.99 million yen (sport) 4.29 million yen

Audi S3 Sportback | Audi S3 Sportback
Body Size | Length 4,335 x Width 1,785 x Height 1,440 mm
Wheelbase | 2,630 mm
Weight | 1,520 kg
Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 213 kW (290 ps) / 5,400-6,500 rpm
Max Torque | 380 Nm / 1,850-5,300 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (S tronic)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires | 225/40R18
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 14.7 km/l
Price | 6.06 million yen

Audi A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI | Audi A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI
Audi A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI sport | Audi A3 Sedan 1.4 TFSI sport
Body Size | Length 4,465 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,405 mm
(sport) Length 4,465 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,390 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Weight | 1,330 kg
Engine | 1,394cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 90 kW (122 ps) / 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 200 Nm / 1,400-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (S tronic)
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 205/55R16 (sport) 225/45R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 19.5 km/l
Price | 3.11 million yen (sport) 3.47 million yen

Audi A3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI quattro | Audi A3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI quattro
Audi A3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI quattro sport | Audi A3 Sedan 2.0 TFSI quattro sport
Body Size | Length 4,465 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,405 mm
(sport) Length 4,465 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,390 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Weight | 1,470 kg
Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 140 kW (190 ps) / 4,180-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 320 Nm / 1,500-4,180 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (S tronic)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires | 205/55R16 (sport) 225/45R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 16.0 km/l
Price | 4.17 million yen (sport) 4.47 million yen

Audi S3 Sedan | Audi S3 Sedan
Body Size | Length 4,470 x Width 1,795 x Height 1,380 mm
Wheelbase | 2,630 mm
Weight | 1,530 kg
Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 213 kW (290 ps) / 5,400-6,500 rpm
Max Torque | 380 Nm / 1,850-5,300 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (S tronic)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires | 225/40R18
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 14.7 km/l
Price | 6.24 million yen