Following in the wheel tracks of the recently launched Audi A3 Sportback is the new A3 Saloon (or Sedan depending on where you live). The new four-door carries on from the previous generation in much the same way, slotting neatly into the Audi range beneath the A4 and demonstrating a stylish solution to grafting a boot onto the rear. The new design of the saloon's body retains a curvier appearance through its roofline and rear, but there are more angles and taut surfaces than previously, especially along the flanks.
It has the same front-end design as the five-door A3 hatchback, showcasing a larger and more pronounced grille. The use of different daytime running light signatures in the LED headlights serves to differentiate the specification grades further. The style of the lower bumper sections on either end also more clearly identify the different versions, such as the sportier S line car.
As with the hatchback, the wheelbase remains unchanged in comparison to the previous version, though the car's overall length has increased by four centimetres, mostly as a result of new bumper designs. The boot capacity remains the same at 425 litres, which is useful, and not that far behind the Audi A4 Saloon's capacity.
A more digital experience inside
There was a simplicity to the interior design of the outgoing Audi A3 that was part of its widespread appeal. Now the cabin of the C-segment saloon has a very different look, but remains one that is likely to impress buyers. It is an entirely digital dashboard thanks to a 10.25-inch display for the instrument cluster and a separate 10.1-inch infotainment screen. Audi will offer the option of upgrading the instrument cluster to a 12.3-inch unit, along with a head-up display.
Further changes include a more driver-centric design of the dashboard layout that features air vents set high on either side of the instrument binnacle. Audi has stepped up its already strong interior materials game with this latest generation, too, setting it out as one of the more impressive models in the entire range. For cars equipped with the automatic S tronic transmission there is more space around the centre console due to the evolution of the drive selector from a traditional shifter to a small, stubby toggle switch. It's far smaller and for an automatic gearbox is makes sense, and you still get paddles on the steering wheel to manually change gears if you want.
A slight increase in overall space for rear passengers is mostly to be felt in the elbow and shoulder areas. The new roof design contributes to better headroom, though it's all very subtle differences; in fact, much of the 2cm improvement to headroom in the front is down to the seats being positioned lower in the car.
Wider selection of powertrain options
Audi will offer the same engines in the Saloon as found in the A3 Sportback, starting from launch with two TFSI petrol options and a TDI diesel. The 35 TFSI is a 150hp 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that includes Audi's cylinder-on-demand tech, enabling half of the engine to shut off during lighter driving to save fuel. This version comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, and there will also be a seven-speed automatic transmission that uses a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It has the ability to shut off the engine when coasting, using an additional battery to power the ancillary systems.
As the A3 Saloon has long been a popular choice for company car drivers, Audi will offer a selection of diesel engines, too. Initially, a 2.0-litre TDI unit with 150hp will be available, followed soon after by a more frugal 116hp version of the same engine that comes with lower emissions and improved fuel consumption. The 116hp engine will be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the seven-speed automatic will be available in conjunction with the more powerful TDI engine.
At this stage, no Irish market pricing or launch information is available.