2021 Audi A3 premieres, gets Sportback body style

German luxury automobile manufacturer Audi launched the next-generation A3 yesterday in the Sportback crossover hatchback. A sedan version of the A3 is expected to follow soon.  Audi will also roll out the high-performance R3 model of both versions.

The 2021 Audi A3 Sportback features a number of major upgrades, though it shares the Modularer Querbaukasten (MQB) platform with the outgoing version. The car will be hauled by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol motor, while a 1.5-litre diesel unit will be available as an option. Both engines will be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Audi is expected to announce more engine options later.

The new-generation Audi A3 will have a number of high-tech features. Most of the components have been borrowed from larger Audi cars. These include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has handwriting recognition and responds to voice instructions. The car will have a fully digital instrument and a heads-up color display.

The 2021 Audi A3, for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, will have an automatic torque adjustment and distribution system based on information collection from the suspension sensors, road conditions and individual driving styles. Under normal conditions, the majority of the torque will be dispatched to the front wheel to ensure maximum efficiency. However, when required, the full torque will be sent to the rear wheels. Torque for individual wheels can be controlled through a brake-based system linked with the car’s electronic stability control (ESC). At the time of hard cornering, the brakes are applied slightly, which improves the turn-in response.  

The Ingolstadt-headquartered company has also introduced a speed-sensitive steering wheel for the new-generation A3 which be available in the sportier models. Audi claims that the system now has special teeth which ensure different gear ratios on the steering’s angle. 

The 2021 Audi A3, on the styling front, continues with the hooked headlights that appeared in the 2016 upgrade. The car sports the usual hexagonal Audi grille. On the sides, the lines are equally emphasised and wraps tightly to show off the car’s flared arches in both corners.

The Audi A3 Sportback currently commands an entry-level price of ASD39,901. The 2021 version is expected to come at a premium.

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