After the hatchback version of A3 unveiled last year in Europe, Audi is again in the limelight with the launch of its 2021 Audi A3 sedan. This time the Audi A3 has adopted its recently released hatchback version’s bold lines, engines and technology.
2021 Audi A3 sedan’s main rivals include:
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan
Read more: Honda CR-V 2020 vs Toyota Harrier 2020
Exterior
The all-new Audi A3 has a more distinctive, coupe-like appearance than its predecessor model.
If we look at the exterior dimensions they are 4.5 metres long, 1.82 metres wide and 1.43 metres high, making the new model larger than its previous model. It’s around 40mm longer, 20mm wider and 10mm taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2636mm.
Audi A3 comes with the same 425-litre boot capacity. Although it has 40 litres more space than the hatchback version — the competing BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe boasts 5 litres more capacity.
The new 2021 Audi A3 sedan has a mild-hybrid engine and a lot more style https://t.co/gAwAqFZXVi pic.twitter.com/DYJ19RB71x
— CNET Cars (@CNETCars) April 21, 2020
Interior
A larger body means more space inside; for front passengers, there is 20mm more headroom and increased elbow room. However, the rear seat passengers have enough elbow room.
Inside the cabin of there is a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Features include:
- Satellite navigation
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- DAB+ digital radio
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto smartphone
The display comes integrated very decently into the dashboard.
Inside the Audi A3, a very comfortable environment exists due to the leather trim and ambient LED lighting.
Also available is Car-to-X, a system debuted on the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf allowing Car-to-X-equipped vehicles to communicate with each other within an 800-metre radius to share crucial information on hazards ahead and traffic conditions.
Read more: Toyota Corolla hatchback all set to be released
Engine
Initially in Europe, two engines – both turbocharged four-cylinder, one petrol, one diesel – will be offered by Audi.
2021 Audi A3 sedan’s entry-level engine is the ‘35 TFSI’. It is a 1.5-litre petrol developing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque.
Owners have a choice, they could either opt for a six-speed manual or go for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
For the Hybrid version, automatic transmission comes standard with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
It conserves fuel by recovering energy during deceleration. This improves acceleration at low speeds and allows the car to coast with the engine switched off in certain situations. Audi claims that there is a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres in everyday motoring.
Safety and suspension
Audi A3 offers a pretty decent suspension system, ideal for unpaved roads.
All models are fitted with MacPherson struts up front and multi-link suspension at the rear. This suspension system offers Fixed, comfort-tuned dampers, which are fitted as standard and sports suspension and adaptive dampers can be acquired as an option. If the hatch receives any indication, it will lower the ride height by 15mm and 10mm respectively.
A range of drive modes will also be on offer. Users will be able to choose between modes according to their requirements, whether it is economy drive or sports mode. These drive modes will alter the throttle response, and steering weight.
The new Audi A3 Sedan comes packed with numerous safety features:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- adaptive cruise control
- rear cross-traffic alert
- 360-degree camera.
Read more: Toyota Harrier 2020 to hit markets in June
Price and availability
The 2021 Audi A3 sedan’s expected launch in Europe will be in summer. American customers will have to wait a bit longer, it is not expected to be released there until 2021.
Pricing information is not out yet and will be released in the weeks close to its official sale.
The current-generation Audi A3 Sedan starts at $33,300/ 26,963 £/ 5,349,868 PKR.