New A3 features a sharper design.

Audi has revealed its new A3, which promises to become the most sophisticated MQB platform car yet.

With this latest A3, the brand has decided to forego its three-door hatchback roots and only produce the new version as a five-door Sportback with a sedan following later in the lifecycle.

Some of the new design features a radical switchblade headlamp shape and intricate LED groupings. The premium hatch is bigger than before but retains the same wheelbase. Bumper-to-bumper the A3 Sportback measures 4.34 m, which is 30 mm longer than its predecessor.

Luggage capacity rates at 380-litres, which is expandable to 1200-litres, with the rear seats folded. To ease loading and unloading there is an optional electric tailgate, with foot motion detection, for convenient activation when you have both arms and hands burdened with goods or luggage.

Powering the new A3 Sportback are a range of turbocharged engines. The launch petrol powertrain will be a 1.5 TFSI, good for 110 kW and Audi is claiming consumption of 5.1L/100 km for the A3 Sportback 1.5 TFSI

Those prospective A3 buyers who prefer the driving range of a modern diesel can opt for the 2.0 TDI, available in two output guises: 85- or 110 kW. The less potent diesel engine is claimed to run average consumption of 3.6 L/100 km, whilst the 110 kW version consumes 3.9L/100 km.

All three engine configurations will be available with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Audi has also confirmed that it plans to expand the initial A3 Sportback range with an assortment of new hybridized engine options, featuring lithium-ion battery packs and electric drive assistance.

The A3 Sportback features a reconfigured four-link rear-suspension system and there are optional adaptive dampers, which lowers the body by 10 mm. For those A3 drivers who desire even more responsive steering dynamic and agility, there is a sport suspension option, which lowers the car by 15 mm. All these suspension and damping features only apply to A3 Sportbacks with an output of 110 kW or more.

Audi has equipped the new A3 Sportback with a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The digital instrumentation cluster is 10.24-inches, although there is the option of upsizing it to 12.3-inches.

Sustainability is a strong theme with Audi’s new A3 Sportback, with its seat fabric being made from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles.

Related content

Mercedes CLA vs Mercedes A-Class Sedan Review

Audi Q3 35 TFSI S tronic (2019) Review

Audi RS Q3 Sportback Revealed