Diamonds, as we know, are formed under pressure. As VW’s Golf becomes even more mature and sophisticated in forthcoming Mk8 guise, the pressure has increased on Audi to make its fourth-generation A3 appreciably more than ‘just’ a Golf with a sharper cut of its jib.
The two share a platform, naturally, and there will be a level of commonality with engines. So is the new A3 a carat heavyweight? Our preview drive didn’t allow a definitive verdict, but it did reveal a compact premium hatch with plenty of polish.
Audi Australia hasn’t yet locked down the engine line-up, spec, or pricing, as the car won’t arrive until the end of this year or beginning of next, but it would seem a safe bet that the 1.0-litre three-pot which previously opened the outgoing range will exit, given the increase in size and maturity of the A1 with this engine.
So expect the range opener to be the 35 TFSI, powered by the VW Group’s 1.5-litre four. This engine will be available with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, providing a torque boost under heavy throttle, and to support ICE-free coasting.
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Wheels Australia Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Wheels Australia Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ROUGH DIAMONDS
GO OUT AND SEE AUSTRALIA. BUY ONE OF THESE AND YOU'LL MAKE IT HOME TOO
WORK IN PROGRESS
WHEN YOUR LIVELIHOOD DEPENDS ON IT, DON'T TAKE ANY CHANCES
RABID RESPONSE
EVEN IF YOU'RE PULLING IN THE FINANCIAL HORNS, YOU WON'T NEED TO COMPROMISE ON FUN
PREMIUM BLEND
HERE'S HOW TO ENJOY CHAMPAGNE ON A VAGUELY BEERY BUDGET
GO LARGE, SAVE BIG
WE BRING YOU A SELECTION OF LARGE FAMILY SUVS THAT ARE UNLIKELY TO BREAK THE BANK
MIDDLE CLASS
THE AUSSIE FAMILY DREAM USED TO BE A QUARTER ACRE AND A PICKET FENCE. NOW IT'S A LITTLE MORE MODEST
SHORTY AWARDS
VALUE FOR MONEY CAN BE A RARE COMMODITY AMONG SMALL SUVS. HERE ARE THREE THAT ANSWER THE CALL
MID SIZE MAX VALUE
THE MEDIUM RANGE SECTOR IS THE VERY DEFINITION OF GETTING ALOT OF CAR FOR YOUR DOLLAR
HATCH MATCH
WANT A HATCH THAT'LL PUT A SMILE ON YOUR DIAL SECOND TIME ROUND? TRY THESE...
MODE ΤΟ ΤΟΥ
PORSCHE'S LATEST HOT 911 IS THE NEW FRONTIER FOR ON-THEFLY CHASSIS ADJUSTABILITY, OFFERING THE DRIVER A WORLD OF CONFIGURATION - BUT IS IT WORTH THE HASSLE?
