Audi reveals facelifted A3 with a range of updates

Audi has unveiled the facelifted A3, with a series of updates for its compact bestseller. Chief among the enhancements is the inclusion of Audi's Virtual Cockpit infotainment system. Available for the first time in the compact class, the Audi Virtual Cockpit displays the most important driving-relevant information in high-resolution on a 12.3-inch diagonal TFT screen on the dashboard. 

In infotainment mode, however, a central window predominates, which provides more space to the navigation map or shows lists for the telephone, radio and audio. The tachometer and speedometer appear as small round clocks.

The A3 also features some of Audi's latest driver assistance systems. The further developed Audi active lane assist and Audi pre sense front, including predictive pedestrian protection, make town and country driving even safer. 

New in the segment is the traffic jam assist, which works together with Audi adaptive cruise control (ACC) and its Stop&Go feature. It keeps the car at a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and in combination with the S-tronic, automatically sets the vehicle in motion again after a short stop. Another new feature for the A3 family is the optional Emergency Assist. This system initiates braking down to a safe stop if, despite warnings, no steering activity by the driver is detected. 

The engine lineup now features six engines, three petrols and three diesels. With the 1.0-litre TFSI, Audi is offering a three-cylinder model in the Audi A3 series for the first time. The compact engine outputs 115bhp and delivers 200Nm of torque. A completely new 2.0-litre TFSI engine is also available, offering 190bhp and 380Nm of torque.