Available in three-door and Sportback versions as well as the sedan and Cabriolet, the A3 brings a new singleframe grille, with updated headlights – including Matrix LED technology for the first time – and taillights.

Inside, the A3 gains the Audi virtual cockpit seen in other models, which displays information on a 12.3-inch diagonal TFT screen.

The new model also brings updated trim levels, with two basic model as well as the sport and design lines, with their optional S line sport package and design selection equipment lines.

Included as standard is the MMI radio plus with the electrically extended 7-inch diagonal monitor. Options include MMI navigation and MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, which can be used in conjunction with the Audi connect module.

New driver assistance systems are also offered, including the updated Audi active lane assist and Audi pre sense front, including predictive pedestrian protection.

The A3 also brings a new traffic jam assist feature, which works together with Audi adaptive cruise control (ACC) and its Stop&Go feature and offers assisted driving and automated stop and go systems.

Six engines are offered in total and include a new 115hp 1.0 TFSI and 190hp 2.0 TFSI as well as the 310hp 2.0 TFSI.

Diesel units comprise the previous 150hp and 184 2.0 TDI engines plus a new entry-level diesel with 110hp, which is available in combination with the six-speed manual transmission or the S tronic seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The 2.0 TFSI engines are joined by a fully newly developed seven-speed S tronic with wet clutch, which replaces the previous six-speed dual clutch transmission. Quattro all-wheel drive is available for the 190hp 2.0 TFSI.

The plug-in hybrid version, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, combines a 150hp 1.4 TFSI with a 75kW electric motor , giving 204hp. Full charging of the lithium-ion battery (8.8 kWh) from a 380-volt three phase-current supply takes a little over two hours.

The range also brings the A3 Sportback g-tron. This is equipped with a 110hp 1.4 TFSI engine and can use Audi e-gas as fuel, in addition to fossil-based natural gas. With natural gas it offers a range of over 400Km on the NEDC cycle whilst Audi quotes a driving range of up to 900km with petrol.

Audi says fuel costs to the customer are roughly €4 per 100km (62.1 mi).

The new Audi A3 series goes on sale in early May, with first deliveries to start in the summer. The basic price for the Audi A3 with the new 1.0 TFSI engine is €23,300 in Germany.