2021 Audi A3 sedan unveiled globally

Audi has unveiled the second generation of the Audi A3 sedan. The A3 sedan is the smallest in the brand's line-up and has seen significant changes done to it like its Sportback sibling.

The new A3 sedan is marginally larger than the car it replaces, although sitting on the FWD MQB platform as the previous car. It is 4mm longer, 2mm wider and 1mm taller, although wheelbase and boot space remain unchanged. The styling has been reworked completely and incorporates many of the sharper new elements seen on larger Audis. There is the large full-face grille, the trapezoidal headlamps with their segmented LED light signature and optional Matrix tech. Further along, the bodylines have been sharpened and the roofline rakes a bit more aggressively into the boot. At the rear, the tail lamps and bumpers are sharper as well.

This treatment continues to the inside as well. The new angular, layered looking dash is highlighted by the 10.1 inch MIB3 infotainment system, along the second lower screen in larger Audis has been replaced by a slim bank of physical controls. Other unique elements are the asymmetrical central airvents and the simple notched gear selector. The latest iteration of Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster is available here too.  Aside from this there are numerous driver assistance and connectivity options including Car-to-X services that make use of the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet. Many of these features are unlikely to make it to India, although some form of connected-car tech can be expected.

The A3 sedan can be had with one petrol and one diesel option internationally, both mated to a seven-speed DCT. The petrol motor is the 1.5-litre petrol that debuted here recently in the VW T-Roc and makes 150PS and 250 Nm. Aside from the cylinder deactivation tech it already comes with, this motor can also be had with a a 48-volt mild hybrid system that can add up to 50 Nm while accelerating and allows the car to coast with the engine switched off.

A 2.0-litre diesel with 150PS/360 Nm is also available but that is unlikely to make it to India.

The new Audi A3 sedan will go on sale internationally in the next few months. In India, it will compete with cars like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, after its expected launch early next year.