Originally launched in 1991, the Audi A3 is now in its third generation and selling better than ever. In the UK, 2015 was its best year yet with 47,653 registrations, putting it in 8th place overall.
Audi’s not one to stand back, and just four years after the introduction of the current version, the whole range has received an update.
A facelift infers that the changes are simply cosmetic, but the fact is that there’s more to the ‘new’ A3 than meets the eye.
As part of the refresh, you get Xenon headlights that incorporate a new daytime running light design, as well as a revised front grille and bumper.
At the back there's a wider diffuser integrated into the lower edge of the rear bumper, along with redesigned LED tail-lights.
Technology from Audi’s more expensive models has filtered its way through to the new A3 range.
Now you can specify options such as the excellent Virtual Cockpit display, which puts lots of useful information including sat-nav maps on a 12.3in screen behind the steering wheel, in place of traditional analogue instrument dials.
Priced from £19,365, the latest A3 comes with a mild rejig on the outside and more bits inside, including cruise control, auto lights and wipers and a multi-function steering wheel.