Audi A3 Old Vs New – What’s Different?

The Audi A3 facelift gets noticeable changes over its predecessor with highlight being the new heart - a 1.4-litre petrol engine

Audi, the German carmaker, has launched its A3 facelift in the country at Rs 30.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Every facelift implies changes and updates over the previous version. And the most affordable sedan from Audi is no different as it envelopes quite a few of them and looks set to take on the competition comprising of the Skoda Superb and the Mercedes-Benz CLA in particular. With the new version finally launched, let’s find out what all has been tinkered in the Audi A3 facelift.

Design

The facelift of the A3 doesn’t features radical changes, instead, they are subtle. The headlamp units, for instance, now gets a kink on the lower side, similar to the one found on the Audi A4. Also, multi-reflector halogens have now made way for new xenon plus headlamps that are offered as standard. Furthermore, an option of full-LED headlights is also available. The other major difference is the broader and sharper looking Audi singleframe grille.

Coming to the side profile, everything remains the same, except for a new set of 16-inch alloy wheels.

The rear gets a redesigned bumper and new LED tail lamps with different graphics. Moreover, Audi’s dynamic turn indicators add a value to the facelift’s tail lamps.

Interior

The cabin remains as plush as it was in its predecessor while swapping the earlier four-spoke steering for the new three-spoke wheel which has been borrowed from its cousin, the Audi Q3 SUV. It also gets an updated Multi-Media Interface (MMI) screen and a restyled, frameless interior rear view mirror as well.

Engine

The biggest change in the A3 facelift lies under the hood – a 1.4-litre petrol engine. Replacing the bulkier 1.8-litre mill, the new one is lighter by 100kgs, which helps it return an astonishing mileage of 19.2kmpl – up by 3kmpl! The smaller motor belts out 30PS lesser power, but keeps the torque figures intact at 250Nm. On the diesel front, it continues to carry the same 2.0-litre motor, which pumps out max power of 143PS and peak torque of 320Nm.

If you wish to know how the A3 facelift drives, check out our A3 review.

Recommended read:

2017 Audi A3 Vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Vs Skoda Superb: Spec Comparo

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