2016 Audi A3 hatchback (facelift) – Old vs. New

Audi has given a facelift to the third generation Audi A3. Here's how the 2016 Audi A3 compares with the pre-facelift 2012 Audi A3.

Exterior

The 2016 Audi A3 gets new headlamps similar to those of the 2016 Audi A4, broader singleframe grille with sharper contours, restyled bumpers and tweaked taillights. Matrix headlights are available now as an option. Five new colour options will be available: Ara blue, Cosmic blue, Nano gray, Tango red and Vegas yellow.

Interior

The interior has been updated with a newly designed three-spoke steering wheel with available heating function and the availability of Audi virtual cockpit 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The menu structure in the MMI infotainment system has been redesigned.

Mechanical

The engine line-up for the Audi A3 now comprises of six engines, three petrol and three diesel. Two of the three petrol engines are new: a 1.0-litre TFSI turbocharged three-cylinder unit developing 115 hp and 200 Nm of torque and a 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder unit producing 190 hp and 320 Nm of torque. There's also the 1.4-litre TFSI turbocharged that makes 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Diesel engine choices include a new 110 hp 1.6-litre TDI unit, a 150 hp 2.0-litre TDI unit and a 184 hp 2.0-litre TDI unit.

The Audi S3's 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine now produces 310 hp (+10 hp) and 400 Nm (+20 Nm) of torque in conjunction with the S tronic transmission.

The facelifted 2016 Audi A3 range will be launched in first markets in May 2016.