In heightened form: the new Audi A3 allstreet

“At very first glance, the Audi A3 allstreet stands out from the rest of the A3 family,” says Stephan Fahr-Becker, Team Leader of Exterior Design at AUDI AG. “As a crossover in the premium compact class, it has a completely unique look. The aim was to use specific design elements to emphasize the vehicle’s higher ground clearance even more.”

Off-road character for a confident look

This goal was achieved, among other things, through a vertical emphasis of the matte black Singleframe. The large octagonal radiator grille with its honeycomb structure sits higher than on the A3 Sportback, bringing the crossover closer to the Q models. Unique to the allstreet, three grooves at the front and rear enhance the off-road character. At the front, the beading is integrated into the distinctive spoiler lip, which are reminiscent of a skid plate, and at the rear into the diffuser as part of the robustly designed rear bumper. The rear also echoes the design of the trapezoidal air intakes: Their high-contrast double frame in Selenite Silver and Manhattan Gray creates a strong contrast, lending the A3 allstreet a powerful appearance. The same applies to the dark rocker panel trims and the trim in the lower door areas. They visualize the increased ground clearance and also emphasize the vehicle’s length. The standard roof rails further tighten the roofline. At the same time, the wide wheel arch trims in Manhattan Gray visually shorten the overhangs. This gives the A3 allstreet a sporty, robust look. Series-standard 17-inch wheels are housed in the wheel arches, making them one dimension larger than on the A3 Sportback. Wheels in 18- and 19-inch diameter are available as an option.

Up to four selectable daytime running light signatures

With their wedge-shaped, flat form and wide light graphics, the headlights emphasize the sporty character of the A3 allstreet. For the first time in an A3 series model, it is now possible to select and switch between up to four different digital daytime running light signatures in the MMI. “This gives our customers a higher degree of personalization. They can change the expression of their model at any time. The signatures interpret self-confidence and agility in different ways,” says Cesar Muntada, Head of Design Light Experience at AUDI AG. “This is also true for the coming home home/leaving home scenarios, which were designed individually for each signature.”

On the LED and Matrix LED headlights, 24 pixel elements in three rows on the upper edge of the housing make up the digital daytime running lights. The top-of-the-line Matrix LED headlights offers especially high resolution and longer-range high beams. If the camera detects vehicles driving ahead or oncoming, they are selectively masked out while the high beams remain active in all other segments. This reduces glare and improves road illumination for increased safety and comfort. The Matrix LED headlights, which the A3 allstreet always uses in combination with the LED rear lights, also feature built-in dynamic turn signals, all-weather lights in the lower module of the headlight housing, and a dynamic coming home/leaving home function.

Three centimeters more ground clearance and improved functionality

The suspension of the A3 allstreet is 15 mm higher than the standard suspension in the A3 Sportback. Together with the larger wheel diameter, this results in 30 mm more ground clearance. As such, the A3 allstreet also offers increased comfort when entering and exiting the vehicle and better 360-degree visibility thanks to the slightly higher seat position. As with the A3 Sportback, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 380 liters, and up to 1,200 liters with the rear seat folded. Optional equipment includes an electric tailgate, a detachable hitch, and a storage and luggage compartment package. The latter offers the ability to store small objects in nets affixed to the front seat backrests or in a compartment on the driver’s side. Larger pieces of luggage are held in place by a net in the trunk.

Due to the vehicle’s higher center of gravity, the A3 allstreet features a specific spring/shock absorber tuning that offers an excellent balance of high ride comfort and a sporty, precise driving experience. The front suspension uses a McPherson design with triangular lower control arms. The rear features a multi-link rear axle with a separate spring/shock absorber arrangement. Its design enables it to handle the longitudinal and lateral forces separately, ensuring high driving stability and ride comfort. Aluminum pivot bearings reduce the unsprung masses, contributing to optimum handling and steering characteristics.

The electro-mechanical steering is responsive and precise. Power assistance adapts to the speed at which the vehicle is driving. For increased agility, progressive steering with variable ratio is available as an option. The harder the driver turns into a curve, the more direct the steering response. In city traffic and during maneuvering, this reduces steering effort; the A3 allstreet is more precise in sharp corners.

Highly connected thanks to integration of apps and functions on demand

The A3 allstreet is digital and connected – thanks to numerous connect services, functions on demand, and a store for apps. In addition to DAB+ digital radio, a touch display, the Audi virtual cockpit, and an inductive smartphone charger all come standard. In addition to the two front USB-C charging ports in the center console, there are two additional ports in the rear as standard.

MMI navigation plus, along with the complete connect portfolio and access to the store for apps, is available as an option. The navigation system shows high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth and detailed 3D models of many major European cities. Real-time traffic data from HERE, the map and navigation service provider, is used to calculate routes. The navigation system forecasts traffic developments and lane-by-lane traffic flow data, for example by informing the driver of lane closures. Points of interest are enhanced with photos, opening times, and user ratings. In addition, mass location data help to find parking spaces at the side of the road or provide information about hazards along the route. The latest news can be displayed and even read aloud right in the MMI. Free speech-to-text for SMS and emails is another feature. The package also includes online and hybrid radio. The former provides access to online stations available worldwide, while the latter automatically switches between FM, DAB, and online streaming to always ensure the best possible reception.

A store for apps is also integrated into the infotainment system, which allows the use of many applications right on the vehicle display. Thanks to the embedded store customers can directly and intuitively access popular third-party apps through the MMI touch display by means of a data link in the vehicle. The selected apps are installed in the vehicle’s infotainment system – without taking a detour via the user’s smartphone. Users can also interact with their apps via voice command. In addition, Amazon Alexa can be used to steam music, as well as to also be used to operate smart home devices.

Functions on demand ensure a high degree of flexibility. A total of five individual infotainment and comfort functions can be added online via the myAudi app, even after the vehicle has been purchased. In addition to MMI navigation plus including Audi connect services, the A3 allstreet can be upgraded with the smartphone interface, which integrates iOS and Android smartphones into the MMI system via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Other functions include adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, and the ability to expand the standard air conditioning system with two-zone comfort air conditioning. All functions can be booked for one month, six months, one year, three years, or permanently, depending on the customer’s individual needs. If, for example, a long vacation is planned with the A3 allstreet, the navigation and adaptive cruise assistant are useful additions – for relaxed travel on long stretches of highway and targeted guidance in unfamiliar areas.

Smart assistance systems for city use and long drives

Even as standard, the A3 features a high level of safety. Audi pre sense front, Audi pre sense front, collision avoidance and turn assist, and the lane departure warning system help in avoiding accidents with other road users. Adaptive cruise assist, which assists with longitudinal and lateral control and has been supplemented by an assisted lane change function, enhances driving comfort. The system handles acceleration, braking, and steering at speeds of up to 210 km/h (130 mph), and also assists with lane changes at speeds above 90 km/h (55 mph) on highways. Activated via the MMI, the system uses data from the rear radar to display white arrows in the instrument panel and head-up display to indicate whether and in which direction it is possible to change lanes. If the driver initiates the lane change by tapping the turn signal, the system actively assists the driver in steering.

During city driving, the park assist with park assist plus helps the driver when parking and backing out of parking spaces through targeted steering maneuvers. The lane departure warning system, exit warning, and the cross-traffic assist monitor traffic behind and on the sides of the vehicle using the rear radar, thus further increasing safety and comfort.

Efficient, powerful engines

In Europe, the A3 allstreet will initially be launched in two engine/transmission versions. The 35 TFSI with a 1.5‑liter engine has an output of 110 kW (150 PS) and is available as an automatic version with seven-speed S tronic and mild hybrid technology. The diesel engine is a 35 TDI with 110 kW (150 PS) and a seven-speed S tronic.

The A3 allstreet, which rolls off the line at Audi’s Ingolstadt plant, will be available in Germany and many other European countries. Prices in Germany start at 37,450 euros for the 35 TFSI with 110 kW (150 PS) S tronic.