Exterior design

The new Audi A3 Sportback is long and lean. While the length (4,310 millimeters [14.14 ft]), width (1,780 millimeters [5.84 ft]) and height (1,425 millimeters [4.68 ft]) are only slightly greater than on the previous model, the wheelbase is now significantly longer at 2,636 millimeters (8.65 ft), an increase of 58 millimeters (2.28 in). The overall design language of the new Audi A3 Sportback concentrates on the essentials, with each individual design element making a clear and confident aesthetic statement. The front end is low; the roof arch spans a dome that extends beyond the subtle roof spoiler to the muscular tail end. The ratio of metal surface area to windows is two-thirds to one-third – a typical proportion for Audi.

The design with the three side windows is taut, with every detail precise and expressive. The tautly curved surfaces, the sharp shoulder of the body and the relatively narrow, sharply inclined C-pillar give the new Audi A3 Sportback its typical character. The sharply defined tornado line articulates the flank below the windows and evokes a powerful shoulder. The dynamic line above the side sills runs upward toward the rear. The large, precisely defined wheel wells and the subtle roof spoiler underscore the sporty aspirations of the new Audi A3 Sportback. The same applies to the exterior mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, which like with a sports car are mounted on the doors.

The distinguishing element of the front end is the distinctive, Stone Gray single-frame grille with the angled upper corners. Its horizontal slats and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. A slender, chrome-plated frame surrounds the grille. Large air intakes up front hint at the supreme power of the engines.

The flat headlights are works of art of the highest technical precision and give the new Audi A3 Sportback a determined gaze. They are styled in a wedge shape, and their lower edges are contoured in a slight wave. In the optional xenon plus modules, the LED daytime running lights form clear, visually uniform contours of lights at the upper and lower edges, which suggest the shape of an eyebrow. The turn signal lights are at the pointed corner of the headlight behind the “wing” – a narrow, chrome-plated fin that is a typical Audi feature.

As an option, Audi can supply the new A3 Sportback with the high-beam assistant, and – in conjunction with xenon plus headlights – with adaptive light. It integrates a special curve, cornering and intersection light function and can be supplemented by variable headlight range control. It works together with the front-facing camera to adjust the light-dark boundary of the headlights automatically in response to approaching vehicles or the vehicles ahead. Full LED headlights will be offered somewhat later.

The rear is sculptured, and the split rear lights underscore its width. Audi offers LED rear lights in combination with the xenon plus headlights; LED light conductors appear to form a continuous arch. The adaptive brake light, which pulses at high frequency during hard braking, is standard. A sharp crease sets off the diffuser. Depending on the engine, the exhaust system terminates in one or two tailpipes on the left side of the car. On the Ambition and Ambiente they are chrome-plated.

The S line exterior package further sharpens the look of the premium compact car. The single-frame grille is painted in a high-gloss black, honeycomb-look screens with fog lights fill the large air inlets, which are bordered by powerful edges. Suggested air inlets that extend towards the wheels create distinctive visual accents. The sills have distinctive add-on strips. The roof spoiler has been lengthened, the bumper has an additional edge, the platinum gray diffuser includes a honeycomb-pattern insert, and the tailpipes of the exhaust system are chrome-plated.

There are twelve paint colors from which to choose. The solid finishes are called Amalfi White, Brilliant Red and Brilliant Black. The metallic finishes are Beluga Brown, Dakota Gray, Ice Silver, Glacier White, Monsoon Gray, Scuba Blue and Shiraz Red. The pearl-effect finishes Phantom Black and Misano Red round out the selection. The optional high-gloss package offers small highlights in the area of the side windows (standard with the Ambiente line).

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.