The interior of the new A3 Sportback is marked by an elegant, clean and light design. The dynamics of the exterior are also fully carried over here; the lines and surfaces are dynamic and taut. In the style of the larger Audi model series, a long arch called the wrap-around runs below the windshield. The instrument panel with its curving front is slim and low. Together with the center console oriented slightly toward the driver, it appears to float slightly.

The clean ergonomics are a classic Audi strength. The MMI operating system with the power-retractable monitor is available with the MMI radio and above. The center tunnel console, framed on both sides by knee pads in the style of the TT sports car, presents a clean, well-organized look. Thanks to the new electromechanical parking brake, there is no longer any brake lever; this has created space for the terminal of the optional MMI user interface. The armrest is adjustable in length and height.

The driver seats at an elegant steering wheel. Depending on the version, it has three or four spokes, a flat-bottomed rim, multifunction buttons and shift paddles. The large dial instruments can be easily read at a glance. The driver information system, which is available with an optional color monitor, displays useful data on a 3.5-inch display. These include such things as the current radio station or song title, speed, outside temperature and the time, as well as information from the navigation and driver assistance systems if present. The on-board computer provides information on fuel consumption, average speed and the time and distance driven. Furthermore, the integrated efficiency program supports an economical driving style.

The newly developed front seats offer countless adjustment possibilities for optimal support. Audi also offers optional sport seats (standard with Ambition), which can also be adjusted to the driver’s body size. Another comfort and safety feature is the high-adjustable seat belt. S sport seats with integrated head restraints will be offered somewhat later as part of the S line sport package.

The new Audi A3 Sportback also offers several millimeters more head and leg room than the previous model. Thanks to the 58-millimeter (2.28 in) increase in wheelbase, it also offers enough head, elbow, knee and foot room in the rear. The L-shaped rear head restraints provide for good rear visibility.

The interior of the new A3 Sportback conveys the luxurious look and feel of the full-size class. The sculpted inlays are just one of the highlights. Audi offers a choice of Aluminum Mistral or 3D glass-look inlays (standard with Ambiente) as options. The top-of-the-line version is manufactured using a complex process. The transparent film that is drawn over the base part is imprinted with a pattern of tiny triangles five times. A layer of transparent polycarbonate amplifies the 3D visual effect and at the same time gives the trim an extraordinary glass-like look.

The four large, round air nozzles in classic jet design are a typical Audi feature that simultaneously reflects technological aesthetics. Each of the air nozzles consists of over 30 individual parts, and tolerances of just a few hundredths of a millimeter are allowable. Their air flow is adjusted by pulling on the central axis – this varies the air flow from broadly dispersed or draft-free to a focused stream. When the rings are turned, they make the sound of technical precision – a fine, precisely-defined click.

The A3 Sportback comes standard with a manual air conditioning system. The control unit for the optional deluxe automatic air conditioning is mounted on a panel in Piano-finish black. The instrument cluster fascia is also black. Upon request, many of the controls feature an aluminum-look finish. The optional interior lighting package (standard with Ambiente) accents the interior with additional highlights: Small LED lights are placed in the headlining, front and rear, in the make-up mirrors, doors, and foot areas, at the cup holder, in the glove box and on the exterior mirrors.

Interior colors are adapted to the respective trim line. Attraction is the modern, Ambition the sporty and Ambiente the luxurious, comfort-oriented line. In the A3 Sportback Attraction, the interior is bathed in black or titanium gray; the interior of the sporty Ambition line is either all black or black with additional silver, blue or yellow contrasting elements.

The two-tone Audi design selection capri orange is available as an exclusive option for Ambition. This exclusive design from the Audi designers features a youthful color combination. The colors pashmina beige and chestnut brown are available with the luxurious Ambiente trim line.

Additional distinctions are made in the materials that are used. Cloth seats are standard with the Attraction and Ambition lines; Ambiente comes standard with a mix of cloth and synthetic leather. Milano leather in black, pashmina beige, gray, brown and capri orange (Ambition only) or a combination of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara in black or gray are available as options. When Milano leather is selected in conjunction with sport seats, the shoulder area is upholstered in Velvet leather. Special processing gives it a rugged, slightly rough surface similar to that of suede.

The S line sport package, which is available for the A3 Sportback Ambition, completely immerses the interior in black – even the headlining. Seat upholstery options are available in various materials – ranging from a cloth/leather combination to Fine Nappa leather; S line logos are embossed on the front seatbacks. Silver seams accentuate the styling, while the same color is used in contrasting seams for the borders of the floor mats; the decorative trim strips are made of matt brushed aluminum. Besides the S line sport suspension, a gear knob in perforated leather and a three-spoke leather-covered sport steering wheel – optionally with a flattened ring – emphasize the dynamic atmosphere.

The luggage compartment of the new Audi A3 Sportback has a capacity of 380 liters (13.42 cu ft) in its standard configuration and 1,220 liters (43.08 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. The cargo floor is flat, and the opening between the wheel wells measures 1,000 millimeters (39.37 in). The cargo floor can be inserted on two levels, and the supports on which it rests are marked with small LED lights. The rear seat can be folded down in a 60:40 split or as a whole. Practical bag hooks and lashing eyes in the cargo compartment are standard.

As options for the new A3 Sportback, Audi offers a load-through hatch, a ski and snowboard sack, a reversible floor mat and a storage and luggage compartment package. For the interior, this package offers nets on the backs of the front seats and in the front passenger area, a 12-volt outlet and a storage bin for safety vests under the middle rear seat.

For the luggage compartment, it offers a 12-volt outlet, a multi-fixing point for shopping bags, a luggage net and a compartment with net on the left side.

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.