Audi gives A3 a digital overhaul

AUDI has unveiled a comprehensive technology upgrade for its A3 range, introducing a redesigned digital cockpit, expanded driver assistance systems, and enhanced connectivity across the A3, S3 and RS 3 line-up.

Due in European showrooms from September and in Australia in H1, 2027 the update focuses on digitalisation rather than mechanical changes, bringing Audi’s smallest model into line with newer products such as the A5 and Q5.

The centrepiece of the update is a new dashboard featuring Audi’s latest curved Panoramic Display, combining an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster with a larger 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen.

The redesign replaces the previous 10.1-inch infotainment display and removes the physical climate control panel, with heating and ventilation functions now integrated into the touchscreen interface.

Physical shortcut buttons remain for key functions including the hazard lights and drive mode selection.

The dashboard itself has been completely redesigned with a wider horizontal trim panel spanning the cabin and new material choices including carbon-fibre, Dinamica microfibre, and two textile finishes.

Audi has also repositioned the centre console, angling the wireless smartphone charger towards the driver while increasing charging output to 25 watts.

Steering wheels across the range adopt revised multifunction controls incorporating physical scroll wheels, while S line and S models receive a flat-top-and-bottom steering wheel design.

While exterior styling changes are minimal, selected variants receive revised Matrix LED daytime running light signatures, with the S3 gaining its own unique lighting graphic for the first time. The RS 3 retains its distinctive chequered-flag signature.

The biggest advances come in driver assistance technology.

Audi has expanded its adaptive cruise assist system, which now combines adaptive cruise control with active lane guidance at speeds of up to 210km/h.

New functionality allows the system to automatically brake for traffic lights and, where permitted, resume driving when the light turns green if the vehicle has not come to a complete stop.

The lane guidance system also introduces cloud-based swarm data, enabling the vehicle to maintain lane position and adjust speed even when lane markings are poor or temporarily absent

Parking technology has also been substantially upgraded.

A new 360-degree camera system provides a fully rotatable three-dimensional view of the vehicle’s surroundings, while Park Assist Plus allows the A3 to steer, accelerate, brake, and select gears automatically when parking.

The higher-grade Park Assist Pro introduces remote parking via the myAudi smartphone app allowing drivers to exit the vehicle before the parking manoeuvre is completed.

A new Trained Parking function enables the vehicle to memorise up to five regularly used parking manoeuvres over distances of up to 50m, allowing it to automatically repeat complex garage or carport parking sequences.

Audi has also expanded its connected services, with the myAudi app now offering remote monitoring of vehicle status including window and door position, tyre pressures, oil level, service information, and remote locking functions.

Powertrains remain unchanged.

The range continues to offer petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants, while performance enthusiasts can opt for either the 245kW S3 or the 294kW five-cylinder RS 3, both featuring quattro all-wheel drive and torque splitter technology.

The A3 e-hybrid also carries over, offering DC fast charging capability, up to 143km of electric driving range (WLTP) and an increased towing capacity of 1700kg.

The update follows strong sales momentum for the A3 in Australia, with 875 examples delivered during the first five months of 2026, placing it ahead of the BMW 1 Series (519) but behind the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (945) in the premium small-car segment.

Australian specification and arrival date will be announced closer to local launch.