Audi A3 has been a winner since its introduction when it changed the way people thought about small cars. Prior to the A3 the prestigious German marques were only selling cars built on medium to large bodies with high prices to match.
Audi showed it didn’t have to be like that and the company’s arch rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW have since joined the (relatively) affordable small-car brigade.
Our preview of the latest generation Audi A3 five-door Sportback at its global launch in Monaco leaves little doubt that the success story will continue in Australia and globally.
The latest five-door A3 takes a new direction in styling to previous models; while those leant in the direction of practicality and common sense, the new model takes a strong sporting stance in the styling field. It has a lean and low look, with a wheelbase longer than in the three-door A3 in order to minimise front and rear overhangs.
The lines from the now-traditional ‘single-frame’ grille back through the dual sweeping highlights on the doors give it a low appearance, and the shape of the rear hatch is aimed at visually emphasising the horizontal shape.
In an interesting move, there’s an adornment package that adds chromed strips around the side windows.
Cleverly, though the third generation Audi A3 is larger, more spacious and much better equipped than the original 1999 model, it weighs virtually the same as that car.
— Ewan Kennedy in Monaco
