Upgraded 2026 Audi A3 steps out

Audi has revealed its updated A3 small car range overseas, which arrives with a refreshed interior, upgraded driver assist tech and a more affordable entry-level Technik grade to lower its starting price in the UK.

The redesigned cabin is dominated by a large curved digital display comprising Audi’s 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 12.8-inch touchscreen with built-in climate controls.

The also dash now features a wider decorative inlay while the centre console gains a 25W wireless charging pad oriented towards the driver.

Three different steering wheel options will be offered, including two double-spoke and a tri-spoke flat-top and bottom option – the latter reserved for S and S Line variants.

Outside, exterior changes are limited to unique digital daytime running light (DRL) signatures and specific badging integrated into the single frame grille of the hot S3 and RS3 variants.

When it comes to driver aids, the updated A3 gains Audi’s semi-autonomous adaptive cruise assist plus, which combines adaptive cruise control with active lane guidance at speeds of up to 210km/h and allows the car to automatically change lanes when the indicator is activated. It can also stop for a red traffic light (and go on green) by itself.

The A3’s lane guidance systems use swarm data for the first time, allowing the vehicle to adjust its speed to the average speed of the road, while access to online data allows the A3 to maintain its position in a lane even without visible road markings.

A four-camera 360-degree surround-view system with a 3D image of the vehicle and its surroundings will come standard on high-spec versions, while park assist functionality has also been enhanced via park assist plus and park assist pro.

A remote parking function, controlled through the myAudi smartphone app, enables drivers to exit the vehicle before parking in tight spaces – similar to the smart park assist feature accessed via the key fob on several flagship Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

But it goes another step further with reverse assist able to retrace the last 50 metres to get you out of a tricky spot and brings the ability to memorise up to five regular parking manoeuvres.

The myAudi app also brings greater access to vehicle status info, including tyre pressures, oil level, remaining range, lighting and window status.

Powertrain options overseas continue to span petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options; the latter gains more EV driving range overseas, along with an improved towing capacity.

Meanwhile, the athletic S3 and even hotter RS3 retain their respective 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 2.5-litre five-cylinder quattro all-wheel drive powertrains.

The updated Audi A3 range is scheduled to land in UK showrooms by September from £28,650 (around $A54,684) however timing for its arrival Down Under is yet to be confirmed, as are specifications and pricing.

For reference, the local line-up kicks off from $54,800 plus on-road costs for the entry A3 35 TFSI sedan and tops out at $107,800 (plus ORCs) for the raucous RS 3 sedan.

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