Along with a revamped A3, Audi has decided to go a little further, by jacking one up. This is the new Audi A3 allstreet crossover

Photos: Audi 

SINGAPORE

Audi expands their A3 family, with the A3 allstreet crossover. Great for those who feel that the Q3 is still a little too “SUV” for their liking. The A3 allstreet begins life as a regular facelifted Audi A3 Sportback, but to achieve its off-road inspired-looks, it has a body that is raised by 30mm, thanks to a suspension raised by 15mm, and larger wheels.

Along with two new-look Audi A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan, the A3 allstreet sets itself apart from the standard car, having differing design elements, that include the large octagonal radiator grille, which sits higher. Also, unique to the A3 allstreet, are three grooves cut into the front and rear splitters, hint of a skidplate, while dark rocker side skirts visually play-up the A3 allstreet’s raised ride height. But while the crossover sits higher, Audi engineers have tuned the suspension to ensure that the allstreet delivers the best balance of high driving comfort and handling.

It is also as practical as the regular A3 Sportback, boasting a 380-litre boot, which can be expanded to 1,200-litres, with the lowering of the rear seats. Further adding to the A3 allstreet’s versatility, roof rails are included as standard. The Audi A3 Sedan on the other hand, has a larger boot at 425-litres.

For the first time in the A3 range, you can choose between up to four selectable daytime running light signatures, adjustable via the A3’s MMI infotainment system; which adds another dimension to how you can personalise your vehicle. “This gives our customers a higher degree of customisation. They can change the appearance of their model at any time. The signatures interpret confidence and agility in different ways,” says Cesar Muntada, Head of Design Light Experience at AUDI AG. “This is also true for the coming home/leaving home scenarios, which were designed individually for each signature.” The LED and Matrix LED headlights create the digital daytime running lights using 24 pixel elements in three rows on the upper edge of the housing. With their wedge-shaped, flat form and wide light graphics, the headlights emphasise the sporty character of the A3 models.

The interior also receives a few tweaks, so all A3 variants now receive a sporty three-spoke steering wheel as standard. The blade-like shifter has also been re-styled, helping it to blend more seamlessly with the rest of the interior. Their native MMI infotainment system now allows users to download third-party applications, and access them through the MMI touch display. Users are also able to interact with their apps, via voice command. Furthermore, Amazon Alexa can now be used to stream music, while Alexa account-linked smart home devices can be operated from the car.

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The Audi A3 allstreet, which will roll off the Ingolstadt plant, will go on sale in Europe initially with two power options. First is the proven 1.5-litre TFSI MHEV petrol (the same that powers the 1.5-litre versions of the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf and Škoda Octavia), good for 150hp and 250Nm. The second is a 2.0 TDI, which produces 150hp and 360Nm. Audi will release more petrol and diesel variants of the A3 Sportback and Sedan in the second quarter of 2024. A plug-in hybrid is also slated at year’s end.

While we know that the refreshed A3 Sportback and Sedan will be set to reach our shores sometime this year, there is no news if Audi Singapore will be bringing in the A3 allstreet. But if they do, we bet it will be powered by the 1.5 150hp MHEV powertrain.

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