The A3 allstreet offers a new option for anyone looking for a premium C-Class model with the versatility of a hatchback and the capabilities of an SUV. With its distinctive off-road appearance, three centimetres more ground clearance and raised seating position, Audi's new model offers an unbeatable choice with high levels of functionality and capability.
Off-road appearance and increased ground clearance
"The Audi A3 allstreet stands out from the very first glance. As a crossover at premium compact category, has a completely unique appearance. The aim was to use certain design elements to emphasise even more clearly the car's greater distance from the ground." said Stephan Fahr-Becker, Team Leader Exterior Design at AUDI AG.
This was successfully achieved thanks to targeted design upgrades, such as the vertical single-frame grille in matte black. In particular, the large octagonal grille with its cellular structure is located high up, aligning the crossover's design even more closely with Audi's Q models. Exclusively for the allstreet, there are three "striations" at the front and rear that enhance the off-road character. At the front, the striations are integrated into the distinctive edge of the distinctive spoiler and at the rear into the diffuser that forms part of the rear bumper.
The dark side skirts and lower door trim enhance the car's strong allstreet appearance and further emphasise the increased ground clearance. The special spring/shock absorber setup offers an excellent balance between a high level of comfort and a sporty, precise driving experience. Combined with the larger wheel diameter, the result is that the A3 allstreet has an overall increase in ground clearance of 30 mm. The accentuated fender flares underline the standard 17-inch wheels, while 18- and 19-inch wheels are available as an option.
Thanks to the slightly raised seating position, the A3 allstreet offers increased comfort when getting in and out of the car, as well as better visibility. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 380 litres, rising to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded. Roof rails are also standard. Optional features include a power tailgate, a removable tow bar and an equipment package for storing items. The latter allows the user to store small items in nets attached to the rear of the front seats or in the driver's side seat. A net in the boot prevents larger items of luggage from shifting while on the move.
The interior: radically upgraded
To keep up with the impressive bodywork, the interior has also received significant upgrades. There are various innovations, from the design of the gear selector and air vents to the decorative fabric inserts and new lighting. The standard equipment has also been enriched. In addition to the leather three-spoke steering wheel with multi-function control, it includes air conditioning, a cabin lighting package and a front centre armrest.
The new design of the wings, with a chrome finish on their outer surface, makes the air vents of the optional air conditioning package look thinner, thus emphasising the width of the dashboard. The centre console has been redesigned and has a new finish, which also applies to the interior door handles. In addition to the convenient cup holders, the centre console has a standard armrest that is adjustable both in length and in inclination. The compact gear selector, for ultimate control of the S tronic automatic transmission, also has a new look and, thanks to its flatter design, is seamlessly integrated into the centre console.
The standard interior lighting gives a new style to the doors and the footwell. Additional lighting elements, such as that of the contour on the switches, doors and sills, are available as an option. Corresponding contour lighting running through the centre console and cup holders is standard. A new design feature is that the interior of the front doors features concealed lighting. The fabric panel was laser-processed a total of 300 times to enable this function. Five sections are illuminated by a light source in the door panel. Their different sizes create a dynamic light flow - which is also displayed when locking and unlocking the vehicle. The 30 different lighting colours can be selected via the MMI, offering a high level of personalisation. Large speakers for the new Sonos sound system are located at the bottom of the doors, creating an immersive listening experience with 3D sound.
There are also two decorative fabric liners in various places: an artificial textured one that is also made of 100% recycled polyester and Dinamica microfiber. In addition to being a decorative insert, Dinamica serves as a seat liner and, in some interior packages, decorates the door mirrors. Dinamica looks and feels like suede, but is partly made of recycled polyester.
High levels of connectivity: at demand applications and functions
A3 allstreet is digital and connected - thanks to numerous connectivity services, on-demand features and an app store for downloads. Standard equipment includes DAB+ digital radio and a 10.1-inch touchscreen along with the Audi virtual cockpit and a wireless smartphone charging point. In addition to the two USB-C charging ports located at the front of the centre console, two additional rear ports are standard.
Optional features include MMI navigation plus, along with the full connectivity package and access to the Audi store, allowing the driver to use a wide range of applications via the car's screen. With store integration, customers can use a data connection to access popular apps instantly and intuitively on the MMI touchscreen via a data connection. The selected apps are installed in the infotainment system, without the need to use a smartphone. Users can also interact with their apps via voice commands.
On demand operations ensure a high degree of flexibility. Even after the car has been purchased, up to four individual infotainment and comfort functions can be added online via the myAudi app, such as MMI navigation plus, which includes Audi connect services. Other functions include adaptive cruise assist, high-beam assist and the option of upgrading the standard air conditioning to dual-zone. All functions can be available for one month, six months, one year, three years or permanently, depending on the individual needs of the customer.
Smart aids: assistance systems for every situation
The A3 allstreet offers high levels of safety as standard. Audi pre sense front, collision avoidance and turn assist and lane departure warning help to avoid accidents with other road users. Adaptive cruise assist, which helps with longitudinal and lateral control and is complemented by a lane change assist function, enhances driver comfort. The system handles acceleration, braking and steering at speeds of up to 210 km/h, and on motorways it assists with lane changes at speeds above 90 km/h. Activated via the MMI, the system uses data from the rear radar to indicate whether and in which direction a lane change is possible via white arrows on the instrument panel and Head-Up Display. If the driver initiates the lane change by activating the turn signal, the system actively assists the driver in driving.
In city traffic, the park assist system with advanced park assist plus helps the driver to park and reverse. Lane change warning, exit warning and rear cross-traffic assist use rear radar to monitor traffic behind and beside the vehicle for even greater safety and comfort.
With efficient engines
The A3 allstreet will initially be available in the 35 TFSI version, with a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 110 kW (150 hp) and mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and mild hybrid technology. Two more versions will follow towards the end of the year. The first, with a plug-in hybrid transmission and a combined output of 204 hp, and the second with a two-litre, TFSI engine with 204 hp and all-wheel drive.
The A3 allstreet is built at Audi's Ingolstadt plant and will be available in the Greek market from next May with prices to be announced very soon.
