Evolution not revolution

NEW AUDI A3 A3 MODELS MODELS HAVE HAVE A LARGER NEW GRILL, IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY, MORE POWERFUL POWERFUL AND AND MORE MORE DRIVER DRIVER AIDS

The Audi A3 has been a top seller in the luxury small- car market for years, and the company has just refreshed the models to try to retain that segment sales leadership.

The range has been reduced and simplified to just three models, in part to make way for the introduction of the Q2 small SUV model early next year.

In New Zealand, the A3 accounts for 20 per cent of Audi sales, so although it is an entry point to the luxury brand, it is also important to the brand’s commercial success.

The new A3 models have a larger new grill, improved connectivity, more powerful and efficient engines, and more driver aids.

The 1.4- litre TFSI Design model is now the baseline model, available for $ 49,500.

The mid- range 2- litre TFSI Sport S Tronic now sells for $ 61,500, and the sportier S3 Quattro all- wheeldrive model is available at $ 79,900.

The A3 changes are evolutionary in the Audi tradition, designed to update without interfering too much with what is already a successful package.

The new Q2, on the other hand, has a more aggressive, almost crouching stance, and will aim to attract younger, more adventurous buyers to the German brand.

Our road- test model was the mid- range 2- litre five- door A3 Sport hatchback.

The styling is familiar but the subtle changes give it a crisper