New Audi A3 Sportback arrives in Portugal

The model that fired the final starting shot in the premium small family car segment is back. The new Audi A3 Sportback arrives in 2020 in its fourth generation - known internally as the 8Y generation - aiming to build on the success achieved by its predecessors.

Across the world, more than 5 million Audi A3 units have been sold. Since the original 8L generation, over 50,000 have been sold in Portugal alone.

Audi A3 Sportback: first impressions and Portuguese launch

We have already driven the new Audi A3 on Madeira in an initial test - click here to read our first impressions.

Now that the model has begun its commercial life in Portugal, the brand has released prices and equipment specifications for every version available in the country during the first launch phase.

The sportier S and RS variants will follow later, along with the remaining electrified versions, which are expected to play a central role in the Audi A3 range. Audi Portugal intends to become, in the words of its managing director Alberto Godinho, “the leading premium brand in electrification in Portugal”.

More equipment and better engines at the same price

Although the new Audi A3 (8Y generation) represents a major step forward in technology and design compared with the previous generation, Ricardo Tomaz, the brand’s communications manager in Portugal, explained that this progress “will not be reflected in the price”.

Pricing remains close to that of the preceding generation, despite the significant upgrade received by the new Audi A3 30 TDI. The former 1.6-litre Diesel engine has been discontinued, replaced by a 116 hp version of the German group’s 2.0-litre Diesel unit.

Petrol, Diesel and mild-hybrid engines

At launch, the new Audi A3 Sportback is offered in Portugal with two petrol engines - the 110 hp 1.0 TFSI and the 150 hp 1.5 TFSI - plus a turbodiesel available in two power outputs: the 116 hp and 150 hp 2.0 TDI.

The 35 TFSI S tronic powertrain uses mild-hybrid technology, based around a 48 V electrical system and a compact lithium-ion battery. It can recover up to 12 kW of energy under deceleration and gentle braking. The stored energy allows the engine to be switched off for up to 40 seconds.

New Audi A3 equipment levels

The Audi A3 range will be offered in four trim levels: Base, Design Selection, S Line and Edition One.

The entry-level specification includes automatic air conditioning, a 10.1-inch MMI display and a three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel plus.

Design Selection adds Torsion fabric/synthetic leather upholstery with contrast stitching; a contour and ambient lighting package with customisable colours; aluminium front door-sill trims; a platinum-grey headlining; aluminium interior inlays; a front centre armrest; and a gear lever gaiter with contrast stitching.

S line is reserved for the sportier equipment: front sport seats with integrated head restraints; Pulse fabric and synthetic leather upholstery with contrast stitching and an embossed S logo; decorative inlays featuring matt brushed aluminium-painted highlight surfaces; door-sill trims, with illuminated aluminium front trims featuring the S logo; a black headlining; stainless-steel-finished pedals and left footrest; plus an embossed S logo on the front seats and steering wheel.

For new-model launches, Audi traditionally creates the design-focused Edition one package. It further emphasises the new Audi A3’s styling through details such as larger, special-design alloy wheels.

The new Audi A3 is already available in Portugal and can now be found at the brand’s dealerships.