A3/S3/RS3 Audi Unveils the 2013 Audi A3's Interior

[martinbo]

^ So nice you can see from a few pics that the interior is of better quality than the A4

Impressive, I must say.

Thanks pal. Yes, I can see from these pics because I know what I'm looking for. I'm that good. (JK )

In all seriousness though, let's look at this picture:

First of all the thick, soft-touch, textured surfacing of the main dash covering is clearly apparent - look I won't lie and say that it is thicker than the covering on the A4 but I'm betting it is.
Next up is that row of buttons so neatly incorporated into the detailing strip line that runs the width of the dash. Notice it's one seemingly cohesive piece - lacking in any sectioning. That's quality in my eyes. I hate bitty sectioning of hangdown consoles - and the A4 is my pet hat in this regard. Here's the B8 facelift IP by way of comparison:

My main gripe is how the whole hangdown console is partitioned into separate panel sections, each separate housing containing a particular module like the display, vents, multimedia deck and HVAC controls. It completely lacks uniformity for me and I know out of experience that such assemblies (lots of separate modules) are more prone to rattles because each "module" is separate.

It's the new A3 interior's lack of "bittiness" that visually imparts a better sense of solidity, uniform construction and cohesion thus vastly improving the perception of overall quality. It just looks solid. And, I bet it is.

 

[q5s]

Pic of the prehistoric 8P for comparison purposes.
That's right, nobody makes an interior like audi (except porsche ofcourse at a higher price).
Whether A1 or A8 all audi models get the same treatment, not something I can say about competitor products.

 

[Tumbo]

Im absolutely in love with that interior hands down. Audi really nailed it. Perfection!!!

 

[Zafiro]

Where are these pics from? there are people standing outside the car and still no exterior photos.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

The interior looks gorgeous. Very impressive.

Two things I don't like though. The sound system on/off swith and volume is in a completely illogical place (the otherside of the gear lever) like most other Audis. And the needles for the fuel gauge and temperature gauge have been replaced by lights, just like on the A6.

Other than that, I'm very happy indeed. The exterior looks nice too.

Where are these pics from? there are people standing outside the car and still no exterior photos.

They're from the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas. It's not an actual car, just a mock up of the interior.

 

[martinbo]

Folks, please...

Discussion on anything but the official interior pics must take place in this thread: http://www.germancarforum.com/a3-s3/23178-next-generation-mk-iii-audi-a3-spy-pics-info-16.html

Last chance or I merge the whole lot into one big messy thread and the Audi fans have no official interior thread to work with.

 

[Tumbo]

Folks, please...

Discussion on anything but the official interior pics must take place in this thread: http://www.germancarforum.com/a3-s3/23178-next-generation-mk-iii-audi-a3-spy-pics-info-16.html

Last chance or I merge the whole lot into one big messy thread and the Audi fans have no official interior thread to work with.

What's the pont of having two threads at all? Please, merge. It's all about the new A3. Interior or exterior. It's about the car.

 

[donkeykong]

No exterior leaks huh?

 

[q5s]

The sound system on/off switch and volume is in a completely illogical place (the otherside of the gear lever) like most other Audis.

On the contrary the on/off/volume knob is on the right side, it is the steering which is on the wrong side

 

[Morrison]

Interior it`s nice, it looks a little bit empty but it`s ok. I still prefer the interior from the 1er.

 

[Tumbo]

No exterior leaks huh?

Indeed. Check the "other" A3 thread... But leaks only from the MMI cgi pictures.

 

[Deckhook]

It's because there isn't any out there without camo. In due time I sure we will get a leak.

 

[AudiQuattro]

I'm liking the new A3 interior especially the technological advancement in the media infotainment system. I like how Audi have had insight to design the chip set module etc to future proof to a certain extent as processors improve and technological advancements become available so it is simple to upgrade when required. The design is clean uncluttered and you can see the ergonmics have been thought of in some detail. Only thing I'm not sure of is the wedge of plastic where the cigarette lighter is. Having an A3 for five years (now have A5) I absolutely loved the car. The new A3 looks like an improvement and in comparison to the 1 Series I cannot see (only from photos) where the 1er is a head. The 1er is one fugly looking car also so I do not expect the A3 to fall short on exterior looks either so I hope the A3 just handles better and is also a lot lighter.

I'm curious to know if the Audi rings in the side panel footwells are new interior footwell lighting. I hope so as they look good. It is difficult to tell from the photos. Does anybody know if they are part of the design or just marketing stuff for the show.

 

[Giannis]

One small note regarding the handbrake. It's supposed to be a small hatchback and also offered as FWD in its basic forms. A hand-operated hand-brake should be offered, instead of the soul-less button-operated one.

Knowing that I sound like an idiot boy-racer, I strongly believe that the manual handbrake is a vital part of the european hatchback culture and should not be replaced.

 

[donkeykong]

It's because there isn't any out there without camo. In due time I sure we will get a leak.

View attachment 9994

Nope just the cockpit that's all.
Are the sedan,and hatch both coming to America or just the sedan?

 

[Gianclaudio]

I don't like it at all. Looks like a cheap-car from the 70's.
Audi's interior perceived quality and fit/finish are fantastic, but design wise they always look old, at least to my eyes.

 

[Sunny]

I love it, simple, sporty and solid looking, but yet with enough glitz to not look plain or cheap. Kudos to Audi for sticking to the 'form follows function' ethos.

 

[Levi68]

Really nice interior, looks cleaner than the 1 Series. Again back to my previous comment, even the A3 has e-brake, but 1 Series and 3 Series don't. Sorry but we are in 2012. If BMW wants to keep manuals handbrakes, I'll them want them to keep naturally aspirated engine and have no infotainment system and no air conditioner. Back to basics.


PS: My info was wrong, the cooperation was not with Apple but with NVidia.

 

[martinbo]

I personally think that electronic "handbrakes" are a frivilous nicety but for many others they're indicative of an upmarket product. If BMW is clever they ought to offer an e-brake as an option or as part of an exclusive-type package.

 

[Deckhook]

Are the sedan,and hatch both coming to America or just the sedan?

Don't know, I would suppose this will have been something ironed by AoA and Audi Germany. I have heard a rumor that only the A3 saloon and Q3 would be offered but personally I can't believe this to be true because the A3SB supposeable sold quite well.

Regarding the question of whether the 1 and 3 should have an e-handbrake, personally I don't see the point in a conventional handbrake anymore because of the added benefits of the other but each to their own. It's probably a cost cutting exercise on BMW's part rather than any other reason because their more expensive models get it as standard.