Minor Tweaks for 2011 Audi A3 Hatch, Sportback, Cabriolet and S3


Along with the updated 2011 TT Coupe and Roadster, and Q7 SUV, Audi also announced model year changes for its A3 range that includes the three door hatchback, five-door Sportback, Cabriolet and the sporty S3 hot hatch.

You'll probably have a hard time noticing the differences, but Audi says that on the 2011 A3s, the single-frame grille element and trims on the B-columns are painted in high-gloss black, the lower air inlets have chrome struts, the exterior mirrors are revised and there are chrome strips in the door handles (except on the S3).

A new rear diffuser insert, the tinted tail lamps on the three-door version, an updated line of alloy wheel designs and the addition of four new paint finishes (Volcano Red, Dakota Gray, Amethyst Gray and Scuba Blue) complete the exterior upgrades.

Inside, key changes are limited to the gray background of the dials, the revised flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel with trim ring, a new selector lever for the S tronic gearbox, the black rings on the air vents and a high-gloss trim for the optional navigation system plus.

Engine options remains the same and include five gasoline and four diesel units, all turbocharged with direct-injection technology, ranging in output from the 90HP 1.6 TDI and 105HP 1.2 TFSI to the S3's 265HP 2.0 TFSI.

The modestly refined A3 range goes on sale in Europe this summer.