Audi is sprucing up its A3 range in line with the new arrival in the family, the soft-top cabriolet. And that means it gets the latest styling flourishes from Ingolstadt – including the ‘get outta my way’ LED eyelids.
The air intakes and front bumper details are new, too, while the door mirrors get indicator light repeaters for the first time. Those LED day running lights up front are the most visible of the changes – they’re made up of seven white light-emitting diodes – while the back lights are expected to gain new fibre optic details that light up twin rings on either side to echo the Audi badge.
CAR Online has seen leaked documents spilling the beans on Audi’s product timetable for the next 12 months; they say the existing A3 family of three-door hatchbacks and five-door Sportback estates will be refreshed in the middle of 2008.
There is likely to be a series of mechanical tweaks at the same time, with the latest engines plucked from the vast VW group empire; that means the same four-cylinder engines spruced up with the latest direct-injection know-how to buff up the performance and emissions ratings.
The new A3 Cabriolet will go on sale ahead of the hatchback range, in spring 2008. Prices haven’t been announced, but expect to pay around £20,000 for the soft-top.