Slow Demand put the Audi A3 Sportback in a tight spot, but it’s still popular enough to come back for a fourth-generation in one way or another. This time, however, it will only be offered with five doors, and there’s no hope of the three-door model ever making a comeback. But, that’s okay, as the fourth-gen A3 just looks right in this configuration, and we’re pretty sure the S3 will look even hotter. Changes for 2021 include a revised exterior look, larger footprint, better aerodynamics, a set of engines pulled from other MQB-supported compact cars in VAG’s group of companies. Want more specifics? Keep Reading!

What Does the 2021 Audi A3 Look Like?

The Audi A3 is a departure from the third-gen model. To be quite honest, despite the transfer of Audi’s current design language, we can actually spot a few details that just scream Lamborghini. If you’re willing to pony up for it, you can even get the Matrix LED headlights. The daytime running lights will vary depending on trim (S Line, S3, RS3), but that doesn’t really matter as the headlights really fit in with the reshaped grille and front fascia design. It’s a little disappointing that the grille is so tall, though, as the design of larger Audis is a little more attractive.

The rear end of the A3 is just as sporty as the front. The roof does have that sporty slant to it (it better, since it’s a Sportback, right?), but the shape of the rear hatch is what ties the whole package together. For this generation, the rear glass looks like it’s a little more slanted, and now there’s just a slight lip at the fold above the taillights. We like the design of the rear fascia, here, but we’re looking forward to seeing what the S3 offers.

Does the 2021 Audi A3 Have a Different Interior?

The exterior of the Audi A3 was beyond expected. We’ve seen different variations of this design language scattered around the lineup, but the interior is where you’re in for a surprise. It has been completely reworked and, to be honest, it’s much more attractive. The Dashboard is now angular and has a futuristic vibe to it. Base models come with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, but that can be upgraded to 12.3-inches if you’re willing to pay (or step up to the S3, probably.) The 10.1-inch infotainment system is impressively more powerful than that of the outgoing model (ten times, to be exact), and it is integrated nicely right into the center stack. Due to the small nature of the A3 and its price point, Audi had to forgo the secondary HVAC control screen, but that’s ok. The standard, physical controller is much easier anyway – just shift through the various menus on the display of an Audi equipped with the dual-screen, and you’ll see what I mean.

Overall, Audi gets two thumbs up on this interior redesign. The A3 has effectively and successfully evolved.

What Powers the 2021 Audi A3?

Like other cars based on VAG’s MQB platform, the Audi A3 is offered with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder. It can be had in standard form or as a mild-hybrid, but this is where we see a major lost opportunity. How so? Well, both versions of the engine deliver just 150 horsepower. There’s also a 1.0-liter three-cylinder that you probably don’t want and can’t have (unless you live in Europe) that delivers a mediocre and boring 110 horsepower. Audi is also set to offer a 2.0-liter TDI that can be tuned to deliver 116 horsepower or 150 horsepower. All of these engines can be had with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but if you want the mild-hybrid model, you’re stuck with the automatic (just another reason not to go for the mild-hybrid, if you ask me.)

When the A3 hits showrooms and the order books open, you’ll be forced to deal with FWD only. Eventually, Audi will launch the A3 with the Quattro AWD system (which you definitely want, by the way), but there’ no word of exactly when this is going to happen. Looking even further down the line, Audi will eventually launch the RS3, and its 2.5-liter five-cylinder – it sounds amazing – will deliver a cool 400 horsepower. A plug-in hybrid will also be launched at some point for those of you that want to focus on being green and drinking less fuel.

On a side note, if you’re wondering which Audi A3 is right for you,, you might want to take this into consideration. Any A3 built with an engine that has less than 150 horsepower (so the entry-level three-banger and the under-powered diesel) will be equipped with torsion beam suspension as opposed to a multi-link setup. What’s the difference? Well, the cars equipped with a torsion beam suspension will ride like shit in comparison to those with the multi-link setup. In this case, you really do get what you pay for.