An Audi A3 ready to attack curbs and potholes

Audi leverages the refresh of its A3 to introduce an allstreet version with increased ground clearance and an all-terrain appearance.

This Audi A3 allstreet is essentially to SUVs what VTC is to mountain bikes: a multi-purpose vehicle, more than a true off-road one. At first glance, the octagonal grille with its honeycomb structure is taller than on the Audi A3 Sportback, bringing the crossover closer in design to the Q models.

Protection plates appear under the front and rear bumpers, in the diffuser, to protect the beautiful mechanics. Always with a focus on protection for off-road adventures, dark side skirts and plastic wheel arches help shield these particularly exposed body areas. Overall, the A3 gets a quite appealing look, but the general impression is that these are more design elements than genuine off-road equipment. Not that it matters, since this is exactly the intended effect, as admitted by Stephan Fahr-Becker, Head of Exterior Design at the brand.

An allstreet Audi more than an allroad

The suspension of the Audi A3 allstreet is 15 mm higher than the standard suspension of the Audi A3 Sportback. Combined with larger wheel diameters, this results in a ground clearance 30 mm greater. Available as the entry-level with 17-inch wheels, ideal for rough terrain, it can optionally be equipped with 18- and 19-inch wheels for city driving. A well-thought-out detail is the slightly raised driver’s seat to improve visibility. A small tweak that demonstrates Audi’s commitment, but nothing less than expected from the four-ring brand.

The Audi A3 allstreet will initially be offered with two engines: the 35 TFSI, featuring a 1.5-liter engine producing 110 kW (150 hp) with mild hybrid technology, and the 35 TDI diesel with 110 kW (150 hp). A plug-in hybrid version will join the lineup at the end of 2024.

In terms of pricing, the Audi A3 allstreet 35 TFSI starts at 39,980 euros.

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