Just as the new A3 Sportback (5 door) is beginning to make an impression on Australian roads, Audi has unveiled images of its three-door A3 model, now with the company’s hallmark single-frame grille.

Sportiness and dynamism, superior technology and high-quality appeal are all features of the Audi A3 three-door model and are credentials that Audi A3 drivers have cherished since the model was first launched. Thanks to its painstaking attention to detail, Audi has now been able to enhance the engineering strengths of its compact model as well as demonstrate its dynamism with a striking new face.

Alongside the new single-frame front grille, numerous improvements have been made to the model's engineering and levels of comfort, which combine to make journeys in the A3 an even more pleasurable experience. With a choice of four and six-cylinder power units delivering up to 184 kW, front-wheel drive or quattro permanent four-wheel drive and the option of the revolutionary new DSG Direct Shift Gearbox, the technology lives up to the promise of the dynamic outer styling.

The addition of the new Audi single-frame grille design to the three-door version makes the car's heritage clearer than ever. New three-spoke and four-spoke steering wheels are also available, taking their cue from the single frame front grille design.

Quite apart from the numerous styling modifications, advancements have been made on the technical side too. The distinctive sports suspension now produces an even more comfortable ride, while the existing full complement of safety features has been supplemented by yet another system, which has been incorporated into the advanced ESP.

The new system aids the driver in critical situations by means of steering assistance. If the vehicle's tail is about to slide out and the driver correctly opts for a stabilising steering adjustment, resistance at the steering wheel will be reduced. However, if there is a risk of the critical situation being aggravated by the driver making an incorrect adjustment to the steering, resistance is increased. The Audi hill hold assist, meanwhile, offers extra convenience and added safety by preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards on an uphill incline.

Six-cylinder power, FSI direct petrol injection as well as high-torque TDI powerplants boasting high-pressure pump-nozzle injection, combined with the DSG Direct Shift Gearbox with twin clutch, 5 and 6-speed manual transmissions and a state-of-the-art 6-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, plus quattro permanent four-wheel drive mean that all engines and transmissions in the Audi A3 portfolio share the same undeniably sporty flair, yet are so diverse that the range leaves nothing to be desired.

The Audi A3 three-door with the single-frame grille will be available in Australia from the end of 2005.