Many of the Audi A3's features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, will be made available on a subscription-based basis

The refreshed Audi A3 is full of annoying in-car subscriptions.

At first glance, the new A3 looks a lot like the car it replaces. The hexagonal single-frame grille - in line with Audi's latest designs - is its biggest change, joined by larger air intakes at the base of the bumper, an Audi logo high on the nose and refreshed LED and matrix LED headlights with four customisable daytime lighting signatures. The RS3-inspired rear bumper design features a new LED taillight treatment, a black accent piece and a mesh insert at the base.

Inside, things get more interesting. The outgoing A3's already tiny gear lever has been slimmed down and integrated into the centre console, new fabric inserts with lightning flashes cover the door panels and the decorative interior lighting is now available in 30 colours.

The same 10.1-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster from last year carry over, but now you'll have to pay an in-car subscription fee for basic features like high-beam assist, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control and smartphone integration.

Only by upgrading to the MMI navigation system do you get access to the App Store. From there, Audi forces you into add-ons like adaptive cruise control or Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a one-month, six-month, one-year or three-year subscription. Or you can just buy any of these features permanently - although Audi doesn't say for how much.

It should be noted that this subscriptions-for-features model applies to the European-spec A3. No word yet on whether these in-car subscriptions will make it to the US when the car goes on sale for 2025.

The basic Audi A3 will be available with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder mild hybrid engine producing 150 hp, with a choice of seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. A 35 TDI diesel model will have the same 150 hp, and a plug-in hybrid model will be available at the end of the year.

There is also a fancy new trim called the A3 Allstreet. Designed to look like a crossover, the five-door hatchback comes with a matte black grille, front and rear skid-plate like grooves and plastic trim around the wheel arches. The Allstreet is 30mm higher than the standard A3 and has a softer ride. A set of 17-inch wheels is standard, but 18-inch and 19-inch versions are also available.

The Audi A3 Sportback starts at €35,650 and the saloon is an extra €800. The funky new A3 Allstreet starts at €37,450.

Source: Motor1