2020 Audi A3 revealed with £24,900 price tag

The new Audi A3 will go on sale next week with prices starting from £24,900 and first deliveries from May.

A premium alternative to the Volkswagen Golf - with which it shares a platform - the fourth-generation A3 has made its digital debut following the cancellation of the Geneva Motor Show.

It features a tech-heavy cabin with a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit standard across the range, as well as a 10.1-inch touchscreen media display with navigation.

In the UK, the new Audi A3 will initially be offered with a choice of two engines: a 1.5-litre petrol with 150PS and a manual gearbox and a 2.0-litre diesel combined with an automatic gearbox, also producing 150PS.

A mild-hybrid version of the 1.5 TFSI will follow shortly after launch using a 48-volt system to provide an extra 50Nm of torque and allow the A3 to coast with the engine off for up to 40 seconds. Further petrol and diesel engines will follow, as well as a plug-in hybrid model.

The A3's dimensions have grown slightly, with a marginal increase in width and length compared to its predecessor. The height has remained the same but the seats are positioned slightly lower, contributing to improved space for passengers.

The boot has a capacity of 380 litres, increasing to 1200 litres with the rear seats dropped. The boot floor can be adjusted to different heights, while an electric tailgate will be offered and operated using a foot motion.

Standard equipment on the A3 Sportback Technik, which starts from £24,900, will include the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, 10.2-inch touchscreen media system with navigation, 16-inch alloy wheels, Audi's pre-sense driver-assist system and lane departure warning.

The Sport trim is priced from £26,300 and will add 17-inch alloy wheels, various styling upgrades, dual-zone climate control and leather upholstery. S line models (from £28,200) feature 18-inch alloys, sport suspension, LED front and rear lights with dynamic indicators, front leather sports seats and privacy glass.

The Edition 1 starts at £31,240 and will feature 19-inch alloys, black exterior styling features, matrix LED headlights, Alcantara sports seats, Audi's Virtual Cockpit plus and ambient lighting. Topping the range is the £36,340 Vorsprung, which builds on the Edition 1 with a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, sport seats in Fine Nappa leather, Bang & Olufsen Sound System, and Audi phone box with wireless charging.

Dealers will be taking orders from next week ahead of UK deliveries from May 2020.