One of the significant modifications, other from giving you a slightly better-looking car, is expanding the A3’s technical capabilities. The Audi family has introduced a lot of new technology in recent years, and the A3 is no exception. This is where things start to become interesting for a lot of people since you might have assumed that the fully digital driver display, or virtual cockpit, was out of your price range or on a vehicle that wasn’t practical for you.
The A3 now offers it as an option, although it is not a standard feature. You must choose the Technology Pack Advanced at 1395, which is only available on Sport and S line trim vehicles, if you want the virtual cockpit. Thus, the least expensive virtual cockpit version costs just under $23,000 as opposed to the Audi A3’s sub-$20,000 asking price. But we believe the cost is justified.
Since you already get the navigation with MMI Touch and the phone box with wireless charging, providing you somewhere to stow your phone for improved reception, the addition of the virtual cockpit hurls you into the future and is probably a worthy investment. And without this technological marvel, there may be less to be thrilled about with the new A3, as everything is already well-known.
The key selling point of virtual cockpit is the ability to switch views with the push of a button on the newly built steering wheel, enabling full-screen mapping, which is truly magnificent. Virtual Cockpit, which was created with the driver in mind, makes it simple to switch between the main views, such as vehicle information, music, calling, and mapping, and access the information you need without taking your eyes off the road.
The central pop-up display may no longer be necessary with the addition of virtual cockpit, and vehicles like the Audi TT show you can do without it for a cleaner overall dash design. The MMI system’s support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through Audi’s smartphone interface is one of the A3’s standard improvements, though.
Android Auto is a terrific update for Android phone owners because all you have to do is hook it into the USB port and your smartphone will be a slave to that main display, allowing you a variety of services including calling, music, alerts, and maps. We’ve looked at Android Auto separately.
Although the A3 already has Bluetooth as standard, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay do a few things that the car already does. However, now everyone has the option to connect via their phone.
The Audi A3 truly embraces the future, and driving when equipped with both is fantastic. It has a virtual cockpit for the driver and smartphone connectivity for entertainment through services like Spotify. A computer nerd’s ideal configuration, using Android Auto and Audi’s full-screen maps, but Google voice controls to obtain a report on your schedule or speak replies to your messages.
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Which models of Audi A3 feature a virtual cockpit?
The premium compact class was firmly established in 1996 by the Audi A3. The fourth generation of this wildly popular car is now prepared to make its mark, 24 years later. In keeping with the brand’s Vorsprung Durch Technik ethos, the premium five-door compact once again raises the bar with an entirely new digitalized interior and cutting-edge infotainment, as well as distinctive new light signatures, potent engines, and a suite of cutting-edge assistance systems housed in a completely redesigned, yet instantly recognizable body.
“According to Andrew Doyle, Director of Audi UK, each version of the A3 has represented a substantial step-change for both Audi and the premium compact segment. “Similar to our previous models, our new one upholds the ideals of Vorsprung Durch Technik. It is entirely digital, totally interconnected, and very user-friendly.
Revolutionised: the exterior and lighting
The concave flanks of the new A3 Sportback add an entirely new motif to the Audi design vocabulary and give it an athletic posture. They emphasize the compact five-door car’s aggressive aspect, as do the sharply angled C-pillars above the rear wheels. From the headlights to the rear lights, the shoulder line ascends. The surface below it slopes inward, emphasizing the body shoulder and drawing attention to the quattro blisters. The sharp contour in the sill area is mostly to blame for the intense dance of light and shadow that results from this. Before the lower body line reaches the rear wheel arch, it is drawn upward once more. This gives the A3 Sportback a very athletic appearance.
A broad, hexagonal Singleframe with a honeycomb grille dominates the front end. It helps to visualize the dynamic personality of the premium small car in conjunction with the huge, angular air inlets and the eye-catching bumper. The lengthy roof edge spoiler towards the back makes the window look low. This effect highlights the breadth of the vehicle along with the shoulder line that wraps around the entire car, the flat back lights, the diffuser, and the trapezoidal exhaust screens. The headlights of the A3 can also be used to identify it right away. The matrix LED headlights are a standard feature on Edition 1 and the top-tier Vorsprung variants, and they are the first to have digital daytime running lights. Depending on the equipment version, a cutting-edge pixel matrix made up of 15 light-emitting diodes displays a particular daytime running light signature: While the basic models are characterized by horizontal lines, the S line exterior’s two vertical LED lines emphasize its sporty appearance. The matrix LED headlights also provide dynamic turn signal lighting, intelligently regulated high beam lighting, and dynamic light sequencing when the car is locked and unlocked.
Digitalised: the cockpit
The instrument panel and center console have a black-panel appearance, and there is attractive contrast stitching, eye-catching door handles, and a new shifter design that all add to the inside of the A3 Sportback’s feeling of high quality. The cockpit’s breadth is emphasized by clean, precise horizontal lines and surfaces. The eye-catching air vent door strip on the passenger side and the curving trim strip below also help to achieve this. The instrument cluster cover and the air vents on the driver’s side make an outstanding unit. Here, the parts are combined, emphasizing the puristic nature of the design.
The driver is the only subject in the cockpit. It borrows recognizable design cues from the company’s full-size class products and comes standard with a 10.1-inch touch screen. The navigation, media choices, and extensive connect services can all have their settings changed using this tool. The device offers audio feedback when the driver chooses a function. The high-gloss black bezel in the center of the instrument panel integrates seamlessly with the center display. The newly built temperature control control unit is positioned below, and the entire region is slightly angled toward the driver. Left of the steering wheel is a continuation of the black-panel appearance.
The center tunnel console’s design focuses on ergonomics in particular. Its black-panel surface incorporates a cutting-edge shifter that provides the driver with an entirely new operating experience: The seven-speed S tronic’s fundamental operations can be managed by pushing and pulling the small controller, which employs shift-by-wire technology. Another advancement is right next to it: a circular volume control that responds to finger motions in a round pattern.
Additionally, the 10.25-inch virtual cockpit is a standard feature of the Audi A3 Sportback and is controlled by the multifunction steering wheel. The Audi virtual cockpit, which includes numerous additional features including a big view of the navigation map, is where the displays for the MMI navigation plus are located. Even more appealing is the 12.3-inch display added to the Audi virtual cockpit, which comes standard on Edition 1 and Vorsprung trims: There are three views available, one of which is a sports layout. Another choice is a head-up display, which presents significant data in color onto the windscreen. Nearly two meters in front of the driver, the image looks to be floating.
Which Audi vehicles use the virtual cockpit?
Instead of a touchscreen, the multifunction steering wheel’s buttons are used to operate the Virtual Cockpit. It is not worthwhile to retrofit Virtual Cockpit to an Audi that didn’t have it installed from the factory because the steering wheel is different from the one in models that don’t have the technology included.
When was Audi Virtual Cockpit introduced?
The original iteration of Virtual Cockpit debuted on the 2014 Audi TT, and a renamed version of it was utilized in the Lamborghini Huracan, yet it still seems like cutting-edge software. Early versions of the software had certain technical issues and weren’t always readable in direct sunshine, but they have now been fixed, and measures have been taken to make the system viewable in all lighting circumstances. Making sure the car you’re considering has the most recent system is worthwhile because the current one is significantly more dependable.
The 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit is now standard on mid-range and top-tier variants of the brand’s smallest model, the A1. Previously, the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit was only available on the company’s more expensive vehicles, such as the Q5 and Q7, S, and RS models. The A1 and Q2 base model Technik versions are the only ones that don’t include the Virtual Cockpit option.
With brand-specific designs, features, and, in some cases, somewhat different titles, each brand in the VW Group now has its own digital instrument cluster. While Skoda adopts the naming convention used by Audi, Volkswagen and SEAT refer to it as the Active Info Display and Digital Cockpit, respectively.
When did the Audi A3 receive the virtual cockpit?
A variant of Virtual Cockpit was also used on the Lamborghini Huracan, which was introduced at the same year as the Audi TT Mk3 in 2014.
Is there a virtual cockpit on the 2016 A3?
Ricky Hudi, head of Audi’s electronics division, has confirmed that the company’s Virtual Cockpit system will be installed in the 2016 Audi A3 facelift. During an interview with Car and Driver magazine, this information was revealed.
The technology made its debut in the 2015 Audi TT sports car before making an appearance in the 2016 Audi R8 supercar. Additionally, it is a choice in the future 2016 Audi A4 and the 2015 Audi Q7 SUV.
The instrument cluster’s analog dials and the center display screen are combined into one large digital unit via the Virtual Cockpit system. Numerous customization options are available, and full-screen navigation is more ergonomic.
The system won’t be offered in the Audi A3’s lower trim levels, according to Mr. Hudi, and will only be included in high-spec trims. Additionally, he thinks that as more individuals choose the system, the cost of outfitting it will rapidly decline.
The 2018 Audi A8 is slated to hit the market in 2017 and has a teraflop of computer capability, according to Audi’s head of electronics. The infotainment touchscreen, ventilation controls, and the most recent version of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system will handle the most of the consumption.
In what year was the virtual cockpit first used by Audi?
You may have seen a Virtual Cockpit display if you’ve ever driven or sat in the front passenger seat of a modern Audi vehicle. The Virtual Cockpit is the moniker Audi gives to the digital dashboard display it now installs in many of its models in place of traditional analogue dials. It is not some kind of phantom car interior that only appears in a VR headset.
A variant of Virtual Cockpit was also used on the Lamborghini Huracan, which was introduced at the same year as the Audi TT Mk3 in 2014. The technology has already crept down through the rest of the range, and the majority of Audi vehicles now include the Virtual Cockpit as standard equipment.
Virtual Cockpit is an optional addition that can be ordered on versions that don’t come standard with it (such the base and mid-range trim levels of the Audi A6 executive saloon). It often comes with a Technology Pack that costs roughly $1,500. The sole exceptions are the Audi A1 and Q2’s most basic Technik models, which are completely incompatible with the Virtual Cockpit system.
Is it possible to upgrade to an Audi virtual cockpit?
On newer cars that didn’t have the option selected at the factory, we can source and install brand-new Audi Virtual Cockpits. For vehicles that did not have the navigation function activated when they left the factory, we can provide genuine Audi navigation activations & MIB updates.
The cost of the Audi virtual cockpit
Audi Virtual Cockpitor Digital Cockpit, as VW refers to itreplaces conventional dials for speed, revs, and other factors with programmable digital displays; for a better understanding, refer to the gallery above. The idea is to bring all the data you require down below your range of vision. However, the more important query for Audi/VW buyers is: Should you purchase it?
For instance, the top Prestige trim of the 2018 Audi Q5 SUV and S4 sedan comes standard with Virtual Cockpit; the Premium Plus level with the $2,600 navigation package offers it as an option. Volkswagen’s new Atlas, Tiguan, and e-Golf all come standard with the Digital Cockpit.
Both versions are configurable, so you can add your map and navigation data, songs, phone calls, and anything else you can think of to the space typically used for analog gauge rings. Of course, you can check your speed and rpm. While neither is touchscreen, they both use the steering wheel or voice instructions to navigate, and with Audi’s Google Earth-like maps, it looks really interesting. And isn’t bragging about yourself half the fun?
The Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster was thoroughly examined by our British friends at Car Magazine, and they gave it a thumbs up. We concur after testing the technology in a few recent vehicles from the VW Group and some Audis.
Is the virtual cockpit for the Audi worth it?
In some of its more recent models, the Virtual Cockpitas Audi calls itreplaces the customary analog dials with a TFT screen. Instead of forcing you to look over at the infotainment screen, the goal is to bring all the information you require within your range of vision.
It would have cost $1595 as an optional upgrade on our Q2 Sport. But it was a part of the 1395 optional Technology pack that we purchased. This is only available on S-line and Black Edition vehicles, Sport models with a S tronic transmission (like ours), and Sport models. It also needs to be used with the flat-bottomed Sport steering wheel.
This is the much more cost-effective choice if you really want the Virtual Cockpit because it also includes MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, a 36-month subscription to Audi Connect Infotainment Services, and the Audi wireless charging phone box (although you can’t use it with an iPhone without the 40 charging cover).
The 8.3-inch, high-resolution color display, touch-sensitive control panel with handwriting recognition, and ability to pan and zoom on the 3D map are all included in the Multi Media Interface (MMI).
The speedometer and rev counter are prominently displayed on the screen in Classic View. However, you may tailor the Virtual Cockpit to your requirements, so if you like, you can prominently display the map in the center with the dials in the background.
Additionally, the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit may display music information, tyre pressures, driver assistance menus, and fuel level. Basically, that means that you can use it to pull up everything from radio stations to routes on the map, much like an infotainment system.
Is it therefore worth the money? It will depend on how tight your budget is, like with most things. It’s a great piece of technology, and if you were spending the money on a brand-new Audi, you’d probably add it. But you could purchase a complete second automobile for a fiver off of $1400. An old vehicle with many miles on it, yet still…
If you have CarPlay or Android Auto, which is standard on the Sport trim, you can access Apple or Google Maps, music, etc. for free. However, looking down rather than across to a screen feels more natural (and safer). Although you won’t receive all the glitzy information about fuel pressure and digital dials, you also won’t have to pay a significant sum of money to move it all in front of your face.