Audi’s popular hatchback achieves a whole new instrument panel.

MAJOR refurbishment has come to the Audi A3, but you won’t see much of it from a kerbside walk around.

The most obvious change is that the A3 now gets the same, sweeping, 'panoramic' digital dashboard setup as most other Audi models.

With this the 11.9-inch driver's instrument panel and the 12.8-inch infotainment 'MMI' screen are conjoined under a single, curved panel.

There are also new dash insert trims, with a choice of four materials for those - carbon fibre, Dinamica microfibre and two textile fabrics.

There are also new steering wheels, which come in two different designs, with the sportier three-spoke versions getting a flat-top and flat-bottom. The steering wheels see the return of proper buttons, with physical scrollers instead of haptic touchpads.

The A3 has also achieved a safety upgrade, with available systems split into three tiers - Tech, Tech Plus, and Tech Pro.

Tech is the stuff you expect, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping steering, driver monitoring, and speed limit warnings.

Tech Plus and Tech Pro, depending on the model, add items such as the new 'swarm data' function for lane keeping, which can take cues from other similarly equipped cars in the vicinity so that it can maintain a safe lane position even when the road markings aren't visible.

There's an optional 3D surround-view camera system too, plus automated parking with parking manoeuvrememory and a remote-control function.

The A3's mobile app has also been further smartened, so a user can check the parking brake, lights, and any doors or windows that may have been left open from their phone.

There's also remote servicing data and the option of a remote-controlled cabin heater for chilly days.

Audi is also expanding its 'functions on demand' service, where it asks that an owner pays for extra items, which have already been fitted, to be digitally switched on after they've bought the car.

Examples are a package that optimises the stereos' bass reproduction, balances volume levels between sources, and improves the quality of compressed audio signals. Also available is virtual surround sound, which simulates a variety of acoustic environments - from concert hall to recording studio.

Powertrains span from a humble, basic 1.5 litre 86kW turbo petrol, through to e-Hybrid models with more than 120km of electric-only range, and on to the 248kW four-cylinder turbo S3 and 298kW five-cylinder RS3.

On past timings, the new A3 is probably a mid to late 2027 car for us. Audi NZ has said nothing. European deliveries start in September.