Our cohorts at Motor Trend have spied a next-generation Audi A3 testing in Europe. Although camouflaged, we can see the front end echoes the corporate design language of Audi’s current range. There’s not a whole lot we can glean from this image, but tomorrow’s A3 looks like it will bring more of the same to the entry-level luxury compact table.
This appears to be a test mule for the three-door hatchback model of the A3, a body style sadly never offered in the U.S. A sedan version of the A3, as previewed in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is awaiting the green light from Audi management, but could be offered alongside the three- and five-door hatchback models when the new A3 goes on sale in Europe next year.
As we can see, the A3’s shape hasn’t changed much since the last generation. The most apparent difference on this test mule is the revised headlight design, which brings the A3’s styling in line with the rest of Audi’s lineup. The trademark LED strips have migrated down from where they sit on the current A3, now underlining the HID headlamps inside the housing. You can also expect Audi’s updated grille design to grace the A3’s front end when the model makes its debut.
Drivetrain options for the A3 are still a bit of a mystery, but both front- and all-wheel-drive models will likely be offered along with the typical assortment of small direct-injected gasoline and diesel engines. Hopefully, the 408-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine of the A3 sedan concept will live on in production form in a future S3 or RS3 model.
Source: Motor Trend
