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New Audi A3 spied

New compact hatchback is edging closer to launch and our spy photographers have the latest pictures

Audi A3

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Automedia

22nd November 2011

This is the new Audi A3 three-door hatchback, which goes on sale in the UK in March 2012. The new A3 is a crucial launch for the German company as it will compete with the BMW 1 Series and upcoming new Mercedes A Class. 

Spied in Germany, the prototype may wear considerable psychedelic diguise, but you can see the A3's instantly recognisable shape. We've already produced an illustration based on last year's Geneva Motor Show concept car to give you an idea of how the finished car will look. 

The highlights of the design include a new, much larger grille, LED daytime running lights at the front with a pronounced crease – tagged 'Tornado Line' by Audi designers – running from the front to the back. Factor in short overhangs and chunky C-pillars and you've got a shape that's subtly updated over its predecessor's.

Inside quality will take a big leap forward as will equipment levels, with a Google Map-enabled sat-nav and in-car wi-fi internet. 

Petrol engines will all be turbocharged TSI units, with between 105bhp and 210bhp while there will be 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI diesels. Expect a 100bhp TDIe model to do more than 80mpg and emit less than 100g/km of CO2. There are also plans for electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid A3 models too, due in 2013.

Options such as Audi Drive Select and adaptive dampers will be offered, enhancing the new chassis. The A3 is expected to offer a more grown-up experience with a more comfortable ride and great refinement, although it should still be fun to drive, even if we expect the rear-wheel drive BMW 1 Series to still be the driver's choice. 

The three-door will launch early next year, with a new four-door saloon due shortly after, while the five-door Sportback and Cabriolet should arrive in 2013.

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7 Comments

More Yawn

Let me guess, it will be the same shape as the current A3 and look like an A4/5/6/7/8. Audi arent predicatable at all are they!

Come on Audi, try designing something for once! Either that or give me a job, I'll happily take 10's of thousands off you for not bothering to do anything other than look at the previous car and copy it.

By AndyG on 23 November, 2011, 12:55pm

Mistaken camoflage

Should they not have put the camo on the headlights and tail lights as the rest of the car is still the same.....
Come on Audi - put a little bit of R8 or A5 into it for a change. It needs a bit of oomph. This waiting in the que at the photocopy machine needs to change. Its become a thing to spot the new lights on an audi because its the only way to know if its new or not.

By Dr_Zog on 24 November, 2011, 8:32am

I love Audi BUT they are like mankind , they take thousands of yeare to evolve . I think there motto is Evolution NOT Revelution
Its like the new A4 due early 2012 , you have to study the car hard to spot the diffrence

By 38lucilla on 24 November, 2011, 8:41am

An A1 that's eaten all the pies?

Once again, Audi are in competition with Porsche as to who has the laziest designers.

By snappyuk on 24 November, 2011, 9:21am

Who is really stupid enough to believe these "mule" pictures that the Auto express publishes that usually bear no resemblance to reality. The mule pictures of the new Civic proved that and still softheads not only believed them but actually made criticisms based on them.Pathetic

By AlanShaw on 24 November, 2011, 11:39am

Same old.......

Same old.
Nothing radical - same old formula, same looks, steady engines, expensive options, rock hard suspension - they will sell millions no doubt

By ukmike2000 on 24 November, 2011, 7:20pm

(YET) ANOTHER BORING AUDI

Boring, boring, boring...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Looks like the current model and, indeed, everything else that - yawn - Audi produce. Zzzzz.
A3... A4... A5... A6... A7... A8: from the front they all look the same.

A4... A6...A8: from the side they all look the same. Yawn...zzzzzzzzzz.
Oh boy, it's hard to stay awake just thinking and looking at the car. Zzzzz. Why are so many company car parks full of these boring Audis?
Truly the triumph of marketing 'hot air' and 'life style' for those that need to buy themselves one over reality, originality, good taste and real-world engineering solutions.

By TenereT on 5 February, 2012, 8:54pm

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