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Audi A3 spy pictures

Our spies have caught the new Audi A3 testing

Audi A3 side

Text: Damion Smy / Photos: Automedia

02nd February 2012

The third-generation Audi A3 has been spotted testing largely undisguised. These pictures show the three-door A3 – one of four body styles set to appear – with sharper lines and a more progressive waistline.

The Audi family face remains but there's a more dynamic headlight design, similar to those seen on the new Q3. The theme continues at the rear, with a tail-light design that steps up towards the car's waistline and wraps around the side of the car.

The spy pictures also shows an aggressive front bumper design, which could be a sign of the S line package.

The new A3 will be built on the new Volkswagen Group MQB platform, which will also form the basis for the next VW Golf. Thanks to the new platform’s technology and packaging advantages, the new A3 will be lighter, safer and offer a host of drive and infotainment options.

Engines are expected to range from a 1.2 turbo four-cylinder, through to a 211hp 2.0-litre petrol as well as 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesels. The new A3 will also be offered as a frugal TDIe and a hybrid, as reported by Auto Express.

The Audi A3 will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. A slight increase in prices is expected, starting at around £15,500.

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8 Comments

Technically great, but visually boring

What did I expect from Audi other than this - boring. I hope that it rides and handles better (especially in icy conditions) than the current one.

By Mike_the_Trike on 2 February, 2012, 3:10pm

yawn again... & again, & again zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

pity it is'nt a white one, our eyes would have been spared the monotony & boredom. where in the name of god is the creativity, taste & style of ''car designers'' gone?

By brendan on 2 February, 2012, 3:47pm

Some of us like sobriety in car design

Whilst you do not get a lot of drama out pictures for the press launch, or a great deal of attention visually on the road, some people seek that in a car. It's not all about style for the sake of it: Audi cars generally continue to have a functional look to them. If they don't need extra fins, creases in the body panels and so on, then they do not appear. I would miss that variety in the market.

By alan_jenney on 2 February, 2012, 4:20pm

Predictable

9 years after the lauch of the old model and this is the best visual styling VAG could think you? Surely a high spec Golf would be a better alternative?

By bazz26 on 2 February, 2012, 5:06pm

Audi?

What Audi is this? This is VW Golf/Seat Leon/Skoda Octavia; My free advise to Audi is: asap release the 2.5 RS3 version, the only one that makes sense; the rest is rebadged mediocracy

By Stivans on 2 February, 2012, 6:30pm

technically great

In what sense? Usual boring exterior, plastic interior and mediocre drivability automotive Aldi

By tr_4_triumph on 3 February, 2012, 12:36am

BL

If BL had made if you would all be whining about it. What a pile of automotive rubbish and I'm sure overpriced

By tr_4_triumph on 3 February, 2012, 12:41am

What would they do if their photocopier broke?

I wouldn't mind Audi regurgitating the same old design as a "new car" if the styling was spot on in the first place. The A3 has always been a real ugly duckling in the range, with unbalanced shapes and utterly boring. (Also not a patch on even the conservative VW Golf)
I could never be bothered to find out if it was a good drive when it looks like that.
Dismal attempt Audi!

By ukmike2000 on 6 February, 2012, 4:06pm

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Pictures

Audi A3 side
Audi A3 rear
Audi A3 front
Audi A3 side2

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