Latest A3 Scores On Doors

When can you fit five into three? When you're looking at world exclusive spy shots of a new Audi. Pictures in the current issue of Auto Express magazine show the five-door A3 for the first time with virtually no disguise.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Chris Thorp

13th May 2004

Glance at the rear and you'll see that, along with the extra doors, the biggest styling change to the new model - which will be called the Sportback - is the addition of A8-style rear lights.

The car's wheelbase also appears to have been extended to provide more interior space. However, the mini-SUV look first seen on the Pikes Peak concept at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show has been shunned in favour of a more conservative appearance.

Also pay close attention to the front view, which reveals that Audi has now grafted its new corporate grille on to the A3. The distinctive chrome-finished nose will spread throughout the line-up and is expected to be added to the existing three-door model this year.

Inside, the newcomer will be much more practical than its predecessor, offering similar interior space to the VW Golf on which it's based. To separate the more family-oriented Sportback from the three-door version of the A3, also expect some clever seat folding technology to boost practicality.

The new five-door will have a similar engine line-up to the smaller version, which means customers will get the choice of a range of FSI petrol units, as well as 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDI diesels. However, any future high-performance flagship A3s are likely to appear with the three-door bodyshell only. The first Sportbacks are expected to arrive in UK Audi dealerships in September.