The upcoming Audi A3 looks set to make its world premiere soon, judging by the way the camouflaged A3 and S3 sedans look in this prototype form. Spotted in southern Europe, the cars’ distinct bodywork and sculpted profile reveal a very familiar silhouette, if a bit stretched compared to the outgoing model.
It’ll continue to ride on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform that’s tweaked to provide better interior space, while at the same time improve the car’s overall driving characteristics. Dimensionally, expect the wheelbase to be longer, and the track widths pushed out farther for better driving stability.
Design-wise, the compact car will adopt the automaker’s latest design language, starting with the sharp, jagged LED headlights with staggered LED DRLs, wide hexagonal Singleframe grille, and bold side intakes with air curtain. Wheel size should range anywhere from 16-inch to 19-inch units, depending on the variant.
Inside, the new A3 line-up is expected to be the next recipient of the latest Audi virtual cockpit, featuring improved graphical layout and readability. The centrally-mounted infotainment unit will also get the latest MMI user interface, complete with GPS navigation and various smartphone pairing and connectivity functions.
Powertrain options will be quite varied, and that includes the VW Group’s 1.5 litre EA211 TSI evo engine with Active Cylinder Technology. Existing engines are tipped to be carried over, albeit tweaked for better performance and improved efficiency. The S3 will likely get a highly-boosted 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine, cranked to produce around 300 hp, matching that of the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic and F40 BMW M135i.
The rumour mill suggests that some variation of electrified powertrains may be offered as well, but this remains to be seen. Also, for body styles, the four rings will apparently drop the three-door hatch and convertible models, choosing instead to focus production and sales of the conventional five-door hatch, sedan, and sportback models. What do you think of this, folks?
GALLERY: Audi A3 Sedan spyshot
GALLERY: Audi S3 Sedan spyshot
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