SPIED: Coming Audi A3
2012-02-06 10:34
NEXT A3: Spotted undergoing testing, Audi's new A3 will be revealed later in February 2012...minus the large off-road lights of course.
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Audi's new A3 has been spotted undergoing final tests in northern Scandinavia before it will be officially presented later in February 2012.
In our spy photographs you can see the hatchback sporting Audi’s new “family face” with stepped headlights, a large trapezoidal grille and creased bonnet. It’s a look similar to the facelifted A5 and all-new A6.
The A3 will be the first vehicle from the German automaker to sit on the VW Group’s new MQB platform. Significant use of aluminium and lightweight materials means the new model will weigh up to 80kg less than the outgoing version.
Although these shots show the three-door model only, Audi has confirmed that five-door sportback, sedan, cabriolet and avant models will also join the line-up.
The manufacturer revealed that the interior of the new A3 will see a step up in quality over the outgoing car, and will take inspiration from the A1 and A6.
Expect to see “eyeball-style” air-vents and oversized switches. Audi’s MMI system, which incorporates a touchpad in the top of the rotary selector, will also feature in the new A3.
The engine line-up is set to include turbocharged petrol units, ranging from a 1.2-litre (77kW) to a 2.0-litre (154 kW), plus 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel powerplants.
