Design sketches of the next-generation Audi A3 have been released.
The sketches reveal a design which is certainly more radical than the current car, and also display an upcoming sedan variant. The new interior also looks very simplistic and yet quite attractive. It’s expected to come packed with high-tech optional extras from its bigger brothers, such as the MMI infotainment system and a large but thin pop-up screen.
In a typical display of how cars have gained size over time, the A3 sedan will be roughly the size of the original A4, with a wheelbase of 2630 mm, and is even expected to steal some sales from the A4. However, Audi hopes it will make up for that by bringing plenty of new customers to the brand, especially in the US where sedans are often the preferred choice over hatchbacks.
The three-door hatch will be 30 mm smaller, as well as shorter but taller, and will be the first model to hit the market, with its debut set for either the 2012 Geneva Motor Show or this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. A five-door hatch, and the sedan, will follow shortly after, and a brand-new convertible model is also in the cards.
Underneath the variety of body styles, several drivetrain options are also expected. Audi will be offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and natural gas variants of the A3, and possibly an all-electric version as well. Most of the gasoline and diesel engines from the current lineup will carry over to the new car as well, but with start/stop technology and braking energy regeneration.
