A3/S3/RS3 First live photos of the Audi A3 Sportback

[Giannis]

The word Minimalism is one that quite suitably describes the design of the new Audi A3. Elegant, simple and - for many people - just plain beautiful, the new generation A3's bodywork eschews the prevalent trend for busy body surfacing and dramatic character lines. The undeniably "politically correct" exterior design which is in stark contrast to that of its direct rival - the BMW F20/F21 1 Series - is also mated to a stunning interior, featuring not only great design but also great materials too. Presently, all of this style is offered in 3-door form only with the 5-door configuration (called Sportback) to become available later.

Today, we were lucky enough to be tipped off in our public forum with two photos of the 5-door A3. Just like the 3-door version, the design is simple and elegant, with the differences between the two versions being kept to a minimum. As far as any official announcement is concerned, Audi hasn't placed anything on record though we do expect the new A3 Sportback to appear towards the end of 2012.

Image credit: http://www.caradisiac.com/

View the Post on the Blog

 

[mini_cooper4]

Great way to describe boring with beautiful words
Give us the sedan already!

 

[Deckhook]

Do you dislike the estate look because I actually prefer them over saloons, especially Audis.

 

[Tumbo]

The sportback differs to little to the older one, then the 3 door. Dont like that

 

[Tumbo]

 

[purplehenk]

 

[Tumbo]

I'm disapointed. It looks to much like a small A6 Avant.
I wante the sportback to differ from the 3 door version, like the latest model.
I mean, its a nice car, but no surprises.

 

[as7920]

New pics and specs for A3 sportback ahead of Paris:

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1079281_audi-a3-sportback-2012-paris-auto-show

And

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/paris-motor-show-2012/audi-a3-sportback-unveiled-ahead-paris

The five-door version of the Audi A3 – the Audi A3 Sportback – has been officially revealed ahead of the Paris motor show.

At 4310mm long, the A3 Sportback is 73mm longer than the three-door Audi A3 that’s recently gone on sale in the UK. Its wheelbase, at 2636mm, is 35mm longer than the three-door’s, and 58mm longer than the current A3 Sportback.

The increased wheelbase results in “several more millimetres” of legroom for rear passengers, and Audi says there is room for three adults in the back of the A3 Sportback.

Boot space stands at 380 litres, which is 15 litres more than the three door and 10mm more than the current car. With the rear seats folded down, capacity increases to 1220 litres. Both the three-door A3’s and the current A3 Sportback’s luggage capacity with the seats down is 1100 litres. One feature of the car is the option of LED down-lighting for the boot.

Thanks to a switch to Volkswagen Group’s new MQB platform, the A3 Sportback weighs up to 90kg less than its predecessor. Equipped with the 1.4 TFSI engine, the five-door weighs 30kg more than the equivalent three-door at 1205kg.

Styling wise, the biggest change from three-door A3 to five-door A3 Sportback is the addition of two rear doors. But the rear adopts a tailgate more akin to Audi’s Q models than its traditional hatchbacks.

The engine line-up at launch will mirror the three-door’s, meaning the A3 Sportback will initially be available with 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI petrol units, and a 2.0 TDI diesel. Trim levels will also mirror the three-door’s.

The A3 Sportback can be bought in the UK for a premium of £620 over the three-door. That means the range will cost between £19,825 to £27,810. UK order books are expected to open soon after Paris, with deliveries likely to commence early next year.