New A3 Sedan & Sportback - MQB Platform

[UmIsThisThingOn]

This thread is for news on the upcoming A3 Sedan & Sportback based on the MQB Platform/modular transverse platform architecture.

I'm personally hoping that we get an S3 variant of it so I can have a new toy once I give the Wife the A4 in a cpl yrs. Although a 2.0T w/ 210bhp is not too shabby either.

Here's all the news I've seen so far:

The first news/car show demo:
http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_6640.shtml

http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_6662.shtml

http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_6670.shtml

I just happened to be looking up news on it a few minutes ago and saw today's news:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au..._revealed.html

[everso]

This thread is for news on the upcoming A3 Sedan & Sportback based on the MQB Platform/modular transverse platform architecture.

I'm personally hoping that we get an S3 variant of it so I can have a new toy once I give the Wife the A4 in a cpl yrs. Although a 2.0T w/ 210bhp is not too shabby either.

Here's all the news I've seen so far:

The first news/car show demo:
http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_6640.shtml

http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_6662.shtml

http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_6670.shtml

I just happened to be looking up news on it a few minutes ago and saw today's news:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/au..._revealed.html

the car won't reach US shores til the end of 2013/early 2014.

i've been told (by AoA) the sedan is pretty much 100% and a possible cabrio-**-however i've heard conflicting words about a Sportback and even a possible 3 door. I was told by AoA that the Sportback is NOT coming, however by another source that it is being considered for the US market as an 'economy' (diesel only?) version. Interesting for sure. As for S3/RS3, if an S3 ever makes it (which it may), then there may be an RS3 in the pipeline.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

the car won't reach US shores til the end of 2013/early 2014.

i've been told (by AoA) the sedan is pretty much 100% and a possible cabrio-**-however i've heard conflicting words about a Sportback and even a possible 3 door. I was told by AoA that the Sportback is NOT coming, however by another source that it is being considered for the US market as an 'economy' (diesel only?) version. Interesting for sure. As for S3/RS3, if an S3 ever makes it (which it may), then there may be an RS3 in the pipeline.

Good timing for me then

I'm pretty much interested in the Sedan, as it's purported to be the size of the B5 A4.
I would be a nice medium ground between the current A3 and A4.

[ModBargains II]

Wow!
That A3 sedan is GORGEOUS!!!
I'm in love....

[VZWalex]

that sedan ..... made me wet myself

[sciblades]

take that bmw 1 series...

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Just re-read the interview with AoA Pres Johan de Nysschen.

• Next-gen A3 will be introduced as a MY13, but not necessarily at beginning of model year.

•*Next-gen A3 will be sold as sedan. Sportback won't come to the USA but the Cabriolet might as it is based on the sedan architecture and thus would cost less to homologate for US sale.

[tgrundke]

Per a discussion I had with an Audi of America representative, the new MQB based A3 will hit the US "in about 18 months". It will indeed be sedan-only at launch, but they have not ruled out a delayed introduction of the Sportback if the sedan generates the kind of traffic and sales they hope it will.

So, expect the car in the US by spring, 2013. Considering this is going to be a very significant platform change, I'll be more than happy to wait until the second or third model year before jumping onboard. ;-)

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Per a discussion I had with an Audi of America representative, the new MQB based A3 will hit the US "in about 18 months". It will indeed be sedan-only at launch, but they have not ruled out a delayed introduction of the Sportback if the sedan generates the kind of traffic and sales they hope it will.

So, expect the car in the US by spring, 2013. Considering this is going to be a very significant platform change, I'll be more than happy to wait until the second or third model year before jumping onboard. ;-)

Agreed. After seeing what happened to the B8 A4 & S4 in their initial Model Year, I'll wait till the second year if I go with the A3. Hopefully, they'll announce a S3 before I commit though.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Fresh News:

Pretty stoked for MMI Touch:
http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_7401.shtml

MQB Details
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ed-Pictures%29

http://forums.fourtitude.com/entry.p...aled-This-Week

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/audi...ow-105833.html

New S3??
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-...ed-spy-photos/

Minimal Camo:
http://www.worldcarfans.com/11202014...mal-camouflage

I'm not the 'praying type' but one can hope we're getting one of these:

http://wot.motortrend.com/euro-hatch...va-163779.html

The top-spec Audi S3 will get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 280 hp, while the hard-core RS3 will get a 350-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five and quattro all-wheel drive. Both a manual and S-tronc dual-clutch transmissions will be on offer.

[A3 Guy]

I see my next new car......if they have manual transmission with quattro, if not then BMW/B7 S4 here I come

[A4A4A4]

This could definitely be something I step into as my next car. I love the simplicity of the interior they showed at CES, IMHO it's head and shoulders above the design of the B8's interior. Have to see both the sedan and sportback before I can make the decision between the two though (unless they only bring the sedan to NA, then my decision will be easy). I will be going with DSG this time, I like the sound of a transmission that can shift faster than me.

Just can't wait for Geneva now.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

I see my next new car......if they have manual transmission with quattro, if not then BMW/B7 S4 here I come

word. Manual w/ Quattro would be the dog's bollox!

This could definitely be something I step into as my next car. I love the simplicity of the interior they showed at CES, IMHO it's head and shoulders above the design of the B8's interior. Have to see both the sedan and sportback before I can make the decision between the two though (unless they only bring the sedan to NA, then my decision will be easy). I will be going with DSG this time, I like the sound of a transmission that can shift faster than me.

Just can't wait for Geneva now.

I really like the austere interior too. I really wanna see it in Sport Pack/S3 Black.
I'm leaning towards the Sedan, but you never know... especially since I'll be a daddy in 5 days

I'll be really stoked if the MQB does offer some savings that's passed onto the consumers. Imagine an S3 in the low-mid 30's

[A3 Guy]

word. Manual w/ Quattro would be the dog's bollox!



I really like the austere interior too. I really wanna see it in Sport Pack/S3 Black.
I'm leaning towards the Sedan, but you never know... especially since I'll be a daddy in 5 days

I'll be really stoked if the MQB does offer some savings that's passed onto the consumers. Imagine an S3 in the low-mid 30's

Congratulations! Sportback is the way to go....

[A4A4A4]

Congratulations! Sportback is the way to go....

I find the current A3 sportback has that sort of a awkward high looking rear, if they lower it down a bit making it look a little more squat then I'm sure that'll be my choice, If not, I'll be looking at the sedan.

Of course this all depends on whether or not they even bring the hatch to NA.

EDIT: Realized how bad my description of high-looking rear is so I'll demonstrate in pictures.

Tall rear. The more horizontal sloped rear windshield makes it look a little mini Q5-esque.


vs.

Squat rear. The more upright, vertical rear windshield looks a little more like a proper hatch IMHO.

[A3 Guy]

Coilovers....The solution.

[A4A4A4]

Coilovers....The solution.

Even lowered I still think it has that hunchback look.

Also, as much as it pains me to say it, I'm going to try and skip the lowering on my next ride, retain all my comfy OEM ride glory.

[A3 Guy]

I'd say if anything the front on the A3 looks higher than the rear, it has a roof that kind of slopes towards the back. And I feel the comfy OEM glory haha.

[A4A4A4]

I'd say if anything the front on the A3 looks higher than the rear, it has a roof that kind of slopes towards the back. And I feel the comfy OEM glory haha.

This picture also reminds me, I'm also really hoping they run dual split exhaust pipes on the new A3. Having the two together and staggered to one side just doesn't look right to me.

Okay, I know, maybe I'm starting to ask for too much.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

This picture also reminds me, I'm also really hoping they run dual split exhaust pipes on the new A3. Having the two together and staggered to one side just doesn't look right to me.

Okay, I know, maybe I'm starting to ask for too much.

I'm sure Milltek will have a solution for that - they lurve the A3

[a3carlo]

I find the current A3 sportback has that sort of a awkward high looking rear, if they lower it down a bit making it look a little more squat then I'm sure that'll be my choice, If not, I'll be looking at the sedan. ...

being a fairly recent new owner of an a3, the back end doesn't just look high, it is high.
i posted another article that had a bit about visibility and it's more constricted than i'm used to.

here's the thing: by lowering the back, i wonder if that would reduce enclosed storage in back?
personally, i don't have a problem with the (back end) aesthetics. not a biggie for me.

[everso]

I find the current A3 sportback has that sort of a awkward high looking rear, if they lower it down a bit making it look a little more squat then I'm sure that'll be my choice, If not, I'll be looking at the sedan.

Of course this all depends on whether or not they even bring the hatch to NA.

EDIT: Realized how bad my description of high-looking rear is so I'll demonstrate in pictures.

Tall rear. The more horizontal sloped rear windshield makes it look a little mini Q5-esque.


vs.

Squat rear. The more upright, vertical rear windshield looks a little more like a proper hatch IMHO.

I don't agree....I actually find the mk6 golf to look HUGE in the rear....very bulky and overdone.....in comparison the A3 looks much more compact and functional.....as well as more sporting and cohesive. From a design perspective, the A3 still blows the Golf away IMO

[UmIsThisThingOn]

New Pic of the Sportback:

[Gryphon001]

New Pic of the Sportback:

Isn't the Sportback supposed to have a couple more doors?... Or did I miss something?

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Isn't the Sportback supposed to have a couple more doors?... Or did I miss something?

D'oh! I meant Regular A3.

Newer pic leaked:

[Gryphon001]

^^^

NICE! ... Although not a big fan of the 3 door in this new incarnation, seems a bit too short somehow, almost like something fell off at the back. Think the sportback and sedan will look better... like the way the front end looks on it though.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Seems Audi taking the A3 to CeBIT to showcase the Technology in the MMI:

http://www.automotiveit.com/audi-con...news/id-005081

[UmIsThisThingOn]

http://www.quattroholic.com/2012/02/...ss-photos.html

[Vuel Egham]

Most hatches are terribly looking from many angles. I had an 08 R32—great all-around car, but ugly as sin from the rear, or front three-quarters.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Live footage tomorrow March 6th:
http://www.audiusanews.com/pressrele...world-premiere

http://www.fourtitude.com/news/publi...cle_7562.shtml

AT A GLANCE: THE NEW AUDI A3

Design and body
– Sporty-progressive styling with coupe-like lines and long wheelbase,
length 4.24 meters (13.91 feet)
– Intelligent mixed multi-material construction utilizing steel and aluminum
– Weight reduced by 80 kg (176.37 lb), curb weight of Audi A3 1.4 TFSI is just
1,175 kg (2,590.43 lb)
– Optional LED headlights and LED taillights

Interior
– Spacious interior, cargo capacity is 365 liters (12.89 cubic feet)
– Elegant design and exemplary ergonomics, standard and optional graphics in the FIS display and decorative inlays with various materials

Drivetrain
– At launch, one TDI and two TFSI engines with 90 kW (122 hp) to 132 kW (180 hp), all engines have state-of-the-art efficiency technologies
– Power transmission by manual gearbox or S tronic, front-wheel drive at launch, quattro permanent all-wheel drive later for more powerful engines
– 1.6 TDI only consumes 3.8 l/100 km (61.90 US mpg), equivalent to 99 g CO2/km (159.33 g/mile)
– Versions with alternative drive systems such as hybrid, natural gas and Audi e-gas are currently in development

Chassis
– Alloy wheels, up to 18 inches in size
– ESP stabilization system with electronic limited slip differential is standard
– Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system and adaptive shock absorbers are optional

Features
– Extensive standard features as well as comfortable and sporty extras
– Advanced MMI system with MMI touch, ultra-slim, electrically retractable on-board monitor
– Optional highly advanced driver assistance systems, including Audi adaptive cruise control, further developed park assist and Audi pre sense basic
– Wide range of infotainment components, sound system from Bang & Olufsen, Bluetooth online car phone with services from Audi connect

From C&D:
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...-and-info-news

The S3 is confirmed to offer a 2.0-liter turbo four making close to 300 hp, and there is reason for optimism concerning another beastly RS3. The latter would pack a 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder making around 400 hp.

When the sedan launches here for the 2014 model year, it will be expected to produce large numbers of conquest customers. We won't get the small engines in the States, but the 2.0-liter TDI and a 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine with around 200 hp are a given. We could also see the gasoline hybrid and perhaps a fully electric version, as well as the S3.

Bring the S3 to the States!!!

[bangoman]

No, bring the RS3 - the 5 banger 2.5 TFSI in the A3 platform would be brilliant. The TTRS is already a beast but I've never been a fan of the TT form factor.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Imagine this seat in Black (Sline/S3) w/ red piping:
(credit George@Foutitude)

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Teaser Trailer

[Eurosport]

imo A3 sedan will be a huge winner

[LazyLightning]

imo A3 sedan will be a huge winner

If they bring it here with manual & quattro they'll get my $$ for sure! Was thinking about getting into a Golf R when the lease on my A3 ends in a few months - but wasn't all that impressed after seeing it and taking it for a quick test drive - nice ride for sure, but that price tag just seems astronomical for a Golf of any sort! So... might just wait for a next gen A3 - PLEEEEEZZZZ bring manual & quattro!!! In ANY body style!!!

[DELUX]

Sign me up for an S-Line with that 1.6TDI please. :) :) :)

[A4A4A4]

Has any body read any definite news on whether we'll be seeing the sedan the four-door hatch, or both?

It seems every new article I read says something different.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

Has any body read any definite news on whether we'll be seeing the sedan the four-door hatch, or both?

It seems every new article I read says something different.

I just read a story that quoted AoA Pres saying we are getting the Sedan as a MY14.

Edit: Found the article

http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012...l-under-wraps/

But Americans shouldn’t get too comfortable with the wagon on display. It likely won’t come to the States, a senior Audi official telling TheDetroitBureau.com that the Volkswagen Group brand has developed an entirely different model for the U.S. that won’t reach showrooms until late in 2013.

“We decided not to take it,” considering wagons simply don’t connect with U.S. buyers, noted Johan de Nysschen, CEO of Audi of America. Instead, the model coming to the States is a new sedan that “doesn’t share a single body panel with this car.”

A U.S. fleet test of the plug-in etron gets underway this month.

The South African-born executive is so confident of the alternative model he is predicting Audi of America will boost A3 sales to about 30,000 annually – triple the demand for the current A3 wagon in U.S. showrooms.

That outgoing A3 wagon will remain in production through late next year, the new sedan debuting as a 2014 model.

[Sin_city_Rings]

“We decided not to take it,” considering wagons simply don’t connect with U.S. buyers, noted Johan de Nysschen, CEO of Audi of America. Instead, the model coming to the States is a new sedan that “doesn’t share a single body panel with this car.”

THIS scares me.

They did that to the Passat and look what came out.....

[A4A4A4]

THIS scares me.

They did that to the Passat and look what came out.....

Haha, that certainly doesn't mean it'll be a cheap "made for america" version like the Passat. He said they're changing the body panels; body panels don't effect the way a car drives.

If he starts mentioning things like, chasis, suspension, brakes, etc... then you can be worried. I'll assume he was just trying to say that it'll look completely different.