The new A3 Sportback model will go on sale in Europe before the end of the year but it’s not yet confirmed if a U.S. launch is planned. Instead, Audi may choose to exclusively offer the upcoming A3 Sedan to its American customers.
The styling of the car is virtually identical to the smaller three-door model, featuring a deep, confident grille, LED-equipped lights and clean lines from nose to tail. Both cars will share an interior, too, with a latest-generation MMI controller, round air vents and premium materials all around.
At launch, there will be three engine options, at least in its European home market--a 1.4-liter gasoline TFSI with 120 horsepower, a 1.8-liter TFSI with 177 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel producing 141 horsepower and strong torque. Transmissions will include the choice of eight-speed automatics, a CVT and seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch units.
More engine options will be offered further down the track including a 2.0-liter TFSI engine with possibly as much as 280 horsepower in a high-performance S3 Sportback model. Towards the end of the A3’s life-cycle, there’s a good chance we’ll also see a another generation of the awesome RS 3 Sportback, though it’s still too early to speculate on this model.
Audi also has plans to launch an all-electric model, as previewed by the A3 e-tron prototype, as well as an eventual plug-in hybrid.
Stay tuned for more details following the new Audi A3 Sportback's impending debut.