Rendered: Audi A3 sedan
Audi's model diversification shows no sign of abating as waiting in the pipeline is a booted derivative of the volume-selling A3 hatchbackAudi previewed its A3 sedan concept at last year’s Geneva motor show, and now the folks at Carparazzi have rendered their interpretation of how the showroom-ready article will look.
As evident from the accompanying image, the production version is likely to feature much more restrained styling vis-a-vis last year’s edgy concept, with its profile falling into line with the larger A4 and A6 sedans.
Although graced by a stubby boot, the car’s design language is otherwise as per the new A3 hatchback that debuted at this year’s Geneva motor show
The rationale for adding the A3 sedan to the line-up could be partly due to the dimensional growth of the A4 over the years, making it essentially a family car. The A3, by contrast, could be pitched at more youthful buyers not overly concerned with rear-seat space.
Last year’s concept was powered by a fire-breathing five-pot turbo engine with 300kW and 500Nm, and it sat on beefy 20-inch alloys, but expect the production version (at least until an RS3 sedan arrives) to be much more sedate in execution.
As per the new A3 hatch, the sedan will be underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s new MQB platform that’s both lighter and safer than the architecture used by the superseded A3.
Measures such as an aluminium bonnet and front guards have reduced weight of the three-door by as much as 80kg, so the sedan will also benefit accordingly.
Expect the A3 sedan’s engine line-up to reflect that of the hatchback, which will be offered in Australia with two petrol TFSI turbos and a TDI turbodiesel. The petrol engines will displace 1.4 litres (90kW) and 1.8 litres (132kW) respectively, while the diesel will be a 110kW 2.0-litre.
The A3’s interior emphasises Audi’s sporty, technical orientation with lashings of aluminium-look trim and contrasting glossy finishes, as well as options including a flat-bottom steering wheel and SatNav.
Options offered in the A3 hatchback include adaptive radar-assisted adaptive cruise control, side assist, active lane assist, traffic sign detection, Xenon headlights, high beam assist, a “plus” SatNav system with MMI operating logic, auto park assist and the Audi pre sense basic safety system.
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