SPY PICS: Audi A3 styling in for a shake-up

The fourth-generation Audi A3 is being readied for a sequential roll-out that will begin with a European introduction, in five-door hatchback form, in 2019.

Eventually to comprise a new sedan (2020) and another coupe-style five-door Sportback (2021) in addition to the regular hatchback, the new Audi A3 will be based on the Volkswagen group's second-generation MQB platform that is being readied for its European debut in the new Volkswagen Golf 8 in late 2019.

Hotter Audi S3 and Audi RS 3 versions of all three body styles should also be forthcoming, starting with the new Audi RS 3 hatch some time in 2020.

Although at first appearances the new Audi A3's styling overall looks emphatically evolutionary, statements from Audi's exterior design boss Andreas Mindt saying the next-gen A3 will be a visual step-change over the current model are supported by significant differences in the way the new model presents itself in these spy photos.

There's a more pronounced curve to the upper side window line, narrower slit-style tail-lights and what appears to be a swoopier front-end with a squat, lower-set full-frame grille.

There are also suggestions of a more wedge-shaped profile, as well as deeper sculpting in the doors.

The interior of the Audi A3 remains unseen at this stage, but it's predicted it will feature upgrades to existing systems including Audi's Virtual Cockpit and infotainment/connectivity technology.

The engine line-up is mooted to include 1.0-litre, 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol variants, as well as a plug-in e-tron hybrid, upgraded with the adoption of the driveline from Volkswagen's GTE Passat.

Word is that a full-electric version has been ruled out so as not to clash with Audi's plans for a specific EV model based on the Volkswagen group's MEB architecture that is expected to emerge in 2021.

It's also expected that the five-door hatchback A3 will step up dimensionally so it will be wider and longer than the current model, although running on identical front and rear tracks measurements.

Of significance to the fourth-generation A3's future is Mindt's reported confidence in the future of "conventional" cars in the face of a broadening impact of SUVs across most of the market.

In recently-published comments on the British Autocar website, Mindt is quoted as saying: "I can see growth of compact cars and a future, absolutely. We have really good ideas for that segment and to push it."

The fourth-generation Audi A3 is anticipated to launch in Australia some time in 2020.