SPY PICS: Audi A3 undisguised – almost

If you want more than a rough indication of what Audi's next A3 will look like, these most recent photos from the team at Carparazzi should give you a pretty fair indication.

Due to be introduced at the 2012 Geneva show, the new A3 is shown here in three-door hatch configuration, but will be available in five-door, convertible and Avant versions as well.

There will be no mistaking the new A3 although, in typical Euro style, it is a tasteful rather than radical re-style. Most noticeable will be the head and tail light treatments showing influences from new A6 and A5 models, including bolder side sculpting.

Although not visible in these spy photos, the full-frame grille seems set to continue.

As previously reported the new Audi A3 will be the first car in the Volkswagen group to use the new MQB platform that employs construction methods and materials aimed at reducing weight by as much as 80kg compared to current equivalent models.

The new small Audi has reportedly been the subject of a quality upgrade inspired by A1 and A6 models and particularly noticeable in the cabin area, where materials, switches and other touchy-feely aspects aim to give the A3 a classier impression.

Eyeball air vents and a pop-up SatNav screen feature alongside the usual Audi stainless steel trim and soft-touch dash.

Claimed CO2 emissions are said to reach as low as 89g/km in an eco model that is part of a line-up expected to include 1.2-litre and 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines and 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbodiesels.

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