Stretched Audi A3L leaked
Extra-long-wheelbase version of fourth-generation premium hatch adds plenty of rear legroom but will probably be limited to ChinaAudi will stretch its small fourth-generation A3 hatch and, to prove it, pictures of the new longer A3L have been leaked online.
Following in the tyre tracks of other long-wheelbase Audis like the A6L, the latest Audi A3L is thought to have been created specifically for Chinese buyers and is based on the new Audi A3 hatch was unveiled only last month.
Featuring stretched rear doors and a more pronounced rear overhang, the A3L also helps preview what Audi is planning to do with the regular sedan, giving the longer version a rakish rear C-pillar that creates a coupe-like affect.
Like the A3 hatch, the new Audi A3L rides on the Volkswagen Group MQBevo architecture, bringing an increase in stiffness while saving weight.
It's not known what engines will be offered in China, but in Europe the A3 kicks off with an 81kW 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder, although most will opt for the 110kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech.
On the diesel side just one 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is offered, with either 85kW or 110kW.
Top of the tree, until the 300kW-plus RS 3 arrives, is a 228kW S3 that gets all-wheel drive and the old car's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four.Inside the A3's cabin, fit, finish and quality are all class-leading, the A3 getting a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system, with a larger 12.3-inch version being an option.
Like the recently launched Golf Mk8, Audi harnesses the power of an operating system that’s claimed to pack 10 times the computing power of the system it replaces and offers natural voice control to rival Mercedes’ MBUX system first seen in the A-Class.
There’s also a Car-to-X communication system that one day will be capable of connecting and communicating with traffic lights, or help you find a free parking spot.
The previous A3 was available as a three-door, but that body style has been dropped for the latest version, with only a five-door hatch, four-door sedan and the extra-long-wheelbase A3L to be available, although a sporty five-door fastback is also rumoured to be in the works.
Lack of demand is set to hamper the chance of the longer A3L ever making it Down Under.
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