The Audi A3 lineup
could gain a new body style in the form of a five-door liftback to challenge
the likes of the second-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA and upcoming BMW 2-Series Gran
Coupe. The new Audi A3 variant is expected to arrive in 2020 according to
Autocar, and probably receive the Sportback nameplate, keeping in line with the
larger Audi A5 Sportback and despite the same name being used on the five-door
hatchback version of the A3.
Expected to measure
more than 4,400 mm in length, or some 330 mm less than the
Audi A5 Sportback, the A3 Sportback/Liftback will be powered by the usual
four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, in lesser flavors. Thus, the 1.4-liter
gasoline burner and the 2.0-liter diesel burner are believed to be part of the
offering, albeit combined with a 48V electric system to form mild-hybris.
The German car
maker could launch an S3 version as well, with the 2.0-liter four-banger making
over 300 PS combined with four-wheel drive, as an answer to
the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35. However, the true range-topping version is going to be
the RS3, which will rival cars like the AMG CLA 45, featuring a revised version
of the 2.5-liter five-banger unit rated at more than 400 PS.
In addition to the
usual ICE-powered derivatives, the Audi A3 Sportback/Liftback might gain a PHEV
powertrain too, with a zero-emission range of up to 50 km. A
battery-powered version, underpinned by the VW Group’s MEB platform, could also
be in the works.
Said to have been
described by Audi insiders as the spiritual successor of the classic Sport
Quattro, the sleek five-door coupe version of the A3 will probably gain a few
special styling touches in this direction. So, a vented bonnet, flared wheel
arches and special bumpers, could do the trick for it.
