The first photos of China’s new
long-wheelbase version of the Audi A3 have surfaced online. According to local
publication Auto163, previous prototypes of the long-wheelbase A3 sported the
A3L moniker. However, the following example, likely a pre-production prototype,
is free of any camouflage and just has a regular A3 badge.
It remains unclear how much longer this
variant of the A3 will be, but all A3 models sold in the local market will be
produced at the FAW-Volkswagen East China plant in Qingdao and include both a
sedan and a Sportback variant. There are no obvious visual differences between
A3 models for the Chinese market and those sold elsewhere.
With that in mind, the Audi features sharp
and aggressive headlights and also has three small air vents above the front
grille, paying tribute to the original Audi Quattro. The A3’s headlights also
feature complex daytime running lights and signatures, while at the rear the
updated A3 has sleek new LED taillights.
Inside, customers will find a 10.25-inch
digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch MMI touch display infotainment
system. Overseas buyers are offered an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument
cluster, but it remains to be seen if that option will also be available in
China.
A host of powertrains are offered for the
A3 in Europe, but it appears just a single engine will be available in China.
According to Auto163, the compact Audi will land with a turbocharged 1.5-liter
four-cylinder producing 148 hp and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission.
