We already knew that Audi has plans to build the first ever sedan version of its A3 series and that it would come to North America. What we weren’t sure about was the timing.
In a posting on its Facebook page today, the German automaker revealed that the A3 Sedan "is confirmed for U.S. release late this year".
What this means is that we will likely see the four-door version of the new A3 making its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in September, and/or at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, with sales to start around December.
The A3 Sedan will be based on a stretched version of the latest A3 hatchback's new MQB modular platform architecture, with the two models also sharing the same interior design and engine lineup.
Audi has previewed the looks of the A3 sedan twice in the past year; the first time at the 2011 Geneva Salon with the sporty looking and very near production A3 Concept sporting a 402bhp (408PS) 2.5-liter turbo'd inline-five, and the second time with the A3 e-Tron gasoline-electric hybrid study at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.
The production model will adopt the more toned down face of the hatchback, along with a series of more conventional and practical details like the exterior door handles and mirrors.
We still don't know which engines will be offered in the States and Canada, but a 2.0-liter TFSI petrol and a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter TDI should make it on the launch model, with more options, possibly including a hybrid, to arrive down the line.
On its Facebook posting, Audi also asked whether it should bring the A3 hatchback (evidently, the new 3-door and/or the future 5-door Sportback models) and the next generation of the A3 Convertible in the States as well.
You can voice your thoughts in the comments section below.
19 Comments:
Cabrio - yes
Hatch - doesn't matter
Small sedans are stupid. I know they think they should pander (look at the hideous and ugly Q7) but they shouldn't. Bring the hatch and the cabrio, drown the sedan before it's born.
I'd go one better and also offer an All-Road version of an A3 wagon. What, no A3 wagon? Then build one!
I'd like an S3 sedan with Quattro AWD and that 402HP 2.5-liter turbo'd inline-five! If I can't have that now I'd take the fuel-efficient 2.0-liter TDI.
good design.
What in gods name. An A3 saloon? Why can't they just update the A4 with this design? It looks very similar to the A4. Crazy.
It looks good though, in fact it looks fantastic and it looks pretty big. i think they've moved the seats back to make it look like there is a lot of front passenger space. Still, a big car.
I currently have a 2010 VW CC and I am super excited to trade it in for the new Audi A3 sedan with the TDI engine and LED lights!
Very attractive sedan, and over the years there have been very few sedans that I like or would be tempted too buy.
Love the clean, simple design and detail of the dash and instrument cluster. We need to see more of this from all sources.
The design overall is far more attractive and interesting then BMW's latest iterations, and their rear ends look generic/appliance like, though, don't get me wrong I do like BMW's designs and I own several, This design(A3) pulls it all together all the way around.
With the A3, all points of view are a treat to the eye, especially when stretched out in a sedan.
Hope the theme and elements of the dash survive the bean counters.
Make this into an avant Audi ...please!
to audi marketing gods---there are a lot of customers awaiting the arrival of the audi A3-hatchback----DO-NOT----disappoint them---not every customer wants to drive a sedan---think FUNCTION---practicality--grocery shopping---etc.--etc.-----sincerely ,manuel pinto.
please bring the hatchback...!!! we love it...!!!
In my opinion, what sets the Audi A3 Sportback models apart from other high-end manufacturers is the fact that it is a hatchback. The A3 has been the sexiest car out there, and now it's even better with the new update. If you want to bring in the sedan then fine, but the hatchback is where it's at, stunningly beautiful. There's no other model or style quite like it. Bring on the 5-door Sportback model.
I'd buy the hatch in a heartbeat.
Yes please! A five door hatch with a manual Quattro this time. That's the car I've been waiting for for the last 6 years. Even better an S3 with the manual. I'd be the first to buy or if not I'm going to a Golf R.
for sure the sedan is going to be a big seller if it's priced right. personally. i much prefer the sportback but i could be convinced to go with the sedan since there aren't many alternatives. albeit, there are a lot of people who won't move from the hatch format and will seek out alternatives, esp in canada. hatches really have a cult following here. the 3 door a3 would be direct competition for the gti so unless they make it a full on road rocket i'm not sure this would be much of a seller. the gti is such a great car! a cabrio a3? i think it would be a solid move for audi since they don't have anything like this in their lineup except for the 60k cdn dollar a5.
Bring a hatch, coupe , and a Avant. I don't buy 4-door sedans, but will buy a 4-dooor long roof.
Oop's! Misstated myself above, I did buy a 1965 Jaguar MK 2 yesterday. A classic sports sedan.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_Mark_2
You are clearly a fucking retard.
Please continue to offer the a3 hatch in the U.S.
Please, please bring the hatch... Allow pre-orders to confirm demand - and it will show there is huge demand.
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