After months of spy shots, Audi has officially taken the wraps off its update A3 and S3 Sportwagons. While technically the revealed versions are the Euro-spec A3s, we should see a similar version of the A3 three-door here in the States following the cars’ European launch this summer.
The new car sports revisions both inside and out, but nothing radical enough to make you think it’s anything but an Audi A3 . Up front, the A3 receives a sporty fascia that includes revised headlights and LED running lights.
Out back, the Sportwagon’s hatch is slightly altered and new taillights feature a fiber optic rods for a unique effect.
The A3′s interior now sports a new chrome design trim, revised audio controls and a few new interior colors.
The update also added about an inch of length to the A3 three door, while the Sportback five-door’s length remains the about the same.
Under hood, the A3 can be had with a wide range of engines — gas and diesel — from a 1.6L with 102 horsepower to a 3.2L with 250 horsepower. All engines can be mated to Audi ’s S tronic dual-clutch transmission, although only the 1.6, the 1.4 TFSI and the 1.8 TFSI can be had with the newly developed seven-speed box. All other engines must make due with a six-speed unit.
No word on when we’ll see the new A3 here in the States, but the Euro-spec version goes on sale this summer.
