Ahead of its debut in Paris next week Audi has released pictures and information for its new A3 Sportback, codenamed 8V. Based on the three-door A3, first seen at Geneva in March, the Sportback has made good use of its MQB platform and rides on a wheelbase which has been extended by 35mm. Overall the wheelbase is 58mm longer than the previous 8P Sportback.
As is often the way with teutonic styling the look of the new Sportback is very much a case of evolution from the model it replaces. Generally speaking we really like the way the new A3 looks and nothing has changed with the addition of the Sportback to the range. The few nips and tucks applied by Audi’s designers have resulted in a small, but noticeable progression, that is more modern and should help keep the A3 at the top of the entry-level prestige market.
Audi has managed to reduce weight across the Sportback range by as much as 90kg compared to the old model. In real terms, a Sportback with 1.4 TFSI tips the scales at 1205kg.
The A3 Sportback is presented here in S-Line trim and when you get inside the addition of a thick steering wheel with perforated leather should be a nice improvement from the previous gen. We’re not entirely sure the cross stitching on the seats is the world’s best decision, but reckon we’ll need to see it in person before making a final judgement.
With the rear seats up the Sportback offers 380 litres of luggage space, which expands to 1220 litres when the seats have been folded down.
As well as the improved interior space offered by the MQB architecture, handling should be enhanced now that the front axle has been pushed forward by 40mm. All engines are mounted in the usual front-wheel drive transverse fashion, but have been tilted backwards by 12° with the exhaust facing the bulkhead. A better balanced chassis being the aim here.
Of course, much of the rest of the Sportback is sourced from the A3 hatchback and you can read more detail on the Sportback in Audi’s press release below. We’ll also be back to add more pictures.
The A3 Sportback will hit European dealerships in February next year and we expect the Australian launch won’t be too far behind.
UPDATE: Additional text from Audi Australia has been added at the end of the press release. Mid-2013 is the word for the first local deliveries.
UPDATE 21 Sep: A new video and 39 extra pics have been added below.
