Audi A3 Sportback Begs The Question; Would An MQB By Any Other Name Smell As Sweet?

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Are you longing to drive something on the MQB platform but too insecure to drive a Volkswagen Golf? Have we got something for you!

The Audi A3 Sportback, seen here, won’t be available in the USA; instead we’ll get a sedan variant that will be closer in spirit to the now iconic B5 Audi A4. With the 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the A3 weighs just 2,657 lbs, down roughly 200 lbs from its predecessor.


Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Bkmurph Bkmurph on Sep 20, 2012

    One more abused semicolon and I'm gonna puke.

  • ZekeToronto ZekeToronto on Sep 22, 2012

    Put me down as another very satisfied owner (2009) who is disappointed the MQB-based replacement won't be offered (at least initially) as a sportback. The sedan that Audi has shown looks great, but the 4-door hatch/mini-wagon has been the most practical vehicle I've ever owned. In 3.5 years of ownership it's also been 100% trouble-free, so I'm definitely game for another A3. The question is whether I'm willing to wait.

  • Peter Buying an EV from Toyota is like buying a Bible from Donald Trump. Don’t be surprised if some very important parts are left out.
  • Sheila I have a 2016 Kia Sorento that just threw a rod out of the engine case. Filed a claim for new engine and was denied…..due to a loop hole that was included in the Class Action Engine Settlement so Hyundai and Kia would be able to deny a large percentage of cars with prematurely failed engines. It’s called the KSDS Improvement Campaign. Ever hear of such a thing? It’s not even a Recall, although they know these engines are very dangerous. As unknowing consumers load themselves and kids in them everyday. Are their any new Class Action Lawsuits that anyone knows of?
  • Alan Well, it will take 30 years to fix Nissan up after the Renault Alliance reduced Nissan to a paltry mess.I think Nissan will eventually improve.
  • Alan This will be overpriced for what it offers.I think the "Western" auto manufacturers rip off the consumer with the Thai and Chinese made vehicles.A Chinese made Model 3 in Australia is over $70k AUD(for 1995 $45k USD) which is far more expensive than a similar Chinesium EV of equal or better quality and loaded with goodies.Chinese pickups are $20k to $30k cheaper than Thai built pickups from Ford and the Japanese brands. Who's ripping who off?
  • Alan Years ago Jack Baruth held a "competition" for a piece from the B&B on the oddest pickup story (or something like that). I think 5 people were awarded the prizes.I never received mine, something about being in Australia. If TTAC is global how do you offer prizes to those overseas or are we omitted on the sly from competing?In the end I lost significant respect for Baruth.
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