Geneva 2012: Audi A3 Previewed, Minus Two Doors

by Derek Kreindler

March 6th, 2012 3:08 PM

geneva 2012 audi a3 previewed minus two doors

The Audi Q3 may not have much visual impact, but this is an extremely important car for the Volkswagen Group. As the first car to be built on the new MQB modular platform, the A3 is literally the next generation of car for the entire consortium.

Europe will get a diesel (2.0L, 150 horsepower) and two gasoline TFSI engines, a 1.4L 122 horsepower or a 1.8L 180 horsepower mill. This 1.8TFSI engine is expected to replace the venerable 2.5L 5-cylinder so derided by VW fans. The hatchback is 176 lbs lighter than the outgoing car – North Americans are expected to get a sedan, but news of any hatch variants have been scant. The 5-door is far more likely to arrive than the 3-door seen here. We’ll also be getting a 2.0TFSI engine as well, with a diesel likely to follow.

#2012GenevaAutoShow #2013AudiA3 #Audi #AudiA3 #Geneva2012

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Buzzyrpm on Mar 06, 2012

I can't understand the rear light treatment on Audis. Definitely the worst angle. Why does the Audi design philosophy of "same sausage different sizes" have to extend to their cars AND SUVs. This A3 has the same rear look of the Q5 not pretty and definitely not sporty.

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Akitadog on Mar 07, 2012

The good thing is that this will be the basis for the next GTI. I await it with bated breath.

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