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2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose

With the MQB platform, VW Group got in the habit of developing all its compacts at the same time which led to the debut of four cars in 2012 and 2013. Now, all-new generations of the Golf, Octavia, Leon and this A3 Sportback are being readied.
2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose 10 photos
Photo: CarPix
2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose2020 Audi A3 Shows Huge Hexagonal Grille on Long Nose
We mention this because the 2020 Audi A3 is in an unexpectedly advanced state of development considering its first sighting was only a day ago. By contrast, we haven't seen any new body parts on the Golf test mule.

While we're not sure if this design is finished, Audi has been bold enough to show the front end of the car. It features a much bolder design than the current A3.

The hexagonal grille is more pronounced, with a chunky frame (likely to be silver) touching the headlights. A honeycomb grille pattern feel abnormal considering this is the regular A3, but it matches the extra aero on the sides of the rear window - this is an S Line.

The profile seems almost identical to the current model, down to the placement of the mirrors and radio antenna. But the rear windshield is almost completely flat, and there's a small deck in the middle of the trunk, reminiscent of the 2019 A1 Sportback.

Audi is going to discontinue the 3-door and convertible versions of the A3, keeping only the Sportback and sedan. Not just the engines, but also things like the infotainment will be shared with the three other cars we mentioned.

Rumors have suggested a new 1.5-liter TDI will be introduced, along with mild hybrid versions of other small turbocharged units. The cheapest A3 will have a 115 HP 1.0-liter and a solid rear axle, just like the Mercedes A-Class.

The biggest engine will, of course, be the 2.0-liter, perhaps pushing 190 HP in diesel form and 200 HP as a TFSI. Nearly all models will be available with a 7-speed twin-clutch automatic. As for the S3, it's probably going hybrid, with the wildest speculations suggesting well over 350 HP.

Our best guess is that the new A3 will debut in 2019 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, though it won't come to America until at least the 2020 model year.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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