Audi A3 also possible as Allroad

We know the Audi Allroad label from models such as the A4 and A6. In 2019 Audi introduced the Citycarver version of the A1 Sportback, which can best be described as an Allroad Light with its black plastic wheel arch edges but missing four-wheel drive. Audi seems to now also apply the Allroad trick to the A3 Sportback.

This set of spy photos shows a wrapped Audi A3 Sportback. It is still much too early for a facelift of the model presented last year and the camouflage work has been applied much too fanatically for a possible model year update. Audi specifically seems to want to hide the bumpers and wheel arch edges of this test model. If you look closely, you will see that the wheel arch edges are fitted with attachments. Add to that the clearly greater ground clearance of this test model and it is almost inevitable that Audi is testing an Allroad variant of the A3 here.

Audi A3 ‘All Road’

Although it is theoretically possible that Audi will make a Citycarver-like version of the more adventurous A3 Sportback, that seems unlikely. The A1 Sportback is not available with four-wheel drive and so the Citycarver does not have that either. Audi seems to want to keep the Allroad designation for actual four-wheel drive models. In addition, Audi’s quattro technology is available on the A3. In addition, the term ‘Citycarver’ may evoke too many associations with a smaller and more ‘urban environment’ model. It looks like Audi would rather not connect the A3 with that. Undoubtedly, Audi is trying to piggyback on the success of crossovers with the A3 Allroad. Next year we expect to learn more about the upgraded A3. Mercedes-Benz does have All Terrain versions of the C- and E-class that are comparable to Audi models, but does not offer such a variant on the A-class. Ford, on the other hand, delivers an increased type in the A3 segment with the Focus Active.