In China, the first photos have surfaced of the upcoming sedan version of the new Audi A3: the A3 Limousine. The A3 with sedan ass also comes to Europe, but not in the form as you see it in these photos.
Audi had a sedan version of the previous generation A3 on the menu that was placed as A3 Limousine in the order books. The A3 Limousine was also sold in China, but where cars such as the BMW 3-series and Audi A4 are almost exclusively sold in extended form in China, the A3 Limousine built by FAW-Audi in China also retained its European dimensions (photo 3 and 4). Something else applies to the new A3 Limousine, which can be seen in these pictures taken in a factory hall.
Model name A3 L can be read on the tailgate of this new A3 Limousine. Together with the clearly rather long rear door, this confirms that FAW-Audi does give the version of the A3 Limousine intended for the Chinese market a longer wheelbase. Count on an extra eight to ten centimeters between the front and rear axles, centimeters that will fully benefit the legroom of the rear passengers.
The regular version of the new A3 Limousine does come to Europe. In our market, the car competes against the A-class Limousine from Mercedes-Benz and to a lesser extent against cars such as the CLA and 2-series Gran Coupé. A comparison with the Mazda 3 Sedan and Toyota Corolla Sedan would also provide an interesting comparison. The question is whether the latter two are seen as an alternative by the A3 Limousine buyer group. Count on a series of 1.0 and 1.5 TSI engines, a number of 2.0 TDI diesels and of course in the long term an S3 and an RS3. The RS3 Limousine has already appeared before the lens of our spy photographer. Whether the A3 Limousine will have a plug-in hybrid this time remains to be seen.