Audi’s latest A3 only starting to go on sale in the United States in 2021, but an updated version of the trendy compact has already been tested. That’s because the latest A3 has been on sale outside of the US as of 2020, meaning it should get a mid-cycle update in late 2023 or early next year.
Prototypes discovered in the wild confirm an update is in the works. Our latest spy shots show a prototype for the updated A3 Sportback hatch sold overseas. prototype for updated A3 sedan sold in the US have also been discovered.
We’re currently expecting the updated A3 to arrive in showrooms in 2024 as a 2025 model. Again, the US is likely to receive only the sedan.
The styling tweaks visible on the prototypes are very subtle. The design of the front has been revised around the side air intake area, while at the rear there are new graphics at the rear lights and a revised design for the reflectors on the back.
Spy photo Audi A3 Sportback 2025 facelift – Photo credit: Baldauf
The latest A3, representing the fourth generation of the nameplate, is based on an updated version of the Volkswagen Group’s front-wheel drive MQB modular platform. It’s essentially a twin to the latest Volkswagen Golf, which is expected to be updated around the same time as the Audi. We also have Golf’s spy photo updated.
It’s unclear if any changes are planned in the powertrain. The A3 is offered in the US with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine mated to a mild-hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available.
Buyers looking for more performance can opt for the S3 and RS 3 models. The S3 also comes with a 2.0-liter turbo-4, but it has a stronger 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. much, while the RS 3 features a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-5 with 401 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The S3 and RS3 both come with standard all-wheel drive. prototype for update S3 and S3 sports back have also been discovered.
Audi may also be planning a high-riding A3 Sportback to debut alongside the updated A3 range, similar to Smaller A1 Citycarver launch overseas in 2019. Although the automaker has yet to confirm plans for such a model.
