Next gen 2012 Audi A3 mule first spy photos

Next gen Audi A3 mule first spy photos / CarPix

Caught wearing a Golf body

By Michael Gauthier
July 8, 2009 4:36 PM
Filed Under: Audi, German, Spy Photos

Our spy photographers have managed to catch the first images of Audi's upcoming 2012 A3.

Like previous prototype Audis, this A3 mule is wearing a Volkswagen body to divert attention. While the Golf body prevents us from seeing the A3's new styling, the extended fenders suggest the car will grow a few inches in width. So far, our only indication of A3's exterior design comes from a leaked image that supposedly shows the car's Q5-inspired rear hatch.

Engine options will likely include the 105hp (75kW) 1.2-liter TSI, the 141hp (104kW) 1.4-liter TSI, and the 173hp (127kW) 1.8-liter TSI. We can also expect a variety of diesel engines, with a rumored 207hp (152kW) 2.0-liter TDI taking the top spot.

As we have previously reported, Michael Dick, a member of Audi's board of management for technical development, has stated that Audi is considering an RS3. If such a model were to be produced, it would likely feature the 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine from the TT-RS. Packing 340hp and 450Nm of torque, the RS3 would probably rocket from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds before hitting an estimated top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h).

In an attempt to establish a greater foothold in the North America, Audi is also considering an A3 sedan which is designed to appeal to hatch-hating Americans.

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Tags: 2012 Audi A3, Audi A3

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Comments

BabyMilo

July 8, 2009 4:42 PM

I think that itll be a nice car, like the current A3, maybe abit boring looking though

ShinyG

July 8, 2009 5:07 PM

The wider wheel arches on test mules do not necessarily indicate wider tracks. I've seen wheel flares on cars that eventually got narrower track than the initial versions. Manufacturers put wider fender flares on these cars so they can test different wheel diameters/widths/ETs without problems. Wider fender flare allows them to test a wider range of wheel sizes than usual, that's all!

sideskraper

July 8, 2009 5:09 PM

a3's are boring full stop. ok yes the s3 or the quattro 2.0 tfsi are nice, but in general theyre boring and in some markets very overpriced.

zdenda20

July 8, 2009 5:09 PM

lol TDI :D

sideskraper

July 8, 2009 5:44 PM

the current a3 2.0 tdi is by far the best engine in the range. especially when teamed with the DSG box.

sub39h

July 8, 2009 8:38 PM

i disagree. i don't doubt that the 2.0 TDI is a great engine (i've had one as a courtesy car), and i don't doubt that the DSG gearbox is fantastic (driven various A3s, TTs and Golfs with it), but the 2.0 TDI DSG is jerky and unpleasant. if i want the diesel i'd probably stick to the manual, and if i wanted DSG i'd almost certainly opt for the 2.0 TFSI. it's very efficient, and is quicker than most cars on the road... i wouldn't at all fault anyone for going for the 2.0 TDI tho. it's a great compromise, just not for me.

and whoever said that A3s are boring is a nutcase. the 2.0 TFSI is a Golf GTI in a better looking body. get one of those in a 5 door with BOSE and you have all the car you'd ever need.

sideskraper

July 9, 2009 6:50 PM

i didnt find the 2.0tdi dsg to be jerky or unpleasant at all. i had it for nearly three weeks and found it to be a great chassis, engine, transmission combination. it was just let down by the price, features, boring interior, boring styling, and options. the golf range beats almost every a3 (apart from s3 and 2.0 tfsi quattro) by a large margin.

howe2002

July 9, 2009 10:29 PM

The jerkiness comes from having it in 'sport mode'. Take it out.

TheKing

July 11, 2009 1:08 PM

Sorry to break your bubble. But if you think the VW 2.0TDI engine in the Audi A3 and A4 range to be great, then clearly you have not been exposed to Merc and BMW's diesel engines. Audi's 2.0TDI engine is well known for their lack of refinement, underpower, poor reliability (mainly turbo problems) as well as constant clattering and cut off problems. The engines that I have expereinced tends to get even worse when they are over 50000km. As for the DSG - it's great and smooth when you are pushing the car hard and fast. But try driving normally (calmly) and you'll feel the jerkiness and knocks when changing gears. I cannot believe that such a huge company can make such a terrible mistake. It's even worse than BMW's SMG's unrefinement. I have yet to test BMW's double clutch box, but I heard it's more refined, which fits smaller capacity BMWs as well.

As for the A3 range, sorry to say but it is boring. The worst is that fugly convertible... absolutely no class compared to BMW's 1 coupe and convertible.

joshg_5

July 8, 2009 8:20 PM

the RS3 would undoubtably have quattro, right...?

HEMI426

July 9, 2009 6:55 PM

If the new A3 is based on the golf, it doesn't get the engine lengthwise and farther back like in the a4, right?

joshg_5

July 10, 2009 5:32 AM

lol, are you mocking me?

TheKing

July 11, 2009 1:01 PM

Cheap Audi built on VW chassis and parts. Premium my foot, let alone trying to beat BM and MB.

fusion01

July 11, 2009 6:53 PM

They're obviously trying their hardest to not get attention by making it look even more awkward than the Golf MK6 (from the rear). I thought difficult but here you go. I think even the current A3 platform more sleek (not exciting but sleek). I do hope refinement is in order. Seems car designs are going in a direction I'm not too seduced by: very Japanese in my mind. I see Subaru (rear light housings etc) when I see VW nowadays. Hoping Audi doesn't go that route too. My 2 cents.

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