The fourth generation of the A3 might be quite new – especially in the US market where it arrived last year – but it seems that Audi is already working on an update. Our spy photographers caught a camouflaged prototype of the Audi A3 Sedan, hiding minor styling changes.
VW Group is working on mid-lifecycle updates for its compact models, including the VW Golf, the Audi A3, and the Seat Leon. The fourth-gen Audi A3 was originally introduced in 2020 and looks quite fresh. Audi designers won’t be changing much to the exterior of the A3, something that is evident from the amount of camouflage the pictured test car features.
Read: 2024 VW Golf Facelift Reveals Larger Infotainment Screen In First Spy Shots
The test car is fitted with the S Line package. While camouflage wrap is covering the front bumper and fenders, nothing seems to have changed at the front beside the new ADAS sensor in the singleframe grille’s lower section. The bumper intakes and LED headlights appear to be identical, although minor changes could occur later on in development.
The profile remains unchanged which is the case with the vast majority of facelifts. At the back, a closer look reveals the revised bumper with vertically-mounted reflectors which appear to be located in faux vents above the diffuser. Overall, the updated tail looks closer to the current S3. Unlike the latter though, we don’t see any visible exhaust pipes, and it is not clear if Audi will retain the decorative chrome tailpipes of the current S Line.
Inside, Audi could introduce software updates for the infotainment but the 10.1-inch touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster (10.25- or 12.3-inch depending on the variant) will likely remain the same in terms of hardware. Safety equipment could be upgraded with more ADAS features, potentially available from lower trims.
Overall, the forthcoming changes in the Audi A3 range sound more like model year updates than a proper facelift. However, the automaker could introduce updated electrified engines under the bonnet, including the 1.5 TSI Evo2 which was introduced in the facelifted VW T-Roc, as part of a refreshed lineup of mild-hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Another important change is the addition of a new crossover bodystyle – most likely bearing the Allstreet moniker – based on the five-door hatchback featuring plastic cladding and higher ground clearance.
The updated Audi A3 could arrive in 2023 or early 2024, extending the lifecycle of the fourth-gen model at least until 2027 or 2028. Audi is committed to remaining in the compact segment with the next-gen A3 which is expected to arrive towards the end of the decade in fully electric form.
