Audi confirms new A3 to debut at 2012 Geneva Motor Show
Audi will unveil the production A3 at Geneva in March, targeting BMW’s 1-Series and the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, with multiple body styles planned from launch.
Audi will launch the new A3 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, confirming its intention to take on BMW’s 1-Series and the latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class in the premium compact segment. The production A3 will appear in March, a year after Audi previewed its direction with the A3 Concept at Geneva in 2011.
Audi’s new A3 is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB modular platform, which underpins a wide range of future models across the group. The architecture allows for a variety of body styles and drivetrain options, and Audi plans to offer the A3 as a Coupe, Convertible, Sedan and five-door Sportback. This broadens the A3’s appeal against the BMW 1-Series, which is available as a hatchback and coupe, and the A-Class, which is moving to a new platform for its latest generation.
Body styles and platform details
The 2012 A3 will be the first Audi to use the MQB platform, which is designed to accommodate everything from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive and a range of petrol and diesel engines. While Audi has yet to confirm the final engine line-up or equipment details, the company is expected to offer a mix of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with higher-performance variants likely to follow. The outgoing A3’s range included everything from efficient diesels to the S3 hot hatch, and a similar spread is expected here.
The A3 Concept shown at Geneva in 2011 featured a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 408hp and 368lb ft, paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. While this engine is not expected in the mainstream A3, it points to the performance potential of the new platform. Standard models will likely sit well below this in power and price, but Audi has not yet released official figures.
Positioning against rivals
Audi is targeting the A3 directly at the BMW 1-Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, both of which have recently been renewed. The BMW 1-Series remains rear-wheel drive and is available in three- and five-door forms, while the new A-Class moves to a front-wheel-drive platform with a more dynamic design. Audi’s approach with four body styles aims to give the A3 a broader reach in the segment, particularly in markets where saloons and convertibles are in demand.
Pricing is not yet confirmed, but Audi’s positioning suggests the new A3 will remain at the premium end of the compact market, in line with its rivals. Full technical specifications and equipment details are expected closer to the Geneva debut.
What to expect at Geneva
Audi’s Geneva stand will focus on the production A3, which is expected to be shown alongside the latest BMW 1-Series and the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The A3’s launch is a key moment for Audi as it looks to strengthen its position in the premium compact class. Further details on engines, equipment and UK pricing will follow ahead of the car’s arrival in showrooms later in 2012.
