Audi A3 Previewed In Chinese Form Alongside Long-Wheelbase Variant

BY Brad Anderson | Posted on

The first photos of China’s new long-wheelbase version of the Audi A3 have surfaced online.

According to local publication Auto163, previous prototypes of the long-wheelbase A3 sported the A3L moniker. However, the following example, likely a pre-production prototype, is free of any camouflage and just has a regular A3 badge.

It remains unclear how much longer this variant of the A3 will be, but all A3 models sold in the local market will be produced at the FAW-Volkswagen East China plant in Qingdao and include both a sedan and a Sportback variant. There are no obvious visual differences between A3 models for the Chinese market and those sold elsewhere.

With that in mind, the Audi features sharp and aggressive headlights and also has three small air vents above the front grille, paying tribute to the original Audi Quattro. The A3’s headlights also feature complex daytime running lights and signatures, while at the rear the updated A3 has sleek new LED taillights.

Inside, customers will find a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch MMI touch display infotainment system. Overseas buyers are offered an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, but it remains to be seen if that option will also be available in China.

A host of powertrains are offered for the A3 in Europe, but it appears just a single engine will be available in China. According to Auto163, the compact Audi will land with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 148 hp and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Audi A3 Previewed In Chinese Form Alongside Long-Wheelbase Variant

The Chinese-spec Audi A3 will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine.
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