The best cars from the Paris Motor Show 2012 you'll soon be able to drive
Audi A3 Sportback at Paris 2012
Need five doors on your A3? Sportback is the word
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Audi A3 Sportback at the 2012 Paris Motor Show
Audi's five-door version of the new A3 can't come soon enough - the old one has soldiered on for eight years now - a millennium in car terms. The new A3 Sportback's unveiling comes six months after its three-door brother's Geneva debut, adding a second bodystyle to the hugely popular A3 franchise.
What is it?
It's premium hatchback nirvana for Audi's loyal band of four-ring addicts. Two extra doors and some roof-rails increase the practicality factor, whilst the styling has that typical 'which one's that?' Audi corporate face. It's inoffensive, safe - and very Audi.
What's hot?
The new Sportback gets a longer wheelbase than its three-door brother. A paltry-sounding extra 39mm between front and rear wheels should translate to appreciably more rear legroom - which is on-brief with the Sportback's remit of being kinder to its rear passengers. It'll also be packed with big-car tech and be typically well-appointed inside.
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What's not?
Did we mention that Audi corporate face? The design team hasn't been very adventurous with the pens, has it? Still, derivative and sober sells cars, so who are we to argue?
How much and when?
The new A3 Sportback should hit showrooms early next year, and whilst prices are unconfirmed, it's likely to be pitched a few hundred pounds beyond the entry-level three-door's £19,205 list price.
Anything else I should know?
Yes - there's a fiery S3 and an even more rabid RS3 awaiting the Sportback treatment. Expect the former to get a 2.0-litre 300bhp TFSI motor and have limpet-like traction, whilst the RS3 should dip well under the five-second mark for the 0-62mph sprint. Elsewhere the big sellers are likely to be a 2.0-litre 150bhp TDI, with 122bhp 1.4-litre and 180bhp 1.8-litre TFSI petrol units making up the numbers.
Audi reveals new A3 interior
On Bing: see pictures of the new 2012 Audi A3
See how much a used Audi A3 Sportback costs on Auto Trader
Review: Audi A3 (2012 onwards)
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