2019 Audi A3 spied testing

Audi's new Sportback, despite donning heavy camouflage, clearly features Audi's new design philosophy.

Come 2019, Audi's A3 will be all set to roll into its fourth generation, as suggested by the spy shots of the prototype caught by our Italian partner Quattroruote. The camo clearly blocks the nitty-gritty of the design details but nonetheless, the prototype seems to be just about ready to reveal the production-ready bodywork.

Despite featuring Audi's new design philosophy, don't expect the overall styling to represent a significant departure from the current car. However, the lighting on the prototype seems to be new and much sharper, with headlights similar to those seen on the 2019 Q3. Another crucial change in the 2019 A3's line-up could be the extinction of the three-door version as all images of the new car which have surfaced online so far only show the car in its five-door version.

Moreover, the 2019 A3 will be built on VW's second-gen MQB platform which might just give the new car larger dimensions and consequently, more cabin space. Keeping in mind the trend seen on the new A1 Sportback, which is about 2.2 inches longer than its predecessor, the A3 is most likely to continue with the same trend.

At the time of its launch in 2019, expect the five-door hatchback to be the first new version. To compete with the upcoming Mercedes-Benz A-Class saloon, Audi will also introduce a 'liftback' version of the A3. However, don't expect it to arrive in the markets before 2021. While there is no confirmed reveal date from Audi yet, the first glimpse could be seen as early as March 2019, at the Geneva Motor Show.

Image source: Quattroruote