Audi released a set of sketches portraying the next-generation A3, which is expected to go on sale in late 2012. The officials drawings show the three-door hatchback and sedan versions, plus a view of the interior.

The A3 Sedan sketch does not come as a surprise, since it shows a car very similar in design with the A3 Concept premiered by Audi at the Geneva Motor Show. The three-door hatchback, however, is more interesting, as this is the first time Audi offers a sneak peak at the design of its future compact model.

The three-door version looks sharp and dynamic, sporting a narrow glasshouse, massive wheel arches and an interesting crease in the lower part of the door.

The interior looks very much like the one previewed on the A3 Sedan Concept, with less buttons and switches and no traditional center console, which has been replaced by a prominent central tunnel. The next generation Audi A3 is expected to offer high-tech features as optional extras, such as the MMI infotainment system with a touchscreen that comes out from the upper part of the dashboard.

The new A3 will be unveiled next year as a three door hatchback (possibly at the Geneva Motor Show), with the five-door and sedan versions to arrive shortly after. The sedan is designed specially for markets like the U.S. and China.

The A3 sedan is believed to have roughly the same dimensions as the original A4 sedan, while sporting a longer wheelbase (+35 mm) than the 3-door hatchback version.

Conventional engines aside, the lineup may also include a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and natural gas versions, plus a full electric model.


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