2019 A3 Lineup To Lose 3-Door Variant, Gain 5-Door Liftback

[Bristle Hound]

Despite promising to end the copy-paste design language, Audi apparently has no problem with hitting copy-paste on the model lineup.

Autocar reports that when the A3 gets its redesign in 2019, the 3-door variant will be excised from the lineup, for lack of demand.

That’s not too big a concern for us Americans, who can’t currently buy one anyway, but the move would still be sad in the greater human-family sense, since 3-door hatchbacks are dropping at an alarming rate.

The bigger news in all of this is that the lineup will instead gain a 5-door liftback that could easily come to our shores. This will look a little more like the A5 Sportback, in that it will be a four-door with the lines of a coupe and hatch that opens from above the rear glass.

This, it is being argued, will take on the Mercedes CLA, whose success can’t be ignored.

Finally, the sedan will stay on, though it will grow slightly, with more leg room in the rear and a bigger trunk, according to Autocar.

As mentioned above, expect the next-gen A3 to debut in 2019.

report-a3-lineup-lose-3-door-variant-gain-5-door-liftback

 

[paradigital]

Always thought there should be an a5 sportback equivalent on the A3 range, so that's a good thing about the liftback (if true... it IS autocar afterall). Bit of a shame about the 3dr, but as someone who isn't a fan of the general hatch shape/style, I won't miss it one jot personally. Glad to hear the saloon will gain a bit of usable leg space too.

 

[Weeb]

Always thought there should be an a5 sportback equivalent on the A3 range, so that's a good thing about the liftback (if true... it IS autocar afterall). Bit of a shame about the 3dr, but as someone who isn't a fan of the general hatch shape/style, I won't miss it one jot personally. Glad to hear the saloon will gain a bit of usable leg space too.

3DR hatch will become more 'exclusive' in years to come... Collectors will pay for that 'exclusivity'


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[Bells]

3DR hatch will become more 'exclusive' in years to come... Collectors will pay for that 'exclusivity'


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Here's hoping

 

[Daveotto]

3DR hatch will become more 'exclusive' in years to come... Collectors will pay for that 'exclusivity'

Seat dropped the 3 door variant from the new Ibiza line-up, my duaghter got one of the last of the old 3Dr SC models with a huge discount and hoping it will be relatively rare and sought after in 3 years or so

Finally, the sedan will stay on, though it will grow slightly, with more leg room in the rear and a bigger trunk,

That will make it bigger than the current A4

 

[Tom.H]

Seat dropped the 3 door variant from the new Ibiza line-up, my duaghter got one of the last of the old 3Dr SC models with a huge discount and hoping it will be relatively rare and sought after in 3 years or so



That will make it bigger than the current A4

My youngest brother did too, couldn't get a factory order so had a nicely discounted stock model.

 

[Dan Halen]

In another three generations, Audi will roll out a reimagination of the A2 platform for the US. The main draw will be the S2 sedan, which will pay homage to its spiritual successor, the 8V S3. Enthusiasts will rejoice the return of the small sport sedan after watching the A3 fatten up to a bloated barge over the past 15 years.

It's kind of batty. Small cars are small for a reason, but automakers seem to always lose their minds when designing the next generation. When you have the androgynous A4 and A6 to fill the need, there would seem to be little reason to give the A3 *** implants.

 

[batch]

What a load of nonsense!
Small cars are getting bigger every time, and manufacturers are putting models in fir niches that nobody really knew they wanted or needed. It's getting ridiculous.

 

[Muttley75]

I'm already thinking of going down the A1 route next time I change. If the new Polo is anything to go by, it'll be virtually A3-sized (current model) anyway. TBH the only thing that puts me off the current A1/S1 is the manual low res screen (come on Audi, at least make it pop up automatically like the A3's)! The 5 door is plenty big enough for me. We are a two car household so my A3 is essentially my commuter car and very rarely has any passengers. The second car is a Polo (plenty big enough) which the Mrs drives about daily. We use it weekends too as hers is parked in the drive as is easier to use than faff about getting the A3 out of the garage. Plus I really don't like using it weekends after it's weekly Saturday morning clean. I like keeping it mint for the Monday morning commute. Yes I know that's weird, but so am I!


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[KenL]

If the 3 door goes this A3 will probably be my first and last Audi.

Back to MINI or maybe a Golf for me.

 

[Chris43]

I'm already thinking of going down the A1 route next time I change. If the new Polo is anything to go by, it'll be virtually A3-sized (current model) anyway. TBH the only thing that puts me off the current A1/S1 is the manual low res screen (come on Audi, at least make it pop up automatically like the A3's)! The 5 door is plenty big enough for me. We are a two car household so my A3 is essentially my commuter car and very rarely has any passengers. The second car is a Polo (plenty big enough) which the Mrs drives about daily. We use it weekends too as hers is parked in the drive as is easier to use than faff about getting the A3 out of the garage. Plus I really don't like using it weekends after it's weekly Saturday morning clean. I like keeping it mint for the Monday morning commute. Yes I know that's weird, but so am I!

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Had the new Polo been out when I placed my order in April im not sure id even have looked at the A3. My Mrs also has a Polo, its a quality car but a little dull to drive but the size is just right. I didn't really want a car right at the end of its version life either.

 

[FBF01]

Forgot to say, when the fiancé was in collecting her new Q3 Black edition on Friday there I asked about the 3 doors S3s. Totally missed the boat. Stopping production after build week 45. No demand globally he was saying. Pants

 

[Muttley75]

As an owner of a three door A3 (and prior to that, a TT) I won't miss it. I'm definitely going 5 door next time. Two door looks better but the doors are huge, parking is a pain, rear passengers scuff my plastics and it makes the seat belts too far back and difficult to reach. Only down side to having five doors is two more to clean every week. The new Polo is 5 door only too. Seems to be the way things are heading.


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[Kingfisher]

agree about the size of doors in 3 door cars....... it's why we actively choose not to park alongside any three door car as you just know they will open the doors as wide as they can..............and I've got bills to prove it .....
The new Polo looks good it's nearly as big as the current Golf so.... the Golf 8 is just going to grow in size and the A3 five door liftbacks will be the same size as the Golf.
We have had 80/90 A4s since 1985 but since the B7 B8s arrived they are just too big ( and probably will not fit into our garages).
Current S3 saloon we have is great but could do with a slightly larger boot and a bit more room in the rear seat area.
My B6 is staying..... but.... a S3 Fastback......... umm or even a Golf Mk 8 GTi ??

 

[Vertigo1]

I wouldn't count on 3-doors holding their value any better just because they're no longer made. If there's low enough demand for them new that they're not going to make them any more then that'll translate into lower used demand also.

The number of people who actively seek a 3-door because of its looks will be far far outweighed by those who want a 5-door because of the increased practicality, especially in a small hatch like an A3 which is designed to be as practical as possible.

 

[Rideen]

3 door version is far cheaper on used car market where I live compared to 5 door / saloon. Up to 25% cheaper.

 

[Vertigo1]

Sounds about right - people just don't want them.

As a disclaimer I should point out that four of my five A3s thus far have been three-doors. I preferred the looks of the 3-door 8P so all three of those were 3-doors. I think the 8V actually looks a bit awkward as a 3-door but my first one was still a 3 because it was one of the very first orders and that's all you could order to start with.

 

[B5NUT]

Was told by the sales guy the 3 door was being dropped at the end of this year (current 8V model)

 

[msdmjb]

I really dislike 5drs but also don't have a need for one as my S3 is only ever used by me as my go to the airport car.
If there had been a manual 3dr RS3 then I would have had one, given the new Polo will be almost as big as the current 3dr A3 I will be looking at either a fast Polo, maybe the rumoured RS1, new Alpine (auto only) or even the new Hyundai hot hatch as it seems its priorities seem right. It is crazy the way manufacturers continually upscale quality/size/equipment/costs every time there is a new model. I still hanker after a basic spec high reving hot hatch like the good ol' days rather than the torque monsters/easy driving machines we have today.............anybody else remember chasing the red line waiting for the 16valve surge??

p.s. I am not hanging on for a surge in demand for my lightly used 3dr manual flat colour S3!

 

[AlexDR]

RS1 is dead according to my dealer as the new A1 comes out next year.

 

[infernox]

Still got 3 years then for the next S3, 4 for the next RS3? I wonder how this A3 Liftback and Merc A Class Saloon would look like.

 

[Kingfisher]

I expect the 'new' A1 will be nearly as big as the current A3 3 door..............

 

[infernox]

In other news, there's a new Leon Cupra R now. I was expecting it to rival the Rs3 but its only 10hp more than the normal Cupra in Manual, exactly the same with DSG?

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/hot-hatch/new-seat-leon-cupra-r-here

 

[Vertigo1]

In other news, there's a new Leon Cupra R now. I was expecting it to rival the Rs3 but its only 10hp more than the normal Cupra in Manual, exactly the same with DSG?

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/hot-hatch/new-seat-leon-cupra-r-here

It's the same 310PS unit as the S3. Utterly pointless waste of time having that much power in a front-wheel drive car if you ask me.

No chance of an RS3 'rival'. These are halo cars reserved for Audi as the top of the four brands. Skoda/Seat/VW may be allowed to produce competitors to the 'S' Audi models but they'll never be allowed to produce 'RS' rivals.

 

[Ormesome]

Shame the 3-door won't be built any more. Personally think the design of the 3 door is a lot nicer than the 5 door. Im a big fan of 3 doors as a whole as i dont have kids but when people get in the back then i do agree its a bit of a pain. I really hope they sort out the styling of the 5 door for the future model as to me it just looks like an estate, the 8p is even worse and reminds me of an old subaru impreza estate. However, if an A3 Coupe is in the pipeline then i will happily sign up and wave goodbye to the 3 door!!

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a3/98441/audi-to-target-mercedes-cla-with-sharp-new-a3-coupe

http://www.autobild.de/artikel/audi-a3-sportcoupe-2019-vorschau-9442805.html

Have to admit that the 5 door looks less estate like in this link:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a...to-raise-its-game-on-quality-and-tech-in-2019

Obviously those links above are artists impressions/visions of the future but it points to nice designs.

 

[infernox]

It's the same 310PS unit as the S3. Utterly pointless waste of time having that much power in a front-wheel drive car if you ask me.

No chance of an RS3 'rival'. These are halo cars reserved for Audi as the top of the four brands. Skoda/Seat/VW may be allowed to produce competitors to the 'S' Audi models but they'll never be allowed to produce 'RS' rivals.

Yeah my thoughts too. My only guess is they wanted to have a GTI Clubsport kind of car. Wasn't the Golf R400 meant to be an RS3 rival? I know it got cancelled but I feel VW could make a good RS3 rival.

 

[Rolly12]

I really dislike 5drs but also don't have a need for one as my S3 is only ever used by me as my go to the airport car.
If there had been a manual 3dr RS3 then I would have had one, given the new Polo will be almost as big as the current 3dr A3 I will be looking at either a fast Polo, maybe the rumoured RS1, new Alpine (auto only) or even the new Hyundai hot hatch as it seems its priorities seem right. It is crazy the way manufacturers continually upscale quality/size/equipment/costs every time there is a new model. I still hanker after a basic spec high reving hot hatch like the good ol' days rather than the torque monsters/easy driving machines we have today.............anybody else remember chasing the red line waiting for the 16valve surge??

p.s. I am not hanging on for a surge in demand for my lightly used 3dr manual flat colour S3!

"Go to the airport car" What's your nipping to the shops car or going out for dinner car?


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[Tom.H]

It's the same 310PS unit as the S3. Utterly pointless waste of time having that much power in a front-wheel drive car if you ask me.

No chance of an RS3 'rival'. These are halo cars reserved for Audi as the top of the four brands. Skoda/Seat/VW may be allowed to produce competitors to the 'S' Audi models but they'll never be allowed to produce 'RS' rivals.

Shame really as they'll always be people that stick with VW, Seat, Audi or Seat.

The Golf R should be kind of on par with an Audi RS3 in my opinion as there's nothing above the R, the RS3 is the top of its class and the Golf R is the top of its class but they're not comparable.

 

[Forbzeeee]

I think it's a shame that cars continually get bigger to the point of bloated with each new release. I have been a hot hatch fan since the 90's when we had the likes of the Peugeot 205 Gti, Renault 5 turbo, Golf GTI, Escort RS doing battle... even the Japanese got involved with it's Nissan Sunny GTI-R (Pulsar).

Practicality is taking over. I am sure the A1/S1 will soon grow to the size of my S3 8v, at which point they will probably release a saloon version. I have a 3 door hatch as I have no need for a 5 door but manufacturers across the board are increasingly killing off the 3 door.

 

[Joe4842]

so do people think the 3 doors will hold money better? or will it not really make a difference that they are no longer being produced

 

[TYb]

so do people think the 3 doors will hold money better? or will it not really make a difference that they are no longer being produced

I don't think it'll make a great difference, the demand mustn't be there now hence stopping building them.

Mine is a 3 door, they are cheaper to buy from the new and I think an s3 will still hold its value. I never intended buying mine once my pcp was up but will definitely consider it if the value dips.

 

[richinsoton]

3drs are soooo impractical, I know let's replace them with a 5dr... coupe!.

Which in my experience still don't have easy access due to the roofline dropping down so although you benefit from having shorter doors getting in & out still isn't as easy as a traditional 4 / 5 dr car which has rear doors of a similar height as the fronts so you don't have to stoop down as far as you would in a 4dr coupe!!.

 

[infernox]

Well they're still more practical and must be more appealing to buyers than 3 door cars. They already have the traditional 4 and 5 door car. So will the cabriolet stay? That must still be 2/3 door right?

 

[S32B]

so do people think the 3 doors will hold money better? or will it not really make a difference that they are no longer being produced

Think it depends on the following of the sports versions, look what the old Golf GTi's go for, the 3 door S3 may do the same??? The normal 3 doors will do as they do now.

I don't think it'll make a great difference, the demand mustn't be there now hence stopping building them.

Mine is a 3 door, they are cheaper to buy from the new and I think an s3 will still hold its value. I never intended buying mine once my pcp was up but will definitely consider it if the value dips.

My second point as you say, no demand so hence stopping them, BUT the demand for the 3 door S3 could still be there. However, for any car manufacturer keeping a 3 door and all the build expense that goes with it doesn't justify it just for the S3 version. I work in a car factory and our plant stopped building the 3 doors a long time back, we build 99% estates with the odd 5 door hatch, the most money is made on estates.

The price on my S3 3 door has hardly moved over the past few months, this months quote from mike Brewer is £20 less than Julys quote!

 

[richinsoton]

Well they're still more practical and must be more appealing to buyers than 3 door cars. They already have the traditional 4 and 5 door car. So will the cabriolet stay? That must still be 2/3 door right?

I'd disagree that a 4dr coupe is more practical as you've only changed the hassle from moving the front seats & struggling through the resultant gap to struggling through a door impeded by a lower roofline. The only benefit I see is shorter doors in car parks & the B pillar being nearer to reach the seatbelt if you're a short a**e.

The cab is based on the longer saloon body style I believe.

 

[Tom.H]

Guess if you are a short ar*e then getting in the back shouldn't be a problem lol

 

[glospete]

We have had 80/90 A4s since 1985 but since the B7 B8s arrived they are just too big ( and probably will not fit into our garages).?

That's a heck of a lot of A4s I reckon you must have bought close to 3 a year LOL Sorry, only my stupid sense of humour.

 

[richinsoton]

Guess if you are a short ar*e then getting in the back shouldn't be a problem lol

ROFL that's probably true!. I have the opposite issue in that if I don't fold myself in half enough & tend to batter the side of my head / ear if I get into a TT for example, which then puts me off of them again for a while until I forget about bashing my ear then try one for size & bash my head for the umpteenth time (stoopid is as stoopid does lol)

 

[KenL]

So will the cabriolet stay? That must still be 2/3 door right?

Good point! They must sell more 3 door hatches than cabriolets.

 

[Joetidman]

3DR hatch will become more 'exclusive' in years to come... Collectors will pay for that 'exclusivity'


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Not sure about 'collectors', it is a hatchback after all not a DB5


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