EXCLUSIVE! SPIED: The All-New Audi A3 Hatchback Has Been Spotted On U.S. Soil For The FIRST Time

I received a special note from someone I'll only refer to as CW depicting something I would consider special.

For the first time, and I think this is universal, an all-new Audi A3 has been spotted on U.S. soil. Whether it's here for testing purposes we don't know. However, what is unique is that it's fully uncamo'd. Initially, our spy thought it was an S3 but when they got closer they realized it was merely a TFSI Quattro. They had no idea if it was a 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter motor.

Typically when we see cars like this on U.S. soil, it a pretty good indicator that it will be shipped here in the near future; however, Volkswagen Auto Group (VAG) has pulled a couple of fast ones in recent time. Take, for example, the Volkswagen GTD spotted in the Washington D.C. area — near VW's North America headquarters — that's BRIGHT green like the first-gen Porsche GT3 RS. Or how about that all-new RS4 Avant that made an appearance at another D.C.-area Cars and Coffee?

While it remains unclear what Audi is planning to do with its product mix regarding the A3 lineup, it is interesting to note that this is a three-door variant, and not the five-door vehicle. Though some publications were expecting an A3 sedan appearance at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, it seems likely that it will show up at the 2013 New York Auto Show for it's big unveil.

PQ40 - 2/21/2013 9:44:16 AM

+3 Boost

Nice golf, not sure why they stuck an Audi badge on it? also VW announced they are offering 4motion on actual golfs...making the a3 an overpriced option for badge whores.

VISO - 2/21/2013 12:23:33 PM

-1 Boost

Like yourself...you standard statements you make in every post are a joke. Maybe when you actually read and research. As they say you may be entitled to your opinions, but not the facts.

PQ40 - 2/21/2013 1:36:36 PM

+3 Boost

Lol what??? Everything I said is true... Maybe you should do se research. The a3 not is made in the same factory as the golf in many locations, it shares the same chassis and a majority of the engines with the golf...seat Leon, and skoda Octavia. And VW DID anounce the golf will be offered with 4 motion. So the question is what is the premium for? Softer leaterette and the badge?

PQ40 - 2/21/2013 1:38:28 PM

+2 Boost

Phone has auto correct. Should say is made in the same factory.

Agent00R - 2/21/2013 12:25:42 PM

0 Boost

Sportbike don't act like an asshat. Duh, we know it's an A3. The news is that its here testing. Considering we're supposed to only get the five-door it is peculiar to see the two door on the ground.

AlleVier - 2/21/2013 1:40:51 PM

-1 Boost

Sportbike is just thanking you for posting so many Audi articles in his own clumsy way. He loves them so much he wouldn't miss commenting on a single one. I thank you, too, in my less clumsy way.

GermanNut - 2/21/2013 12:25:47 PM

-3 Boost

If Audi offers both the A3 sportback AND sedan in the U.S. it will be a HUGE sales boost for Audi in the critically important U.S. market. However, I don't think the new A3 sportback will come to the U.S. because U.S. consumers have already shown they prefer a sedan version.

AlleVier - 2/21/2013 1:29:42 PM

0 Boost

It's still strange to see them abandon a niche (luxury-brand, 2-box hatch) that they more or less created and dominated in the States. While it's true that the US market for sedans is bigger, that does not mean that Sportback fans can be converted. There's every possibility that if the A3 sedan cannibalizes enough A4 sales and fails to entice enough A3 Sportback buyers that they will change their mind.

AlleVier - 2/21/2013 1:36:38 PM

+1 Boost

(And if the Q3 doesn't get any Sportback conquest sales.)

Dezzamon - 2/22/2013 10:09:52 AM

+2 Boost

Mother of God. Is german designers working under the threat of loss of life?? It's like... "DO NOT create anything new, or you'll be executed!"

NeoReaper - 2/25/2013 1:52:15 PM

+1 Boost

the reason why they stuck an audi badge on it is because its not running your average volkswagen engine. ea888 engines tend to be used only for audi's in the US. although the gti/gli does use a variation of the ea888 but unfortunately, thats without audi's valvelift which drastically reduces its torque (aka slower). if youre interested in an inferior engine, i guess you can pick up the standard golf/gti and pretend its an a3.

DieselRules - 3/8/2013 12:58:40 AM

+1 Boost

The 3-door A3 is popular in Mexico. Sure its not just Mexican tourist?
As for "why not just by a Golf", go up to an Audi TT owner and ask why she didn't just buy a Beetle. Its all the same car, but I could see people going to the Audi dealer just to avoid the terrible VW dealers in many parts of America. On the west/wet coast where the VW brand is popular, many dealers are actually very good. Unfortunately that seems to be the exception.