Audi A3 sedan spied with mild facelift

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It really does feel like it was just yesterday when Audi revealed the new larger and more elegant A3 sedan. Considerably longer, and slightly wider and taller than the previous sedan, the current A3 looks dashing to this day and few would ever think it needs an update, much less an entire mid-cycle refresh. However, Audi apparently thinks it does.

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While the small premium car segment seems to be withering away in North America, due to its ultra-popular SUV counterparts, in Europe and other markets, they still present a luxurious alternative to more mainstream cars. In other words, sedans are still quite popular. Among the remaining players in the segment, the Audi A3 is especially interesting, thanks to its numerous versions and body styles.

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Spy photographers captured an updated A3 testing in Germany, partially covered in camouflage. The minimal number of covered surfaces insinuates that changes will be limited to the front and rear fascias with perhaps a nip and tuck here and there, possibly on the fenders and quarter panels. Up front, the vents look redesigned while updates in the rear are a bit more difficult to define, due to the more generous serving of camouflage.

Although only the A3 sedan is seen in these images, we can safely assume that the superb hatchback along with the S3 and RS3 — no longer available in Canada — will get similar updates.

This new Audi A3 should launch for the 2024 model year before being completely replaced by an all-electric A3 in 2027. Given the short timeline between the two cars, it’s unlikely any powertrain changes will be made — though nothing is certain. Depending on the market, the A3 is currently offered with petrol, natural gas, and plug-in hybrid options. In Canada, we’ve got the 201-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine in the A3 or a 306-hp 2.0T for those opting for the S3.