New Audi A3 sedan may come to China in 2011

Shanghai, May 7 (Gasgoo.com) Audi is reportedly planning to release a new version of the A3 in early 2011, and the German automaker's entry-level model is slated to get a four-door sedan variant. When it is launched, the new Audi A4 sedan may be introduced to China for local production, sina.com said today.

The 2011 Audi A3 will use a version of parent-company Volkswagen's next-gen Golf architecture. As a result, the A3 is likely to be similar in size to the VW Jetta - itself a sedan variant of the popular hatchback. Suspension bits will consist of struts up front and a multilink arrangement out back.

The next A3 is expected to wear sheet metal with "clear links to the existing A3." Unlike the staid profile of the current Jetta, the new A3 sedan is poised to get the currently en-vogue "four-door coupe" roofline. In Europe, the next A3 will sport a range of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines.

Likely engine options for the A3 range of cars include a series of four-cylinder powerplants ranging from 1.2 to 2.0L in displacement. In any case, we'll surely see quattro all-wheel drive and a choice of manual, automatic or DSG transmission options.

Originally slated to arrive at the end of the year, the next A3 will now hit the market, including China, in the first half of 2011. Audi will also add a new Cabrio model and Sportback wagon, and there could even be a four-door coupe as well as an Allroad soft-roader.