After being previewed by the A3 Concept version at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi A3->ke1086 is preparing to enter its third generation sometime in the middle of 2012. With this generation, Audi->ke14 is overhauling the A3's design and our spy photographers have captured the new and improved model testing somewhere in Argentina. When the Audi A3 does hit the market, it will be offered in both hatchback and sedan versions. The sedan will mostly be offered in the US market where Audi hopes to boost the A3 sales with the new version.

The new A3 will be built on Volkswagen's->ke94 new MQB platform and will be offered with a choice of six different engine options, all of them delivering up to a 20% improvement in fuel consumption. There are even rumors of hybrid and electric versions, but, if true, those won't see the light of day for a couple of years.

When discussing the next A3, Audi's design boss, Stefan Sielaff said: "Three-door cars will be more compact and sharper in design, while the four-door will have different dimensions and detailing around the car – it’ll be a sporty, peppy design with a sexy back end!"

With that said, expect to see a design inspired by the A3 Concept, but from the looks of these spy shots, nowhere near the extravagance of it.

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