Audi last redesigned the A3 for the 2013 model year, which means (despite a facelift for 2017), it's currently quite old. The A3's main competitor, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, isn't much newer, but still. Audi's smallest car could use a redesign. From what we hear, the official reveal will take place early next year. Thanks to these spy shots, though, we can get an idea of what the next-gen A3 looks like long before then.

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Technically, the prototype seen here probably isn't the next A3. Based on the impossible-to-miss quad exhaust, our spy photographer believes it's actually a new version of the S3. But aside from some small styling differences, both cars should look pretty much the same. And if you've paid much attention to Audi's latest designs, it shouldn't be hard to picture a redesigned A3. For better or worse, Audi sure loves its same-sausage-different-length design philosophy.

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What's less obvious is which powertrains and body styles will be offered, especially in the U.S. A sedan seems obvious, but there's no telling whether the hatchback will be sold here or not. Currently, U.S. customers can only get the A3 hatch as a plug-in hybrid. The fate of the two-door cabriolet is even less certain. If the A3 follows the 2019 Q3's lead, it will probably offer a 2.0-liter turbo in two different tunes: one that makes 190 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque and another good for 230 hp and 258 lb-ft. We may also see a plug-in hybrid and fully electric version, as well.

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Once the redesigned A3 is revealed, the S3 should soon follow, with a new RS 3 coming a few years later.

Photo source: CarPix