2013 Audi A3 Sportback revealed

• 2013 Audi A3 Sportback
• Five-door version of new A3; longer wheelbase
• On sale in spring 2013, from £19,825

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This is the 2013 Audi A3 Sportback, which has been revealed at a preview event on the even of the Paris motor show, before going on sale in spring 2013.

It's a five-door version of the new Audi A3 and will be a rival for the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class, VW Golf and Volvo V40.

The new A3 Sportback shares most parts with the three-door version, but its wheelbase has been extended by 35mm to give more interior space. The previous A3 Sportback had the same wheelbase as the three-door model, but a longer rear overhang.

Boot capacity is 380 litres with the seats up –10 litres more than the A3 3dr. With the rear seats folded down, there's a 1220-litre loadspace.

Underneath, the A3 is built on a new platform that's also used for the new Volkswagen Golf. Thanks to its high-tech construction and a range of measures to reduce weight, the new A3 Sportback is up to 90kg lighter than the previous model.


New Audi A3 has a 35mm longer wheelbase than the three-door model

The engine range will mirror the A3 3dr's. The entry-level petrol engine will be a 104bhp 1.2 TSI. Two 1.4 TFSI petrol engines will be offered; a 121bhp unit and a 138bhp 1.4 TFSI with a 'cylinder-on-demand' fuel-saving system that shuts down two of the four cylinders when cruising. A 178bhp 1.8 TFSI tops the petrol range.


2013 Audi A3 Sportback will cost £620 more than the equivalent five-door model

The diesel engines will be a 103bhp 1.6 TDI that has CO2 emissions of just 99g/km and a couple of 2.0 TDI engines with either 148bhp or 181bhp.

Front-wheel drive will be standard on all cars at launch, but four-wheel-drive Quattro versions will join the range later in 2013.

Trims will be the same as the A3 3dr's, so there'll be a choice of SE, Sport or S line. There's a £620 premium for the Sportback model; prices will start at £19,825 for the 1.4 TFSI SE.

Paris motor show 2012 >>