The popular Audi A3 premium compact hatchback is set to be replaced by an all-new model soon, which should be revealed during the course of 2019. The first prototypes have hit the road and here's what we know so far.

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

The Audi A3 has been one of the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer's bread and butter models and for it to continue its sales success, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer's unlikely toalterits premium hatchback's packaging too radically. Given the advancements from its rivals like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, soon-to-be-releasedBMW 1 Series and the forthcoming Volkswagen Golf 8, it's critical the award-winning recipe remains true.

We expect the new A3 to share styling cues with its A1 and Q3 siblings and, if you look closely at the spy photographs, you can see some of those details. From first impressions, we can see the upcoming hatchback looks quite sporty. The new Audi A3 will share a platform with the forthcoming Volkswagen Golf 8 and while both use the current MQB platform, it will be extensively revised for both cars, presumably to facilitateelectrification.

In terms of engines, we should see the current arsenal of VW Group powertrains making their way into the A3. Expect turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines, withsome of the former featuring electrical assist. Given the brand's push into the standalone electric space, it's not unreasonable to expect an E-Tron badge slapped on the rump of an A3. Inside, we expect the new A3 will adopt the all-new infotainment system we first experienced in the A1 and Q3. It's a slick unit boasting superb graphics and functionality. Audi Virtual Cockpit is likely to be updated too.

This is the cabin of the current Audi Q3 and we expect the new Audi A3 to have a similar layout and design.

The current A3 is offered in 5-door hatchback and sedan body styles and we expect thatwill be the case for its successor. Rumours are rife that there will be a 5-door liftback coupe (think A5 Sportback) that will go up against the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan. There's no word on the S3 and RS3 models yet, but you can be sure that they will follow on about a year from the A3's launch.

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Further Reading:

Audi A3 (2016) Specs & Price

Audi A3 is 2014 World Car of The Year

Audi A3 2.0T Sportback Auto (2017) Review

Facelift Audi A3 (2016) First Drive

3 Reasons Why Audi A3 is #CarsAwards Finalist