Audi's small car getting a fresher look

It may have only just arrived here last year, but already the Audi A3 has been spied in updated guise.

Audi has yet to confirm a launch date for the facelifted A3, however given the vehicle in the photos looks production-ready it’s likely Europe will see the facelift before the end of the year.

The current-generation model debuted in Europe in 2020, with the local launch following 18 months later due to COVID-19 delays.

It’s possible Australia won’t have to wait as long for the facelifted model, though the Volkswagen Group has continued to grapple with supply issues.

In the spy photographs, we can see new headlights, as well as an updated front and rear bumper design.

The new grille has a higher-mounted Audi logo, like on the Q8 e-tron, and also appears wider but not as tall as the current model.

Down back, the rear bumper has some black tape which is hiding its new look.

There’s some foil disguise on the tail lights, which will keep the same shape but feature new graphics.

It’s unclear if there will be any powertrain changes, however the Audi A3 could get the Volkswagen Group’s new, more efficient 1.5 TSI evo2 petrol engine.

The new engine combines the PPF and three-way catalytic converter into one module and reduces the use of precious metals, as well as an enhanced Active Cylinder Management system which shuts off two cylinders under low engine load.

This new power unit will also form the basis of a new-generation plug-in hybrid system that’s due to proliferate amongst MQB Evo-based models in the near future.

Using the 1.5 TSI evo2 as a base, the PHEV system should offer up to 200kW in its most powerful form.

The new plug-in hybrid could also offer up to 100km of range.

It’s unclear if Audi Australia will offer a plug-in hybrid version of the A3 locally. It sold a PHEV version of the previous generation from 2015 to 2016, as well as a Q7 PHEV until 2018.

Subsequently, it hasn’t offered any PHEVs locally, though it will belatedly introduce a Q5 PHEV this year.

MORE: Everything Audi A3