Currently reading: Audi A3 liftback to replace three-door hatchback in next generation
Three-door hatchback version of the A3 to be dropped when 2019 model arrives; five-door liftback variant is under consideration for 2021

The Audi A3 line-up looks to be getting a revamp when the fourth-generation model arrives in 2019.

Reacting to dwindling demand for the three-door hatchback version of the Audi A3, Audi officials have indicated to Autocar that this will likely be dropped as part of a model consolidation programme instigated as part of the cost-cutting initiatives in the wake of the Volkswagen Group’s Dieselgate emissions cheating scandal

This will leave the successor to today’s five-door A3 Sportback as the only traditional hatchback model in the new line-up, according to Audi sources.

Joining the five-door hatchback version of the A3 from 2020 will be a new version of the of the popular four-door Audi A3 Saloon, which will grow slightly in order to provide it with improved rear leg room and boot space.

Although not yet confirmed for production, Audi has also initiated development of a third A3 variant for sale from 2021 in the form of a five-door liftback, which could take over the A3 Sportback name.

With Mercedes-Benz having already announced it will introduce a new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon as well as successor models to today’s Mercedes-Benz CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, and with word that BMW is set to take its currently China-only 1 Series Saloon into global markets in 2020, senior Audi officials are said to be pushing hard for the liftback model, which has been conceived as a more sporting alternative to the A3 Saloon in the same way as today's Audi A5 Sportback is positioned against the A4.

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BenS1 9 August 2018

I've got no idea what this

I've got no idea what this article is talking about. What is a "liftback" and how does it differ for the "sportback"?

 

catnip 8 August 2017

Car manufacturers say they're

Car manufacturers say they're offering so many more options to consumers nowadays, but they're taking away some of the more basic choices. Some of us want, or need, smaller 3 door vehicles, but apparently there's little demand (really?). It seems its worthwhile to fill every other niche, meaning its fine if I want a convertible 4WD model but not if I want a plain and simple 3 door hatchback.

emma16 8 August 2017

Liftback

In the last paragraph, the A-Class saloon and the CLA are mentioned.

So, I guess, Audi wants to drop the 3-door and replace it with a "coupish" 5-door to compete with the CLA.

The A3 line-up would be then something like this: 5-door hatchback (A-Class hatchback), 4-door saloon (A-Class saloon), 5-door liftback (CLA).

Also similar to Hyundai, when they killed the 3-door and introduced the 5-door fastback.