Audi has taken the wraps off its fourth-generation A3 Sportback, with the new MQB-based challenger from Ingolstadt sharing much with the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf. The styling has been given a good going over though and, at the front is a new, wider, lower, 'Singleframe' grille, with new notched LED headlights on either side (oddly, considering that the distinctive notched headlights were recently excised from the A4). But, unlike the smaller A1, the new A3 doesn't get the 'Quattro Nostril'. Along the sides, the wheel arches are more prominently flared than before and around the back are new, very slim taillights that put one in mind of the Q3 crossover. Inside the A3, there's a fresh ten-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash as standard, while the instrument cluster is digital as standard and enlargeable to a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display as an option. A head-up display is also a cost upgrade, while connectivity will be impressive and Amazon's Alexa digital assistant can be built in upon request. Engines for the A3 from launch amount to three - a 1.5 TFSI turbo petrol with 150hp, and two 2.0-litre TDI diesels with either 116- or 150hp. No mention of the eTFSI mild-hybrid already available in the Golf, nor any of the plug-in hybrid options already being touted by Volkswagen, Skoda or SEAT for their similarly sized cars. The A3 will come with some advanced driver aids, though, and in terms of its physicality it's a little bigger than the old model, lengthening by 30mm to 4.34 metres overall - however, the wheelbase is unchanged, so cabin space is likely to be much of a muchness. The boot remains the same 380 litres that you'll find in the Golf. Pre-sales start in March, and the first new A3s should be delivered to customers in May.