The Audi A4 Allroad Is Getting A Baby Brother

The third-generationAudi A3 Sedanarrived for the 2022 model year, spawning ahigh-performance RS3 variantthat debuted back in July with 400 horsepower on tap. In Europe, the A3 is also available as a compact Sportback, and now Audi has been caught testing a new member of the A3 family.

For the first time, Audi is giving the A3 the rugged Allroad treatment. We got our first look at the newhigh-riding A3 last month, and now our spy photographers have caught Audi assessing the new Allroad in Sweden during cold-weather testing before it enters production. Think of it as the A4 Allroad's baby brother that slots between the regular A3 and the Q3 crossover.

Like the last prototype, the A3 Allroad prototype is wrapped in camouflage leaving the hood, sides, roof, and upper rear exposed. Models like the米ercedes E-Class All-Terrainand Volvo V60 Cross Country are becoming increasingly popular, providing rugged styling and a higher ride height for those who don't want to buy an SUV. However, the A3 Allroad will be much smaller than other models in this segment. With the Volvo V40 and its Cross Country sibling now defunct globally, and no similar product from premium rivals, Audi will have the segment to itself, although the Subaru Crosstrek follows a similar ethos, albeit without the luxury pretense.

In terms of styling, the A3 Allroad shares cues with the sedan but has a raised ride height and increased ground clearance, making it more capable off-road. Other noticeable styling changes include a redesigned grille and bumpers, revised side sills, and standard roof rails.