Is Audi about to revive an iconic hatchback? New small electric car spotted testing
October 15, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
Audi is working on a new electric car which will be the smallest offered in its range, and it appears to take design inspiration from the old A2. Here’s news editor Jamie Edkins to tell you everything we know so far.
- New Audi A3 e-tron spotted
- Electric hatchback inspired by the old A2
- Shares parts with the Volkswagen ID3
- Could have around 350 miles of range
- Full reveal expected next year
This is Audi’s next electric car, and it’s likely to be called the A3 e-tron. This electric hatchback will share parts with the Volkswagen ID3 and Cupra Born, and it’ll be similar in size to those cars as well.
These camouflaged spyshots are your first look at the design, and straight away it reminds me of the old Audi A2 – a quirky hatchback from the early 2000s with a design which really stood out at the time.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
In this article…
- New Audi A3 e-tron design: the A2 reborn?
- New Audi A3 e-tron motors and batteries
- When can I buy the new Audi A3 e-tron?
New Audi A3 e-tron design: the A2 reborn?
I remember seeing an Audi A2 for the first time as a kid and being in awe of its oddball design. Well this new A3 e-tron takes a few design cues from that old model, starting with the stubby bonnet.
A shorter front end is getting more common with electric cars because there’s no engine under the bonnet. This also allows for the dashboard to be pushed forward, creating more interior space.
That camouflage may be an attempt to hide the fact this is an Audi, but the massive silver grille and slim LED headlights are a dead giveaway. You can see the relationship between this and the Volkswagen ID3 from the side as they both have a similar, bubble-like shape. That said, the Audi does have more of a sloping roofline.
Moving to the rear, the new Audi A3 e-tron has a spoiler splitting the rear window – just like the old Audi A2. The full-width light bar is also similar to the larger Audi Q4 e-tron.
New Audi A3 e-tron motors and batteries
Audi hasn’t revealed exactly what’s powering the new A3 e-tron yet, but it’ll share parts under the skin with the Volkswagen ID3 and Cupra Born. This means you can expect a choice of rear-wheel drive setups.
With Audi being a premium brand, the A3 e-tron could shun the ID3’s entry-level 170hp motor, instead kicking off the range with a 204hp motor driving the rear wheels. There could also be a spicy S3 e-tron based on the ID3 GTX and Born VZ, which may have the 326hp motor for added oomph.
As for range, a 79kWh battery is likely which could do around 350 miles on a charge. That would be in line with the VW and the Cupra.
When can I buy the new Audi A3 e-tron?
The new Audi A3 e-tron is in the early stages of development, so a full reveal isn’t expected until the end of 2026.
It’s also a bit early to put a price on this car yet, but it’ll probably be more expensive than the Volkswagen ID3. Around £40,000 seems likely.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.