The 2021 Audi A3 and Sportback bodies are shown.

On Tuesday, Audi unveiled the next generation A3 compact car, soon to be followed by the A3 sedan, each of which will also be available in a high-performance RS 3 version. However, we won't be seeing the A3 Cabriolet this time around.

Market timing is unknown, but at least the new A3 sedan is expected to arrive at dealers later this year as a 2021 model.

The new A3 is more of a major refresh than a true redesign. The car shares the MQB modular platform with the current A3, but uses new systems for all-wheel drive, suspension damping and speed-sensitive steering.

For all-wheel drive, which is standard on some models but can be selected for others, the system can adjust torque distribution based on information from suspension sensors, road conditions and driving style. Under normal conditions, most torque is directed to the front wheels for maximum efficiency, but 100% of the torque can be directed to the rear wheels if needed. Torque at each wheel can also be controlled by a braking system linked to the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control, which has three levels of control (ESC on, Sport and ESC off). When cornering heavily, the torque distribution system slightly brakes both wheels on the inside of the turn to help improve cornering response.

Audi has also developed a new speed-sensitive steering system for the A3. The electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering has a special geometry and tooth profile treatment that allows the gear ratio to vary with steering angle to improve the feel of the system. When the steering wheel is centered, such as at high speeds on the freeway, the gear ratio is 14.3:1, and at low speeds, such as in parking lots, the gear ratio is increased to improve handling. In addition, the power of the amplifier is smoothly reduced as speed increases, providing a more confident and weighty feel when driving on the highway.

Audi also controls the suspension damping of the new A3 in three stages (Comfort, Auto and Dynamic). These rely on information from sensors that measure the vertical acceleration of the car body and the relative movement of each wheel relative to it. Audi claims this system will be standard on most models in the new A3 family.

Depending on the market, the new A3 will be offered with a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine or a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine. Transmissions will include a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Specifications for the U.S. market will be announced closer to the start of sales.

It is known that dynamics enthusiasts can once again count on the S3 and RS 3 models, with the S3 getting a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and the RS 3 getting a 2.5-liter inline-5 engine.

The interior of the new A3 is a very high-tech place. It features elements borrowed from larger Audi models, such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that recognizes hand-entered text and responds to instructions in natural spoken language. A digital instrument cluster and color head-up display are also offered.