New Volvo V40 Five-Door Hatchback

The design of Volvo's new model is a mix of styling elements seen on the S60 series, especially up front and at the rear end, with a profile that looks like a lower interpretation of the Swedish automaker's crossover models such as the XC60 and XC90.

Previously leaked information mentions that the V40 will measure 4,500 mm or about 177-inches in length, making it only 20 mm or 0.77-inches shorter than the V50 station wagon, which it will most likely replace when it arrives in the market later this year.

The possibility of Volvo developing additional body styles of the V40 including a three-door model to replace the C30 and a four-door sedan as a successor to the S40, remains open.

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2013 Audi A3 Three-Door Hatch

On the outside, despite having a slightly more aggressive front boasting Audi's new family face with the six-point grille and "angrier" headlamps, the new A3 could easily be mistaken for a facelifted version of the current model.

We expect the A3 to get a fresh line of engines that should include the VW Group's new 1.4-liter TSI with cylinder deactivation technology straight from launch.

As for the interior, the A3 sports a very clean and stylish layout with minimal use of buttons.

Though we remain short on official details, at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Audi told us that among the many features introduced in the new A3 is an electromechanical parking brake and the next generation of Audi's MMI infotainment system, with the controls for both systems located on the center tunnel console.

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