INGOLSTADT, Germany — A face-lift for the 2009 Audi A3 Sportback appears to be in the works, as evidenced by this prototype spy photographers caught testing at Audi's Tech Center in Germany. The styling refresh brings the future A3 closer to the new Audi A4, and adopting some key design features that are defining the new face of Audi.

Although the overall shape of the headlights appears unchanged, the lower portion of the lenses are obscured by tape, likely hiding a version of Audi's latest design innovation, the daytime LED strips found on the new A4 and Audi R8.

Headlight updates are joined by a new front bumper and new outer intakes that wrap further around the sides of the nose toward the front wheels. The Audi corporate grille appears largely unchanged, but the low central intake strip has been reshaped to closely resemble the A4. New side mirrors incorporate LED turn indicators.

Changes to the A3's rear end include a new rear bumper with a blacked-out portion at the bottom to provide a sportier stance.

What this means to you: No dramatic changes, but styling updates that solidify the A3's place in the Audi family. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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