Twenty years ago we were limited to the usual sedans and convertibles from German automakers like Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Fast-forward to today and they have introduced a bewildering permutation of body styles that we can now pick from. The latest news from Autocar claims Audi is planning a five-door liftback model for its next-generation A3 range, which is due in 2020.

The rumored plans to introduce a four-door TT meanwhile have been dropped and while some have suggested that this new model may be a replacement for the slow-selling two-seater sports car, this is not going to be the case.

Instead, it will form part of the next generation A3 range and take on the upcoming BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLA. This variant may be called the 3 Sportback to link it with the larger A5 Sportback, although this may cause a bit of head-scratching. Remember, this name is already used for the five-door A3 hatchback sold in Europe.

Either way, the added practicality of the new liftback five-door model will quite likely endear it to those looking for something compact and sporty but not wanting to go the predictable crossover route.

As you might expect, the roadmap for the next A3 has already been laid out, and aside from the base 1.4-liter gasoline and 2.0-liter diesel derivatives (models we are unlikely to get in the US) there will also be a 2.0-liter turbocharged S3 liftback which should offer around 300 horsepower.

The characterful 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo motor will also be fitted to RS3 models, including the liftback, and will make at least 400 hp. Of course, the hatchback, convertible, and sedan will also be on offer (only the latter will likely be sold here) and a 48V electric system will be fitted to certain derivatives to provide some mild hybrid capabilities. There will also be an updated e-tron model with the company's latest plug-in hybrid tech as well as an all-electric version a few years down the line.