2022 Audi A3 Sedan

German automakers made several attempts to bring their cheaper entry-level options to the US market, but the Audi A3 was the first to make it stick. Introduced as a hatchback-only model in 2006, the A3 shifted to a sedan body in 2015, along with a convertible model offered for a short time. The 2022 A3 arrives for its third generation in the USA, now offered only as a sub-compact four-door luxury sedan with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This formula clearly works for an American audience, as BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both copied it.

BMW now offers its 2 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes has two options in this segment, the conventional A-Class and coupe-like CLA. Audi positioned this new A3 right in the heart of the class, offering more power than the A 220, but less than the CLA 250 or 228i, with 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, now augmented with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Though it's not the most powerful in its competitive set, Audi hopes stellar fuel efficiency and strong value will keep people interested in its new A3. We had the opportunity to spend some time behind the wheel of the latest A3 in Premium Plus guise.

We know styling is very much subjective, but the new A3 Sedan looks trendy in all the right ways. Even the base 40 Premium looks like an Audi RS product. The lines are aggressive, and the proportions are epic. It was also a good move to incorporate a little bit of Audi's e-tron design into what is supposed to be a humdrum sedan. The new A3 is one of those cars you'll take one final look at before you enter the house. Good on Audi for making the sedan cool again.

A set of 17-inch alloys is standard across the range, but you need the $800 18-inch wheel package for the full effect. All Audi A3 models also get a moonroof and full LED exterior lights, including dynamic turn signals for the rear clusters. Oddly, Audi chose to conceal the tailpipes on the A3. A nice set of pipes used to be one of the defining features of an internal combustion car. Still, Audi seems to be preparing the world for the inevitable transition to electricity. If you want quad tailpipes, you'll need to opt for the S3, which we review separately.

The A3 Sedan has a 103.5-inch wheelbase, which is still a few inches short of the A4 and precisely the same as the old model. It's 71.5 inches in width without the side mirrors and 56.2 inches tall. The overall length is 176.9 inches. It's incrementally larger in every direction, which results in small but valuable gains in space. The trunk, for example, is slightly bigger, and the rear legroom appears to have gained a good inch. The lightest model weighs in at 3,329 pounds, while the quattro weighs in at 3,494 lbs.

Nine colors are available for the A3, excluding the Audi exclusive special paint option, which costs a hefty $3,900. Brilliant Black and Ibis White are the only no-cost options, and, unfortunately, neither color does the design any favors. The metallic options retail for $595 and include Atoll Blue, Florett Silver, Glacier White, Manhattan Gray, Mythos Black, Navarra Blue, and Tango Red. We'd go for either Atoll Blue or Tango Red paired with the optional 18-inch wheels with black inserts. It's a costly option on what is supposed to be the most affordable Audi, but style-wise it's worth the investment.

The most powerful engine available in the previous A3 sedan is the same engine used in this one. In the last car, it produced 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The new model only has 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Why the drop? Well, the focus seems to have shifted from performance to fuel efficiency, and it shows.

On the FWD model, Audi claims a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The additional grip afforded by the quattro system takes the 0-60 mph sprint time down to 6.3 seconds, while the top speed remains the same. While it uses the same basic engine as the previous model, the new powertrain has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Not only does it allow the car to coast in various driving conditions, but it is also permanently on torque-fill duty at low engine speeds. While it may not have the same figures, the new A3 feels as fast as the previous model. By going this route, Audi has also made a more apparent distinction between the A3 and the S3.

The A3 is equipped with front-wheel drive as standard, but Audi's quattro all-wheel drive is available for an additional $2,000. Audi's quattro system has traditionally been a strong selling point for the brand, giving it the upper hand against cars like the Mercedes A-Class sedan and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. But rivals now offer AWD, too, and all these systems are the same part-time ones geared towards efficiency. But even without AWD, the front is perfectly set up to handle both the steering and transferring the power to the road. We suspect Audi had a glance at the Golf GTI engineering team's homework.

As mentioned earlier, the A3's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four is down on power compared to the old model, but it delivers power in a new way. Audi claims the engine produces 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, supplemented by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The MHEV system contributes 12 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque, helping the A3 feel less sluggish off the line. A turbocharged engine traditionally suffers from turbo lag, but the mild-hybrid system aims to remove that sucky lag feeling via torque filling. In basic terms, the electricity does the heavy lifting while the turbocharger spools up.

The powertrain is mated to Audi's brilliant seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which remains one of our favorites. Most buyers may not realize they are driving a unique type of transmission because the DCT shifts smoothly and without disturbance during normal operation. In sportier driving, the twin clutches swap gears faster than most conventional transmissions.

Audi flew us to Denver Colorado to evaluate the new A3, and during our drive up a mountain pass, the sky decided to drop down a strange white powder on the roads. This snow flurry gave us the perfect opportunity to see how the A3's optional quattro all-wheel-drive system stands up during winter driving. If you were worried about driving a small sedan like the A3 through a blizzard, fear not. Quattro offers plenty of grip, and the A3 feels more stable and comfortable than many larger cars. In fact, the A3's ride is softer and more forgiving than any of the competition from BMW or Mercedes. If you want the most comfortable car in the class, this is it.

We love the new mild-hybrid system, which adds to Audi's already commendable smoothness. If we had one small complaint, this new A3 feels less exciting than the outgoing model. Whereas the old model's 228-hp 2.0T engine posted a pocket rocket 5.8-second 0-60 time, the new one's 6.3- to 6.6-second times are more pedestrian. The steering is the typical overlight Audi affair, though it weights up a bit in Dynamic mode. This is the type of car we'd enjoy commuting in, but it's not a thrilling experience. If you want more flair from a tiny Audi, step up to the S3.

Strangely, the inclusion of a mild-hybrid system hasn't had a massive impact on fuel efficiency. According to the EPA, the previous-generation A3 could achieve gas mileage figures of 27/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined. The new FWD model with electric assistance is capable of 29/38/32 mpg, while the quattro model can do 28/36/31 mpg.

It just goes to show what a brilliant piece of engineering the VAG group's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is. Even in something as brisk as a Golf GTI where the same engine is tuned to deliver more power, the engine only consumes 25/34/28 mpg. The EPA estimates that in the new A3 you'll save $1,250 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle. The old A3 only came with an estimated saving of $750.

The new A3 has a 13.2-gallon fuel tank in FWD configurations, which gives it a range of around 422 miles. Quattro derivatives have a larger 14.5-gallon tank, which allows for around 449 miles between fill-ups.

Audi is a master when it comes to interiors. The previous-generation A3's interior was arguably the first to make the whole minimalist vibe work properly. We loved the large air vents located where you'd typically find a smattering of buttons and the simplistic layout of the climate control switches. This latest A3 copies its larger siblings inside but does so at a lower price. A 10.1-inch touchscreen controls most important functions, but the climate control is mercifully separate, and the shortcut buttons for the various features are neatly stacked in a row next to the touchscreen interface. Because it's an Audi, the quality is exceptional. Audi has always been good at making even its base model feel a lot more expensive than it is. There's little discernible difference in tactile quality if you hop out of an A3 and into an A7, unless you start poking around the lower door cards. This inherent quality goes a long way toward justifying Audi's asking price.

The 2022 Audi A3 is a four-door vehicle, with seating for two up front, and maybe three in the back. We say 'maybe' because fitting five people in the A3 can be a struggle. Head and legroom in the front is fine at 36.8 and 41.2 inches, but the rear seat is less spacious. If you have tall occupants up front, you'll struggle to get any adults behind them. 35.2 inches of rear legroom feels pretty tight, but the headroom is acceptable at 36.6 inches. It's a tight squeeze, but it's worth noting the Audi has more room than its competitors.

There are three trim levels to choose from: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. It doesn't matter what trim you go for, it will have a quality leather interior. The available colors on all trim levels are Black/Rock Gray, Parchment Beige-Steel Gray, and Santos Brown-Steel Gray. All seat colors are combined with black dashboard trim and black carpets. The headliner is Steel Gray.

There are only three options, but most colors blend beautifully. And we love the fact that Audi doesn't charge you extra for upholstery that should be standard on a luxury car. Premium and Premium Plus models incorporate a 10.25-inch driver information display in such a way that the tech feels like it's part of the finish, with the Prestige trim offering the full 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit as standard. Either way, this adds a high-quality, high-tech feel to an already impressive cabin.

The A3 Sedan has a 10.9 cubic foot trunk, which doesn't sound like much but is generally sufficient in this application. Thankfully, the trunk is a massive square, and the loading height is just 15.4 inches. While the A3 is spacious enough for a young couple with two small kids, the rear seats may need to be folded down if you're going on a shopping spree.

Interior storage is ample. There's an excellent storage space for phones underneath the touchscreen, two cupholders, and center armrest storage for front passengers. Rear passengers get two cupholders housed in the middle seat seatback. That's fine by us since the A3 is only suitable for four people.

The standard features list also goes a long way toward justifying the price of the Audi A3 over a more humdrum sedan like the Chevrolet Malibu. Even the base Premium trim comes with eight-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support and front seat heating. It also has tri-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and leather seats. The standard driver assistance features include Audi pre-sense basic, which prepares the car if an accident is imminent. It also has pre sense front, providing an audible warning if the driver is close to danger. Lane departure warning is standard, as is cruise control and high-beam assist.

The Premium Plus trim adds adaptive cruise control, a memory function for the driver's seat, wireless charging, active lane assist, park assist, and Audi Advanced Key. The latter is a more advanced version of keyless entry, which lets you choose whether it unlocks all the doors or just the driver's door. Top-spec Prestige models come with traffic sign recognition, Audi's virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch display, navigation, and a head-up display.

A 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard on all trims, and it's a good one. Audi's latest MMI is intuitive, responsive, and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. A 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, but you can step up to a larger 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit by means of the optional Technology Package from the mid-tier model, which comes standard on the top-end model. It features three design layouts, a full-color map with Google Earth imagery, and other useful features. Navigation is an optional extra, bundled with the 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system which can be specced from the Premium Plus, and is standard on the Prestige.

The A3 is all-new with no recalls against it so far. Since it's heavily based on the old model, it's unlikely anything serious will sneak through. The 2021 previous-generation, non-mild-hybrid model was also recall-free. Audi owners seem to be pleased with the previous model, with reviews from J.D. Power resulting in an overall rating of 82 out of 100. It scored particularly well in the quality and reliability segment, with 86 out of 100.

The A3 is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a four-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. As a bonus, it also comes with a one-year/10,000-mile maintenance plan.

Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has had the opportunity to thoroughly review the 2022 Audi A3 Sedan. It's still early days, but there's a good chance these institutions will eventually smash a new A3 into various things to give us safety ratings. For now, we have to rely on the previous model's ratings, which received the full five stars from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave the 2019 model a Top Safety Pick award. There's no doubt Audi will want to match or improve on these ratings.

Audi includes the essential safety features required by law, like traction and stability control, ABS, a rearview camera, and ten airbags. Standard driver assistance features on the base Premium include pre sense basic, pre sense front, lane departure warning is standard, and high-beam assist. Premium Plus trimS gain adaptive cruise control, which also includes lane centering and steering intervention. Premium Plus and Prestige models also come with park assist and auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors. The Prestige comes with a head-up display, too.

The 2022 Audi A3 represents the cheapest entry point to a new car with four silver rings on the front. As an entry-level option, it succeeds. We think the A3 is prettier than BMW's entry-level 2 Series Gran Coupe while offering a similar premium feel inside. Compared to the Mercedes entrants, particularly the CLA, the A3 feels less exciting to drive. On the plus side, the A3's cabin feels softer than either Mercedes, and the suspension isn't as firm. Of the four cars in this segment, the A3 would be the one we'd want to commute in.

Size will play a factor for some buyers, and the small back seat and trunk may not suit their family needs. If this is the case, we'd recommend stepping up to the larger A4. If 201 hp doesn't seem like enough, the sportier (but costlier) Mercedes CLA could be more ideal if you can sacrifice rear headroom, or you can spend up for the Audi S3. Enthusiasts may miss the outgoing A3 and its peppy 2.0-liter turbo engine, but we think the average buyer will have plenty to love with the new drivetrain, especially the butter-smooth mild-hybrid system. In the entry-level luxury segment, the Audi A3 is the most well-rounded option.

The cost of the Audi A3 starts at $33,900 for the Premium trim. The Premium Plus retails for $37,200 MSRP. A top-spec Prestige comes with a relatively high asking price of $41,200. Adding quattro pushes the price up by $2,000. These prices exclude the $1,045 destination charge.

There are three trim levels in the new Audi A3 sedan range: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Each of these is available in FWD or with the AWD quattro system, bringing the total to six models. For the 2022 model year, only one engine is available. It's a detuned version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the previous model, but it now comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist system. It produces 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

The Premium model comes with LED exterior lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. On the inside, it has leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support and seat heating. The infotainment package consists of a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen interface paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The standard safety fare also depends on the trim level. The Premium gets pre-sense basic, pre-sense front, lane departure warning is standard, and high-beam assist.

Premium Plus trims add a memory function for the driver's seat, wireless charging, keyless entry, park assist, side assist with rear cross-traffic alert, auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-dimming side mirrors, and adaptive cruise control.

At the top of the range, the Prestige trim gains Matrix-design LED lights on the outside. On the inside, it comes with the larger 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, navigation, a head-up display, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.

There isn't much you can do to an A3. The larger 18-inch alloy wheels cost $800, while the Black Optic Sport Package adds $850 to the price. It simply adds black exterior trim and drops the ride height by 0.6 inches. The Premium can be ordered with a Convenience Package for $1,900. It adds all of the convenience and safety items you get as standard in Premium Plus and above. These include Audi's advanced key, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, memory for the driver's seat, park assist, and a 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM.

Premium Plus models can be specified with a $2,250 Technology Package, which adds navigation, the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display, traffic sign recognition, and the 15-speaker B&O sound system. An interior style package will change up the interior trim for Agate gray fine birch wood inlays and LED interior lighting, at a cost of $550. Prestige models have only the Black Optic Sport Package available.

Audi offers the A3 in three affordable trim levels, though it's the top Prestige model that we'd buy if it were our money. The mid-level Premium Plus seems like a tempting way to save $4,000, but if you add only a few options to it, the Prestige seems like the better buy. At $41,200 to start, we'd advise spending $2,000 for quattro if you live where it snows often. We'd opt for one of the exciting colors like Tango Red, adding $595, and the 18-inch wheels for $800 to jazz up the exterior. As described, you will spend $43,640 on an A3 ($45,640 with quattro).

The only reason to buy the previous Audi A3 Sedan over the Mercedes was speed. With the introduction of the new model, almost everything tips in Audi's favor. Let's begin with the practical stuff that will likely matter the most to buyers. The Merc's turbocharged 2.0-liter produces less power (201/221 lb-ft trumps 188 hp/221 lb-ft), and it's less advanced. You can see this reflected in the EPA-estimated fuel consumption figures. At best, the Merc can do 25/35/28 mpg city/highway/combined, while the thirstiest A3 only consumes 28/36/31 mpg. The Audi's 10.9 cube trunk also beats the Benz's tiny 8.6 cube trunk. As for design, we'll let you decide.

On the inside, both cars follow the same trend. You get dual screens, with one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as the central infotainment hub. Audi does a much better job, however. The digital cluster is magnificent, and the flush integration of its main infotainment screen is so much better. As a result, the Merc's interior looks clunky in comparison, almost as if the screens were added as an afterthought. It might just be us, but we'd be annoyed every time we got in the car and noticed that the infotainment screen doesn't line up with the three beautifully crafted air vents.

For the price of a top-spec A3, you can get into an A4 Premium 45 TFSI quattro - the base price of the A4 is $39,900, with an additional $2,100 for quattro. If space is the main concern, the A4 is the default choice. If you still have a small family, an A3 should do just fine. There's 12 cubic feet in the A4's trunk, slightly more than the A3's 10.9 figure. We don't think the A4 is as striking as the A3, but it is a handsome car in its subtle way. It's a bit of a sleeper, as its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It has a smaller 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system as well. The result is a 0-60 mph sprint time of 5.2 seconds. This is primarily thanks to the slick seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard quattro AWD. The A4 is even relatively frugal with EPA-estimated figures of 28/36/31 mpg.

The base A4 models aren't as high-tech as the A3. Instead of the Virtual Cockpit, you get analog dials and a seven-inch display. The 10.1-inch infotainment system is the same, but it's not as nicely integrated into the interior. You need to decide what's important to you personally. We like the new looks and interior of the A3, but there's an excellent case to be made for buying an A4 instead.