What once was Audi’s entry-level hatchback is now the brand’s burgeoning small car
smorgasbord.
From sedan to sportback and diesel to hybrid, the A3 family is about to become an Audi juggernaut.
It’s potentially a slippery slope but the German luxury brands have all recently dipped
their toes into the realm of the less than very rich.
For about $30,000 you can buy a new Audi, BMW or Mercedes, not exactly chump change
but considering a decent Ford Taurus costs about the same the shopper walking into the
Audi showroom may now be wearing New Balance instead of Prada.
The all-new 2015 A3 Sedan has a base MSRP of $30,795 including shipping.
The all turbocharged 4-cylinder lineup includes 3 engines; 2 gas and 1 diesel and my tester
has the priciest and highest performing – the 2.0 TFSI which comes standard with quattro.
Trim choices go from Premium to Premium Plus and then to Prestige.
And guess what?
Mine is a base A3 Premium so for all of you who’ve been asking for lower-level testers,
this one is for you.
Though the 4-door bodystyle is currently the only one available, the return of the small
wagon layout is near with Audi calling it a Sportback, and a new Cabriolet joins the
fray.
Though classified as a subcompact, the A3 sedan offers the same front and rear legroom
as its big brother the A4 despite a wheelbase that’s 7” shorter.
Luggage volume is only 2 cubic feet less.
Both cars use the same 2.0-liter turbo, making 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque,
though here’s it’s mounted transversely and matched to a 6-speed S tronic dual-clutch
transmission…
but it also sounds less refined than I recall in other applications.
And because it’s burdened by 300 fewer pounds, it exudes even stronger acceleration, capable
of hitting 60mph in a did-that-just-happen 5.8-seconds.
Mileage is better too; achieving 24mpg city/33mpg highway on premium.
From a performance standpoint, this A3 2.0T shows a lot of gumption from its spirited
turbo and dual clutch transmission.
It’s definitely quicker than you’d think and it’s steering and handling underpin
its fun to drive nature.
But for over $37,000 there’s not enough here to keep me happy.
My car does come with a handful of options, the most prominent of which is this pop-up
MMI Navigation system – having trickled down from the costlier Audis, featuring the
somewhat gimmicky ‘touch’ feature yet lacking the richness of Audi Connect – meaning
no Google maps or WiFi hot spot here.
Additionally my car adds the Cold Weather Package with heated front seats, the Aluminum
Style Package and the extra charge metallic paint for a grand total of $37,195.
Everyone who stepped inside the A3 this week had the same initial reaction and it wasn’t
a positive one; they said “Where’s all the stuff?
Isn’t this an Audi?”
Though not unpleasant to the touch or the eye, it just feels barren – still requiring
the key fob for entering and start-up, no paddle shifters, no auto climate control,
and no driver assistance features to speak of, such as a backup cam or side blind zone
alert.
In its defense, leather seats, a large sunroof and bi-xenon headlights are standard across
the board.
In many ways, it feels like you’re behind the wheel of a VW and it often reminded me
of driving my wife’s old Jetta turbo – and I mean that as a compliment.
Its ride quality is European firm yet more agreeable than most, forward visibility is
outstanding and the seats are welcoming – all contributing to the high degree of fun which
comes from its quick acting chassis, small footprint and powerful motor.
But this is indeed an Audi, and for the price it commands I wish the interlocking rings
better camouflaged its Volkswagen personality.