Powering the Audi A3 is a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower power is sent to the front or to all-four wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. An even higher performance version of the same engine powers the all-wheel drive Audi S3, where it makes 306 horsepower--enough to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The RS 3 is at the top of the lineup and is powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine that produces 401 horsepower and 368 lbs-foot of torque.
The Premium trim includes leather seating with heated front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, LED plus automatic headlights, 17-inch wheels, power adjustable side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-way power adjustable driver's seat, rearview camera, heated mirrors and washer nozzles, twin USB power/data ports, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a 10-speaker sound system.
The S3 also adds parking sensors, sport bucket front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a more aggressive suspension, and a special front grille as standard equipment.
The RS 3 is more sport oriented featuring a sportier suspension, power bucket seats, sport pedals, leather steering wheel and 19-inch wheels.
The Premium Plus and Prestige also return for 2022 the Premium Plus adds Adaptive Cruise Assist, Audi Active Lane Assist, wireless device charging, a garage door opener and LED headlights with DRL Signature. The Prestige takes that even further with additional styling updates, animation for the headlights and taillights, a head-up display, Matrix LED headlights, a headlamp washer system and a technology package.
Safety features on all the models include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. Airbags include advanced driver and passenger front airbags, knee airbags, thorax side airbags as well as side curtain airbags. An anti-theft alarm system comes standard, while Active Lane Assist, Audi Pre-Sense automatic braking and adaptive cruise control are all optional.
Compact Size
Upscale Feel
Clean Styling
Available All-wheel Drive
High-performance S3
After a brief hiatus in 2021 the Audi A3 and the sportier S3 both get a redesign for 2022 with upgrades to the engine, the interior, and the infotainment system.
The Audi A3 competes against other compact premium cars such as the BMW 2-Series, the Mercedes CLA and, to some would say, the MINI Cooper. In past decades, owning a small car meant dealing with little more than bare bones transportation. These days, though, owners of small cars need not be deprived of anything and the A3 looks to continue that trend by offering a vehicle with a small footprint but with luxury-car performance and amenities.
