More Than a Pretty Face: 2022 Audi A3
Audi is VW’s premium auto brand set to go up against the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. This A3 is their entry into the compact sports sedan segment set to go up against the Mercedes-Benz C 300 we recently tested here on the channel.
NEED TO KNOW
- Built on the VWAG A platform shared with the VW Jetta and Golf.
- 0-60 in 6.3 seconds with quattro AWD.
- 36 mpg highway EPA-estimated and confirmed during the writer’s testing.
- As-tested at $44,440 it represents strong value in the compact luxury segment.
- The writer found the size identical to their current daily driver but with more tech and driving excitement.
Currently in its 4th generation and using the VWAG “A” platform shared with the Volkswagen Jetta and Golf siblings, this particular A3 employs a hybrid-electric system utilizing a 2.0L four-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Audi claims a 6.3 second run from zero to 60 mph with the quattro® AWD model we tested.
The 48-volt hybrid system means this little engine, while more than powerful enough for the small sedan it carries, is efficient as well. The A3 boasts an impressive EPA-estimated 36 mpg on the highway, and our testing backed that up. Even with our spirited driving, we never saw below 30mpg on our “Long Term Memory” trip computer.
Being the same overall size as my current daily driver but loaded with more tech, luxurious features, and driving excitement made me fall for this little Audi.
2022 Audi A3 40 TFSI quattro Specs:
• 2.0L 4-cylinder Mild Hybrid Engine
• 201 Horsepower
• 221 lb-ft of Torque
• 7-Speed Automatic Transmission
• quattro All Wheel Drive
• 4 Drive Modes
• 18-inch 5-Y Spoke Wheels
• Pirelli P-Zero All Season Performance Tires
• Seating for 5
• Heated Front Leather Seats
• Dual-zone Climate Controls
• 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit
• 10.1-inch Color Touchscreen Infotainment with Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Proximity Key with Push Button Start
• Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D Sound
• Traffic sign recognition
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear Park Assist
• Full LED Headlights
• EPA Fuel Economy 28/36/31 (city/hwy/combined)
• Starting MSRP $35,900 (2022 Audi A3 40 TFSI quattro)
• Price as tested: $44,440
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2022 Audi A3 40 TFSI quattro
PROS
- Impressive real-world fuel economy; never dropped below 30 mpg during testing despite spirited driving
- Loaded with luxury tech relative to its compact size including a 12.3-inch digital cockpit and Bang & Olufsen 3D sound
- quattro AWD with 48V mild hybrid system combines efficiency with genuine performance
- Writer says it 'made me fall for this little Audi'
CONS
- As entry-level Audi it competes against well-established compact luxury rivals including the Mercedes C-Class
- Post is brief and the writer raised essentially no meaningful negatives during testing