The European sedan’s design should remain largely unchanged.
According to an online announcement, the 2022 Audi A3 will soon be available in the US as a sedan. The Americanized A3 is likely to be very similar to the 2021 car that we have seen in Euro-spec form. It will offer more power and torque than the previous model, and both front-wheel drive as well as Quattro models.
Audi promises a larger interior due to the exterior’s increased length and width. Modernized styling covers the A3 sedan that is getting larger, with a sporty design that recalls older Audis such as the Q8 or Avant.
The 2022 A3 will be equipped with the 40-TFSI powertrain, with or without Quattro. Although the automaker did not explicitly confirm the engine details, it is safe to assume that they are similar to the Audi A440 TFSI. This means that the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 will produce 188 horsepower (140 kilowatts) and 236 pound feet (320 newton meters). Although it doesn’t sound too much, the twist should be something most drivers love. It will also be slightly higher than the 2020 Audi A3’s 184 horsepower (137 kW), and 221 lbft (300 Nm).
If these numbers are correct, they will split the difference between the Mercedes-Benz A220 The, which generates 188 horsepower (140 kW), and 221 lbft (300 Nm), as well as the BMW 228i Gran Coupe The A3 produces 228 horsepower (170 kW) as well as 258 lbft (350 Nm). The A3’s torque should run at the same low 1,450 RPM as the A4 40TFSI. This combination, along with Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, will make it a strong performer in daily driving tasks.
The new compact sedan measures 1.6 inches (4 cm) longer than the previous generation A3 and 1.2 inches (3cm) wider than the . Although the height remains the same, the European press release calls for more headroom front and back. This is due to the slightly lower seat position. However, it will allow for better communication between the driver (and the road) but not as much as a commanding view.
The slightly larger body is made from 30% hot-formed steel. This improves both rigidity as well as weight reduction. The new aluminum hood is the same. The sedan’s European counterpart has a slippery 0.25 coefficient for drag. We see no reason to believe that this might change in the US.
The A3 is more modern and attractive than the dated, stylish vehicle it replaced. The A3’s single-frame grille is wider than the standard version. It also integrates with modern Audi products. Models with the “Advanced Line” styling can have a standard hexagonal texture. Although a little fussy, the matrix-design, kinked headlights of the photo model look very nice.
The A3’s side view is almost perfect. The A3’s side view shows a strong shoulder line that runs between the headlights and the taillights. There is a large concavity at the door’s surface above the rocker panel. This structure is a nod to the Audi Sport Quattro.
Although the rear is more attractive than the A3 sedan, it still looks very similar to the current model. The obvious changes are highlighted by a few more creases and a revised lower bumper, which is a good thing considering the beautiful styling of the previous model.
Inside, Audi took quite a few more risks. The massive HVAC outlets that are located at the top of the digital instrument panel, which is oriented towards the driver, tower over the infotainment screen. A chiseled dashboard is presented to the passenger, with large HVAC outlets and a matching styling element linking them together. The elevated console and beveled center stack look like Audi is drawing inspiration from its Lamborghini corporate sibling. We love the bold styling, which we think looks great.
We reported in our first look at the Euro-market sedan A3 that both the exterior and interior feature some new technology. Audi’s Matrix LED headlights are an option. They offer exceptional illumination and distinctive daytime running lights signatures for each trim. Standard LED taillights offer a welcome/goodbye animation for locking and unlocking your car.
The 2022 A3 is equipped with a standard 10.1 inch MMI touchscreen. Remember when an interior screen of 8 inches seemed huge? It runs Audi’s new MIB3 infotainment software with handwriting recognition. Standard features include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an optional 12.3 inch Audi Virtual Cockpit. A3 offers enhanced driver assistance technology such as Adaptive Cruise Assist and lane centering. Combining the former with the latter will allow for automatic speed adjustments on roads with lower limits.
Audi isn’t yet ready to disclose pricing, but they did confirm that the A3 sedan would be available in dealers by the end of 2021. We have a lot of time before we can make any pricing decisions.
The A3 sedan is currently priced at $33,300. For a 45 TFSI Quattro, the price will go up to $39,500. Audi has already confirmed that the 40 TFSI engine will be available in both the front-drive and Quattro versions of the 2022 A3. We expect the price range to remain between the loaded and base examples. Expect to see stripped A3s starting at $34,000 and all-wheel-drive Premium Plus models reaching $39,000.