True luxury
Audi debuts stylish, all- new 2015 A3 sedan
An all- new Audi A3 sedan debuts for the 2015 model year. The sedan replaces the previous generation’s hatchback design.
American buyers prefer a sedan over a hatchback, so Audi redesigned its A3. The result is a truly luxurious sedan, albeit size small.
But the new A3 is much more than a small car with leather seats and luxurious amenities. The new A3 sports styling similarities to its larger siblings, and it is quite worthy of the Audi badge.
Audi is proving that choosing small doesn’t mean you have to forego fine qualities associated with larger offerings.
I prefer the A3 as a sedan. I like its sleek and elegant styling. Curb appeal is very good, as A3 will likely draw you in for a closer look.
Up front, you will notice Audi’s signature grille flanked by automatic xenon headlamp assemblies and LED daytime running lights. Newly designed 17- inch five- spoke alloy wheels are standard, as are slender LED taillights and a beautiful panoramic sunroof with retractable sunshade.
Slip inside the new A3 sedan and you will be pleasantly greeted by an interior that is finely crafted and very luxurious. The overall theme, though, is sporty and simplistic.
The A3’ s leather seats are very supportive, but some might find the high thigh supports somewhat confining. I like the new three- spoke sport steering wheel.
The dash layout is a wraparound theme, and it features a nice gauge package, circular air vents that were inspired by jet engines and an ultra- thin retractable MMI display.
The level of craftsmanship is exceptional, and standard amenities include a 12- way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual- zone automatic climate control and a sound system that includes a SD card reader and auxiliary input.
Sitting up front, I had plenty of room for my 6- foot- 3- inch frame. But, as you might expect, there is not much room for rearseat passengers. Additionally, A3’ s trunk is very small. Aside from that, this new Audi is a real gem.
The 2015 Audi A3 is available in three trim levels: Premium ($ 29,900), Premium Plus ($ 32,450) and Prestige ($ 38,350).
The 2015 Audi A3 comes standard with a six- speed automated manual transmission and a choice between three turbocharged four- cylinder engines.
The 1.8 TFSI produces 170 horsepower and sends its power to the front wheels. The 2.0 TFSI produces 220 horsepower and comes standard with Audi’s quattro all- wheel drive system. Later in the model year, a 2.0 TDI ( diesel) powering the front wheels will be offered, and it will provide 31/ 43 mpg city/ highway.
My 2015 Audi A3 tester featured the 2.0 TFSI engine and quattro all- wheel drive. I noted a very slight bit of turbo lag when taking off froma stop, but otherwise the engine was very strong and surprisingly fuel- efficient.
When compared with other small luxury sedans, the A3 feels more refined. The overall ride is very pleasing and wellmannered. The new A3 is fun to drive and will surprise those who take a closer look.