First offered as a hatchback, the Audi A3 switched its emphasis to the sedan body style with the 2015 redesign. And the all-new 2022 version is being sold in the U.S. only in sedan form. For 2022, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the standard (and only) powerplant, now with mild-hybrid technology for added efficiency. The interior has a completely new look highlighted by the Audi Digital Cockpit, which puts maps and other information right in the driver’s face. The infotainment screen is larger, too. Front seats are exceptionally comfortable yet supportive for spirited driving, and three adults fit comfortably in the rear. In all, the A3 has a near-perfect interior.
The Audi A3 is a couple of inches longer than its most direct competitor, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Other sedans that deliver similar vibes include the Alfa Romeo Guilia and Cadillac CT4.
The Audi A3 is all-new for the 2022 model year. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on the compact sedan. The drivetrain features a mild-hybrid system.
Trims and Pricing
The 2022 Audi A3 sedan is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. All models come standard with front-wheel drive. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive can be added to any trim for $2,000. It requires the purchase of optional 18-inch alloy wheels. The Premium is the most popular model, but we recommend the Premium Plus. We’ll explain why.
Premium
Starting at $34,945 (including a $1,045 destination fee), the A3 Premium is well equipped for an entry-level luxury car. It gets 17-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way power-adjustable lumbar support, and a panoramic sunroof. Lane-departure warning is among the standard safety technologies.
Premium Plus
The Premium Plus ($38,245) builds on the Premium trim. It adds adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, wireless device charging, and keyless entry. The driver’s seat is equipped with a memory function. This trim is our pick as having the highest value because of its mix of useful standard features such as adaptive cruise control. The optional Interior Style package features birchwood trim and LED interior lighting. The Technology package adds MMI Navigation Plus, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, traffic sign recognition, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Prestige
The Prestige ($42,245) is the fully equipped model. It includes a variety of appearance upgrades, most notably the matrix-design LED headlights. It is also filled with important functional upgrades, such as the Audi Digital Cockpit Plus with its 12.3-inch screen, a head-up display, and Audi’s MMI navigation plus with real-time traffic. A Bang & Olufsen sound system is included. An optional Black Optic Sport package includes black exterior trim and an altered suspension that lowers ride height by 0.6 inches.
