One of Audi's most important vehicles is all-new for 2022 and arriving in dealerships now. It's the all-new 2022 Audi A3 compact sedan - an entry level vehicle that Audi says "all but invented its class", when it first went on sale in the U.S. in 2005 as a 2006 model.
It's last major redesign was back in 2015 so it was definitely time for a substantial update. The big news with the entry-level model is not just its new design and available new technology, but also a boost in fuel efficiency for the A3 40 TFSI quattro model which is 24% more fuel efficient than the outgoing model.
In terms of design, Audi says the new A3's wider and bolder stance is designed to pay homage to Audi's heritage and RS models. The quattro features a RS-inspired honeycomb grille and Matrix-design LED headlights are available. The interior is designed to be sporty and driver-centric.
For 2022, the new A3 will offer Audi's latest available flagship technologies such as Audi’s MMI touch display infotainment system with a standard 10.1” screen. Newly available A3 technologies also include an available 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, head-up display and top-view camera system.
Safety technology also gets a boost with newly available driver assistance features including standard lane departure warning capabilities, available Audi cruise assist with lane guidance, as well as side assist with rear cross-traffic assist and Park assist.
You can opt for two powertrain options. The A3's standard 2.0-liter TFSI engine delivers 201-horsepower and 221 lb.-ft .of torque. Augmented by a standard 48-volt mild-hybrid (MHEV) system, a first for the model, it has the ability to automatically coast with the engine temporarily shut off in many driving situations which boosts fuel efficiency.
If you're looking for more power, the S3 offers a sizable boost in horsepower thanks to a more powerful TFSI engine that delivers 306-ponies and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
Audi says the A3 40 TFSI quattro carries a 24% improvement in combined efficiency compared with the previous quattro model, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city/36 mpg highway/31 mpg combined. Compared with the previous A3 from the 2020 model year, the entry 2022 A3 comes with an improved fuel-efficiency rating, with the front wheel drive model having a class-leading EPA-estimated 29 mpg city/38 mpg highway/32 mpg combined – a 2 mpg improvement across the board versus the previous generation.
The 2006 A3 made its original U.S. debut in 2005. Its redesign for the 2015 model year resulted in one of Audi's largest marketing launches in the brand's history it also netted a World Car of the Year Award. Audi says the A3 introduced a number of firsts to the industry, including the integration of new technologies like the first in-vehicle LTE connectivity Wi-Fi experience and the first model in the Audi portfolio to use the MIB infotainment platform. The A3 was also the first Audi to introduce integrated social networking applications, and Picture Book Navigation.