The baby of Audi’s four-rings family, the A3 sedan and its seriously piquant S3 performance sibling are tweaked for 2022 with a fresh exterior appearance and added length, width and height over the foregoing model. The result, even in the base model, has a significant added measure of visual aggression. The interior packaging includes standard leather cabin facings for the A3, with dual eight-way heated power seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The S3 upgrades to power sport seats with stitched Fine Nappa leather. Both models will offer a heads-up projected data display for the first time.
Standard A3 power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI engine with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission is also standard, but the bigger news is arguably that for the first time, a mild hybrid version of the powertrain will be part of the option lineup. As to the S3, standard output climbs by 18 horsepower, with the 2.0-liter engine now rated at 306 in that capacity. The dropped standard ride height incorporates adjustable damper control. Pricing commences at $33,900 for the A3 and $44,900 for the S3.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 