Meet Your New 2022 Audi A3 Sedan
Following the five-door A3 Sportback, it’s now the redesigned Audi A3 Sedan’s turn to hit the spotlight. Largely improved, this new generation of the small luxury car is expected to land in Canadian showrooms in the first half of next year.
It’s safe to say the BMW 2 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class will feel the heat.
As previously reported, styling is heavily inspired by the Q3 crossover, which is built on the same platform. The lines are much sharper and more modern, especially up front, and the Singleframe grille and new headlights (with available Matrix LED lighting) are quite attractive. Meanwhile, the inward curve the bodysides emphasizes the muscular fenders that surround the redesigned wheels.
The interior of the 2022 Audi A3 Sedan offers a bit more space including two extra centimetres of headroom for front passengers. Cargo capacity is unchanged, however. The design borrows many attributes from Audi’s higher-end products. The dashboard (including the 10.1-inch touchscreen angled toward the driver), digital instrument cluster (available in 10.25- or 12.3-inch sizes), centre console and trim elements have all been revised. The final result is pretty impressive.
Other technologies worth mentioning include a head-up display system, third-generation modular infotainment platform (with a processor that is 10 times faster than the old one), integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging and the possibility to turn your smartphone into a digital key.
On the road, look for a sportier-tuned suspension and additional advanced driver assistance systems that help prevent collisions.
As for the engines, the press release mentions three options for Europe, but these have nothing to do with the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder (with 184 or 228 horsepower) we already know and will surely retain, along with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. The sporty S3 and RS 3 variants will be revealed at a later date. Audi is also talking about a mild hybrid system with a 48V battery.
If you prefer hatchbacks, know that the return of the five-door A3 in North America remains doubtful. When asked about it back in March, Audi’s regional director for Eastern Canada, Sami Benmeradi, refused to make any kind of promise or announcement.
