Audi is introducing us to the 2015 Audi A3 and S3 sedans. Yep, the world has know the A3 ans S3 as a two or four dour hatchback until now. OK, there has also been a convertible version. Now, Audi is entering a segment it has not played in. Enter Audi’s new compact premium sedan.
This little guys has impressive specs. The base A3 sedan’s exterior dimensions are smaller than the base BMW 320i sedan. The A3’s overall length and wheelbase are both about 6 inches shorter then the 320i. The overall width is just barely narrower. In fact, the dimensions of the new A3 are nearly identical to those of the original 1994 A4 sedan. The European A3 sedan with a 1.4 TFSI engine weighs in at 2,755 lbs and this undercuts the 320i by a staggering 500 lbs! Wow, that’s impressive. The 1.8 liter TFSI turbo four packs 170 horsepower and will power the front wheel drive models, and this should be plenty to move this light weight car with confidence. The new 2.0 liter TDI diesel brings 150 horses and high efficiency. There will also be two version of the 2.0 TFSI turbo. A “low” powered one for the A3 Sedan Quattro, and a “high” output one for the S3 Quattro sedan. Exact horse power levels for the 2 liter motors will be announced later.
The A3/S3 sedan has a lot of resemblance to the A4/S4 counterparts. However, the strong lower profile character line and unique headlights and taillights set it apart from its bigger brothers. The rear lights are wider and shorter and provide for a more hunkered down appearance.
Of course, if the A3 is not enough for you the S3 sedan will also be available. It borrows the same 2.o liter turbo from the S3 hatchback that makes incredible 300 hp in European trim. The interior of the A3/S3 sedan very closely matches that of the latest hatchback. You can expect loads of premium features and tons of high-tech goodies.
Still, there are a lot of questions still remain. When will the A3/S3 sedan be available state-side? Audi says: first quarter of 2014, but has not yet provided a more exact date. What about the price? When will the new TDI diesel engine be available in the States? What will happen to the next generation A4 and S4 sedans? These are the questions we hope Audi answers soon. We cannot wait to drive and test Audi’s latest sedans.
Please enjoy this TFLcar video review of the 2013 Audi S5:
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or scouring the internet and other media for various automotive, mechanical, and computer related information.
