At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Audi->ke14 unveiled the A3 Concept sedan, but the unveiling of the production version took longer than we expected. After we brought you a series of spy shots of the A3 prototypes, today the new A3 sedan made its world debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

The new A3 sedan retains much of the design elements we have seen in the concept version and adds numerous innovative features on the A-segment: signature Singleframe grille and available full-LED headlights.

The new Audi A3 sedan will go on sale on the U.S. market showrooms in the first quarter of 2014. European customers will be able to enjoy it starting this summer. In there the new A3 sedan will start at €25,000 - about $32,000 at the current exchange rates.

Updated 1/16/2014: The A3's configuration went live today, showing iff all of the goodies that the 2015 A3 has to offer. You can build your own A3 HERE.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Audi A3 Sedan.

2015 Audi A3 Sedan

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Audi A3 Sedan
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 170
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

When designing the new A3 sedan, Audi had the American market on its mind, as the model offers the compact dimensions needed for a crowded city. Also, Audi wanted to bring the original 1994 Audi A4 to everyone’s mind.

The model looks basically the same as the concept version and it adds some innovative features for the A-segment, like a signature Singleframe grille and available full-LED headlights.

Dimensions:

Length

175.5 inches

Wheelbase

103.4 inches

Width

70 inches

Height

55.7 inches

Curb Weight

3,362 Lbs


Interior

On the inside, Audi opted for a "wraparound" dash design with an innovative three-dimensional inlay surrounding the driver and front passenger. The model offers the same high-quality materials found in the A8 and optional packages will help customers further customize the sedan. For example, an optional LED lighting package adds white LED light surrounding the center console, door panels, cup holders and even the Bang & Olufsen Sound System when so equipped.

The new A3 sedan will be offered with the MMI operating system that features a 7-inch high-resolution display screen with magnesium backing that is less than 1/2-inch thick.

Standard Features:

-Leather upholstery

-Bluetooth technology

-Rain-sensing wipers

-Audi pre sense basic

-Panoramic glass sunroof

Optional Features:

-NVIDIA graphics processing unit (GPU)

-Audi phone box

Drivetrain

In the U.S. market, the new A3 sedan will be offered with a choice of three engines: a 1.8 TFSI with 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, a 150-horsepower 2.0 TDI clean diesel, and a 2.0 TFSI with 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

All three engines will be offered with a standard six-speed S tronic combined with an Audi drive select system that allows the driver to adjust throttle response, shift points and the electromechanical steering effort. The Audi drive select has four settings: Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual.

The fastest of the A3 models is, of course, the 2.0 TFSI version, which hits 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph. The 1.8 TFSI model Takes 7.2 seconds to hit 60 mph and also hits 130 mph. There are still no details on the 2.0 TDI model.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

1.8 TFSI

2.0 TFSI

2.0 TDI

Horsepower @ RPM

170 @ 4,500 - 6,200

220 @ 4,500 - 6,200

TBA

Torque (LB-FT) @ RPM

200 @ 1,600 - 4,000

258 @ 1,600 - 4,400

TBA

Acceleration (0-60 MPH)

7.2 Sec

5.2 Sec

TBA

Top Speed

130 MPH

130 MPH

TBA


Suspensions and brakes

The new-generation Audi A3 received an updated chassis, with the front wheels moved forward by roughly 1.5 inches to provide well-balanced proportions, supplemented by optimized interior space utilization and an improved crash structure.

The model comes equipped with MacPherson-design front suspension with A-arms and aluminum pivot bearings, while the rear ones are offered in a four-link design with the springs and shock absorbers mounted separately.

Audi is also installing technologies, like the electronic stabilization control (ESC) that improves traction when cornering.

Prices

The new Audi A3 sedan will go on sale on the U.S. market showrooms in the first quarter of 2014. It will be priced from $29,900.

Pricing Details

Model

Engine

Engine

2015 A3 Premium

1.8 TFSI

$29,900

2015 A3 Premium

2.0 TFSI

$32,900

2015 A3 Premium Plus

1.8 TFSI

$32,800

2015 A3 Premium Plus

2.0 TFSI

$35,800

2015 A3 Prestige

1.8 TFSI

$38,700

2015 A3 Prestige

2.0 TFSI

$41,700


Competitors

The new Audi A3 sedan is entering a market relatively young, with few models to compete with.

Mercedes CLA-Class

The biggest competitor for the new A3 sedan is a very young model: the new Mercedes CLA-Class, unveiled earlier this year in Detroit. It comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers a total of 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque - the only engine available on the U.S. market.

Buick Verano

Verano is an older model on the market, as it was revealed back in 2011 in Detroit and already managed to steal the heart of many customers. It is powered by an Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque.

Conclusion

Though the price is a little high for an Audi -- in line with the Mercedes CLA-Class -- it is packed with loads of standard features that make it well worth the dough. We'll have to wait and see what BMW has in mind in terms of pricing when it relaunches the 1 Series as a sedan in the near future.

Update History

Updated 03/27/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

Updated 06/12/2013: Audi unveiled a new video presenting the new A3 sedan in action on some public roads. Enjoy!

Updated 10/24/2015: Audi announced today prices for the new A3 sedan that will go on sale in 2014. It will offering a panoramic glass sunroof, leather seating surfaces and bi-xenon headlights as standard features. The new A3 sedan has a starting price of $29,900.