2022 Audi A3 Sportback

Audi brought the new-generation A3 disguised as the 2021 model year with loads of updates over the outgoing generation. The German brand sells only the sedan version in the US, while all of Europe has a hatchback and is quite popular for its compactness. Depending on the trims, the A3 Sportback offers high efficiency with six engine options along with adequate performance. Cutting-edge tech for the budget class is quite unheard of, and the A3 hatch comes with a lot of them. Similar to the U.S.-spec model, a 10.25-inch driver information display comes as standard, along with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The exterior design gets an overhaul which means new LED headlights, a new Singleframe grille, new body panels, and more. The 2022 model year is a carryover model year with no major updates. So, should you consider it over the 1 Series or the A-Class? We will clear every doubt on why you should.

2022 Audi A3 Sportback

2020 The Audi A3 Just Evolved for 2021 and Hot Damn is That Cabin Awesome

Specifications

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Model: 2022 Audi A3 Sportback
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2022 Audi A3 Sportback Changes: Differences vs. 2021 Audi A3 Sportback

The 2022 Audi A3 Sportback seems to be a carryover model, as it got a thorough revamp with the outgoing 2020 model year. The 2022 model year gets all the modern Audi tech perks, which include Virtual Cockpit as standard along with a touchscreen 10.1-inch infotainment display. Other changelogs include a redesigned exterior with available Matrix LEDs for the higher trim, and the inclusion of a mild hybrid powertrain, which is a 48-volt architecture fitted only to the 35 TFSI S Tronic.

A3 Sportback Exterior

The new A3 looks a lot sportier than it used to be. The exterior design is the same as the U.S.-spec model. So, there are the same LED headlights as standard and LED DRLs, along with a hexagonal Singleframe with honeycomb patterns on it. The “more dynamic than ever before” title surely adds up to the aggressive design language of the A3. The body is more sculpted than before, with a lot of creases and cuts, especially on the side panels. The Technik, which is the base trim, gets 16-inch wheels, but you can get up to 19-inch wheels if you choose the top trims. The roofline, as it is a Sportback, has a dramatic sloping effect with the roof spoiler acting as a shade for the rear window. The rear has wedge-shaped halogen taillights for the base trim, while the higher trims get LEDs with dynamic turn signals. Audi has fitted the Edition 1 and Vorsprung with the Matrix LED headlights as standard.

Dimensions

The new A3 Sportback weighs about 2,822 pounds while being 171 inches long, 71.5 inches wide, and 56.1 inches tall. The ground clearance remains undisclosed, but we assume it will be about five inches. The wheelbase measures to be 103.7 inches long. The length and width have increased by about an inch compared to its predecessor.

2022 Audi A3 Sportback Dimensions

Curb Weight	1,280 kgs/2,821.9 lbs
Length	4,343 mm/171 in
Width	1,816 mm/71.5 in
Height	1,425 mm/56.1 in
Ground Clearance	-
Wheelbase	2,636 mm/103.7 in

Exterior Colors

The 2022 Audi A3 Sportback is made available in eight colors:

- Ibis white

- Turbo blue

- Glacier white

- Mythos black

- Navarra blue

- Python yellow

- Tango red

- Daytona gray

Except for the Ibis white, all other colors will cost you about £575 or €690 or $760. Apart from the first and the last color, the rest are metallic paint finishes. The Daytona gray, on the other hand, is a pearl effect paint finish.

A3 Sportback Performance

Unlike the American A3, the European edition of the same uses a fleet of powertrains for letting you choose the ideal engine and transmission configuration according to your needs. The power ranges from 110 horses to 200 horses including different engine sizes, and transmissions. The new A3 is quite peppy off the line, even with the base engine. Since Audi has kept the curb weight quite low for the lower trims, the 110 horsepower and 147 pound-feet don’t feel lacking. But, if you want good performance then the 40 TDI Quattro would be a perfect choice and in this configuration, the A3 puts out 200 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Still, if you are not impressed, Audi has two more variants, the S3, and the RS3, with impressive power figures ranging up to 400 horsepower. In terms of claimed acceleration figures, both the 35 TFSI and the 35 TDI models can do 0-62 mph or 0-100 km/hr in 8.4 seconds. The 30 TFSI and 30 TDI are quite similar, but the former is 0.5 seconds slower for the 0-62 mph or 0-100 km/hr runs, making it 10.6 and 10.1 seconds, respectively. The 40 TFSI and 40 TDI, with the Quattro system, claim to be much faster than the other trims. The former takes seven seconds, while the latter makes it in 6.8 seconds to 0-62 mph or 0-100 km/hr.

Engine and Transmission

As mentioned above, the European-spec A3 comes with six engine options. There is the base 30 TFSI which is a 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-three engine that puts out 110 horsepower and 147 pound-feet (200 Nm). This engine comes mated to a six-speed manual transmission and drives the front wheels. The same engine configuration is also offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Next in line would be the 35 TFSI configuration, which has a slightly bigger 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, putting out 150 horsepower and 155 pound-feet (250 Nm). The default transmission is still the six-speed manual transmission, but you can spec it with the S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. If you choose the S tronic variant, Audi will add a 48-volt electric motor, making it a mild-hybrid system. The most powerful gas engine would be the 40 TFSI which makes use of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, just like the U.S. variant, and puts out 190 horsepower and 236 pound-feet (320 Nm) of torque. In this configuration, you will get the Quattro AWD system along with the seven-speed DCT.

In Europe, Audi offers three diesel engines, if you want more torque and better mileage. There is a 30 TDI 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that cranks out 116 horsepower and 221 pound-feet (300 Nm). The 35 TFSI has the same engine, but has bumped up the power to 150 horsepower and 265 pound-feet (360 Nm). Both the engine configurations drive the front wheels and can be specced with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. Like the 40 TFSI, there is a high-powered 40 TDI diesel engine that runs all-four wheels via seven-speed DCT. The engine puts out 200 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm).

2022 Audi A3 Sportback Engine Options

Model	30 TFSI/ S tronic	35 TFSI	35 TFSI MHEV S tronic	40 TFSI quattro S tronic	30 TDI/ S tronic	35 TDI/ S tronic	40 TDI quattro S tronic
Engine Type	1.0-liter turbocharged inline-three	1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four	1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four w/ 48-volt electric motor	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four	2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Drive Type	FWD	FWD	FWD	AWD	FWD	FWD	AWD
Transmission	Six-speed manual transmission/ Seven-speed DCT	Six-speed manual transmission	Seven-speed DCT	Seven-speed DCT	Six-speed manual transmission/Seven-speed DCT	Six-speed manual transmission/Seven-speed DCT	Seven-speed DCT
Power	81 kW/110 hp @ 5,500 RPM	110 kW/150 hp @ 5,000 RPM	110 kW/150 hp @ 5,000 RPM	140 kW/190 hp @ 4,200 RPM	85 kW/116 hp @ 2,750 RPM	110 kW/150 hp @ 3,000 RPM	147 kW/200 hp @ 3,600 RPM
Torque	200 Nm/147.5 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM	250 Nm/155.3 lb-ft @ 1,500 RPM	250 Nm/155.3 lb-ft @ 1,500 RPM	320 Nm/236 lb-ft	300 Nm/221 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM	360 Nm/265.5 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM	400 Nm/295 lb-ft @ 1750 RPM
0-100 kmph/0-62 mph	10.6 seconds	8.4 seconds	8.4 seconds	7.0 seconds	10.1 seconds	8.4 seconds	6.8 seconds
Top Speed	204 kmph/127 mph	224 kmph/139 mph	224 kmph/139 mph	241 kmph/150 mph	206 kmph/128 mph	224 kmph/139 mph	243 kmph/151 mph

Handling and Driving Impressions

Driving around, the new A3 feels smooth and comfortable, with enough power available from the moment you decide to floor the gas pedal. Well, let the latter statement be reserved for the 35 TFSI, 40 TFSI, and all the three diesel engine configurations. The base 30 TFSI, with the 1.0-liter mill, is best for city driving. Nevertheless, the drive is satisfyingly comfortable with the lower trims. The S line has slightly more aggressive suspension tuning, which will help get around corners pretty easily and in speed. On the flip side, if you live in the countryside, or you have quite a few potholes on your way to work, they can be felt greatly. While the 1 Series remains to be a class apart in terms of handling capabilities, the A3 is not stepping behind either. There is ample steering feedback, especially with the S line, Edition, and Vorsprung trims. So can you daily drive the A3? Heck, yes! The A3 is a great car to live with. If you want all-weather coverage, then you get the 40 TFSI or the 40 TSI, which has the Quattro system.

A3 Sportback Gas Mileage

The 30 TFSI has a combined fuel consumption of 5.0-4.8 l/100 km, and that improves with the seven-speed DCT, which has been rated to 4.5-4.3 l/100 km. The slightly higher powered 35 TFSI with the manual transmission has a 5.4-5.2 l/100 km rating. This engine configuration with the S Tronic gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid motor and combined, the fuel consumption comes down to 5.0-4.7 l/100 km. The 40 TFSI is the least efficient in the whole line-up. It has a rating of 6.8-6.6 l/100 km, and that is because of its higher engine power output coupled with the Quattro system. The diesel powertrains are the most efficient ones, with both the 30 TDI and the 35 TDI gaining 4.1-3.9 l/100 km. The 40 TDI has a slightly higher fuel consumption habit and is rated 5.0-4.8 l/100 km.

2022 Audi A3 Fuel Economy

Model	30 TFSI/ S tronic	35 TFSI	35 TFSI MHEV S tronic	40 TFSI quattro S tronic	30 TDI/ S tronic	35 TDI/ S tronic	40 TDI quattro S tronic
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km	5.0-4.8/4.5-4.3	5.4-5.2	5.0-4.7	6.8-6.6	4.1-3.9/4.1-3.9	4.1-3.9/4.1-3.9	5.0-4.8
Combined CO2-emissions in g/km	114-109/104-99	125-119	115-109	155-150	107-102/107-103	107-102/107-102	131-127

A3 Sportback Interior

Stepping inside the new 2022 A3 Sportback will make you smile instantly. Gone are the boring-looking dashboard design with a pop-up infotainment display. The cabin of the new A3 Sportback feels upmarket with the use of high-quality materials. The dashboard design is heavily inspired by the higher Audi cars, but thankfully there aren’t two screens at the center. The standard Technik trim comes fitted to a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, single-zone manual air-conditioning, auto-dimming mirror, and cloth headliners. The base trim feels like a Volkswagen Polo with similar level of build quality. But, all the luxury you need is retained with the higher trims which have wireless charging pad, leather interiors, and more. For the asking price, we feel that A3 Sportback comes well spec'd.

Seating and Interior Space

As for the cabin space, Audi has not disclosed how much headroom and legroom is available. We feel that the interior space should be similar to what we have seen with the U.S.-spec A3, which means good front headroom and legroom at the front. Since we are reviewing the Sportback, the headroom - if not the legroom - might be increased. Four people can sit comfortably inside the cabin. People below six feet would do fine at the rear. The standard seats are cloth-covered and the level of comfort provided by them is mediocre. Leather upholstery is standard with the Sport and the following trims. The S line gets sport seats with good bolstering support. Power-adjustability, along with heated and massage functions, is offered across the trims either as standard or optional fitments. Seating comfort was never an issue with the A3 Sportback.

Audi A3 Sportback Trunk and Cargo Space

With all seats in place, the A3 Sportback offers about 380 liters or 13.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. There is a shelf below the loading floor that has a spare tire. If you want, Audi offers a power-operated tailgate for easier and hands-free access to the boot. With the rear seats folded, the capacity increases to a whopping 1,200 liters or 42.4 cubic feet. Carrying luggage, be it your monthly groceries, or your sudden weekend trips, wouldn’t be a lot of trouble with the A3 Sportback. The sedan has a slightly bigger (has to be) cargo capacity of 425 liters or 15 cubic feet.

2022 Audi A3 Sportback Infotainment and Features

Features

As standard, the A3 comes well-specced with a 10.25-inch driver information display, optional cruise control, Audi Pre-sense front with pedestrian detection, a 12-volt household-styled power socket, and a six-speaker audio unit. For the driver assistance features, you will have lane-departure warning, hill-hold assist, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and frontal collision mitigation. Features like Audi Drive Select and dual-zone automatic climate control are present with the Sport trim. S line adds features such as ambient lighting, embossed S line logo on the seats, and stainless steel pedals. Edition 1 and Vorsprung comes standard with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustments, aluminum paddle shifters, Virtual Cockpit Plus (12.3-inch driver information display), and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio unit (Vorsprung only).

Infotainment

The latest iteration of the MIB 3 comes installed with the new A3. Audi claims that its computing power is about ten times faster than the last-generation system. There is USB and Wi-Fi connectivity as standard, whereas Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are optionally available. The MIB 3 will let you control the climate control and even driver seat adjustments with its intelligent memory functions “on request”. There is a 10.1-inch touchscreen display as standard, which is so much better than the display it replaces. Amazon Alexa is there for you to summon if you need any information or turn on/off any functions. If you are willing to spend more, the MMI navigation plus will let you have a bigger 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus with multiple interfaces and a navigation system.

2022 Audi A3 Sportback Problems and Reliability

We don’t know how reliable the 2022 Audi A3 Sportback is, and since it is a European variant, there are no reliability ratings so far. The American A3 Sedan, which has just started rolling out to the dealerships, has two recalls already and is being recorded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. So we cannot assure you of the A3 Sportback’s reliability.

Warranty

2022 Audi A3 Sportback Warranty

New Vehicle Limited Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain	4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion Perforation	12 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance	4 years
First Scheduled Maintenance Service	1 year/10,000 miles
Audi Accessories	Varies

2022 Audi A3 Sportback Safety

Unlike the American A3, the European A3 got tested by the Euro NCAP and has been rewarded with a five-star rating. The Adult Occupant Protection scored 89-percent, while the Child Occupant Protection scored as high as 81 percent. We should wait for the NHTSA and the IIHS for more intense tests, as they are known to rip everything off before rating a car.

Key Safety Features

All the essential safety features like ABS, traction control management, ten airbags, frontal collision mitigation, cruise control, and tire pressure monitoring system are available as standard. As for the driver assistance features, hill-hold assist, Audi pre sense with pedestrian detection, rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance assistant come fitted as standard. Features like adaptive cruise control, parking assist, camera-based traffic sign recognition, heads-up display, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera system are found with the top-spec Vorsprung or options for the other trims.

Verdict: Should you consider the new 2022 Audi A3 Sportback?

The new-generation A3 is a breakthrough in Audi’s cutting-edge tech and performance for the budget segment. The Sportback is a nice, small car with adequate space and equipment inside the cabin. We specifically liked that Audi did not make the effort to cancel out the Virtual Cockpit as a standard feature. Compared to the last generation model, we think that the 2022 A3 should be on your list. If you ask us about how it compares against the 1 Series and the A-Class, well, the latter two options are more fun to drive cars but cost significantly more than the A3 Sportback.

The entry-level gas-operated 30 TFSI starts at €26,800 in Germany, while the 35 TFSI Sportback starts at €28,900.

2022 Audi A3 Sportback Models

The 2022 A3 Sportback is offered in five trims: Technik, Sport, S line, Edition 1, and Vorsprung. All trims get three petrol engine options (30 TFSI, 35 TFSI, and 40 TFSI) and three diesel options (30 TDI, 35 TDI, and 40 TDI). You can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed DCT. All engine configurations except for the 40 TFSI and 40 TDI run the front wheels. Quattro AWD system is only available for the 40 TFSI and the 40 TDI.

Technik trim packs features such as 16-inch alloys, LED headlights with LED DRLs, 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, 10.1-inch touchscreen with MMI Navigation Plus, and Audi Pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition.

The next-in-line Sport trim highlights features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, Audi Drive Select, leather upholstery, power-folding door mirrors, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The S line adds features to the existing Sport with rear privacy glass, sport seats at the front, 18-inch ‘five-arm dynamic’ design alloy wheels, LED taillights with dynamic turn indicators and LED ambient lighting.

The Edition 1 adds sportier front and rear bumper designs in addition to matrix LED headlights. Other features include 19-inch alloy wheels, 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus, and a three-spoke sports steering wheel.

The top-of-the-line Vorsprung adds features like uniquely designed 19-inch alloy wheels, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and loads of driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and parking assist.

Additional Packages

There are two optional packages available at your disposal: Comfort and Sound pack and Carbon style pack. The former package is priced at £1,195 or €1,443 and unlocks features like parking assist, heated front seats, reverse camera, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio experience. The Carbon style pack, which is priced at £1,935 or €2,336, adds carbon-fiber exterior mirrors and a rear spoiler.

In this engine configuration, you will get enough punch with 150 horsepower, and also with the seven-speed DCT, you will get the 48-volt mild-hybrid tech for increased refinement. If price is not a factor, and you like traveling around, then the Edition 1 with the 40 TDI 2.0-liter diesel engine would be a great choice. It will cost you about £37,000 or €44,633 in other parts of Europe.

2022 Audi A3 Sportback Comparisons

2022 Audi A3 Sportback vs BMW 1 Series

Both the A3 Sportback and the 1 Series are impressive compact hatches, but the former is more modern-looking with all the tech and starts at an impressive price tag. The 1 Series, on the other hand, feels better in terms of handling capabilities and has lower powertrain numbers than the A3 Sportback, so it is not super confusing to choose one. Also, the interior well-being is better with the A3 Sportback. Even if you select the base trim, there are more soft-touch areas than the Sportback. There is about a £1,200 or €1,500 difference between the 1 Series and the A3 Sportback.

2022 Audi A3 Sportback vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The A-Class stands apart in the competition because it feels like no cheap Merc. It is a compact hatchback with plenty of tech and passenger space. If compared to the A3 Sportback, the A-Class has a tighter rear row and is not as practical for towing your family with decent luggage. If you want a recommendation, go for the A3 Sportback as it is an all-round car with good pricing, performance, and practicality. The A-Class starts at around £30,000 (€36,000) which is about £6,000 (€7,200) dearer than the A3 Sportback.