Audi A3

The Audi A3 has come a long way. From the small but handsome first-generation model that launched hatchbacks into premium territory in the late 1990s, the range has evolved through three generations, growing in size, performance, technology and choice with each iteration. And that trend is showing no sign of deviation with the introduction of the fourth-gen A3, which has just arrived.

As with the previous version, the 2022 model is on offer as either the Sportback five-door hatch or the four-door sedan.

Both are powered by a choice of two petrol engines; there are no diesel or significantly electrified options yet, although the entry 35 TFSI is equipped with a somewhat mild hybrid system bolted to its 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder, while the 40 TFSI is more conventional by comparison with a 2.0-litre turbo of the same configuration and no electrical sub-system.

Another key difference includes the drivetrain, which in the case of the entry A3 is exclusively front-wheel drive, while the 40 TFSI has the company’s proprietary Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is common to both variants.

Other key range revisions include the discontinuation of the 30 TFSI and S-line pack as an option for the entry version, while it’s now applied to the 40 TFSI as standard.

This has had a marked effect on the pricing structure. With a 2022 Audi A3 starting price of $46,300 before on-road costs, the most affordable A3 Sportback is now almost $10,000 more than the previous entry version. But since the bargain basement 30 TFSI has not carried over for 2022, a better comparison would be with the previous 35 TFSI, which represents a price increase of $5600.

At $48,800, the sedan equivalent has risen by $6500 and the 40 TFSI Sportback is up $900 to $55,400, while the Sportback 40 TFSI price is unchanged at $52,900 (all before on-road costs).

With its more generous equipment list, beefier engine and Quattro traction, the 40 TFSI appears to offer the best value on paper and only slightly falls behind in the economy stakes despite lacking the 48-volt system and packing half a litre more capacity into four cylinders – 6.6L/100km vs 5.0L/100km, says Audi.

For the true hyper-miler, the more powerful 2.0-litre is not offered mild hybrid assistance and the plug-in hybrid available for Europe is not yet slated for Australian showrooms.

Zero to 100km/h takes a zippy 7.0 seconds … the 40 TFSI manages a level of performance that matches the original S3

The relatively traditional 2.0-litre unit is still efficient and versatile, though. On tap is a very eager turbo engine that delivers its full whack of 320Nm from just 1500rpm. But the gutsy torque continues all the way up to 4100rpm – just 100 revs before peak power appears and, after that, the 140kW takes over until 6000rpm.

The result is an engine that feels strong, linear and unburstable, and allows thoroughly impressive progress.

Zero to 100km/h takes a zippy 7.0 seconds and, coupled to the all-wheel-drive powertrain and slick seven-speed dual-clutch auto, the 40 TFSI manages a level of performance that matches the original S3. But the flagship-for-now variant avoids trying to be too sporty and places a safe distance between itself and the also recently arrived new S3.

In part, this comes from a chassis tune and ride quality that manages to be rewarding and fun without compromising comfort. There’s a decent amount of weight to the steering, paired nicely to the ergonomically designed steering wheel, while the body control and damping are also well matched.

But the A3 hasn’t lost sight of its reason for being. Although there’s certainly fun to be had at the wheel, the new model caters for more than just the driver.

There’s still enough room for five adults and, at the back, a surprisingly big boot. Opt for the Sportback and it’ll offer 380 litres of load space but the sedan improves on that by 40 litres and an impressive 420L. It’s also a good shape and doesn’t limit the type of luggage stowed with strange dimensions.

From the exterior styling, you would be forgiven for thinking the 2022 A3 is all-new but it’s actually an extensive revamp with the same structure and essential engineering carrying over, but there is still a lot new about it.

For a start, more technology and luxury has been packed in, including the grand 10.1-inch central touchscreen, another impressive digital display with the proprietary Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, LED headlights, 18-inch alloys, keyless entry and start, part-leather upholstery, auto emergency braking (AEB) and rear-cross traffic alert, as well as and Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.

You won’t a get head-up display or sunroof unless you bolt on an option pack but at least Audi has bundled a few of the more popular options for a less stingy option-adding experience. Our test car had been supplied with just one option and a $1250 metallic paint job, highlighting just how generously specced the new A3 really is in practice.

Audi’s new A3 is more accomplished, dynamically mature … think of the 2022 model as a bargain way to access some of the virtues of its A4 sibling

Click the above photo for more interior shots

Generally speaking, the interior is typically Audi with sharp design and good ergonomics and the cabin feels decidedly grown-up, but one or two surfaces have allowed some decidedly un-Audi scratchy plastics to sneak in.

Overall though, the quality of materials rates highly; even the standard dash insert trims finished in satin grey metallic look and feel special but also understated.

Audi’s new A3 is bigger, more accomplished, dynamically mature and more expensive to the point where its gen-one origins are fading, but think not of the 2022 model as a pricey version of an old favourite, and more as a bargain way to access some of the virtues that were previously the preserve of its bigger A4 sibling.

2022 Audi A3 sedan 40 TFSI Quattro S Line specifications