2022 Audi A3 And S3: Review And First Drive Impressions

Colorado is an interesting place to offer a “first drive” of a new automobile as the topography and climate present countless unforeseen challenges. So, I have to assume that Audi was fully aware that snow falling on the road, freezing temperatures, and thin air at 9,150-feet were all going to be part of the experience – it had escaped my dull Southern California mind. Yet thankfully, the all-new 2022 Audi S3 sedan that I was piloting through the Rockies didn’t seem the least bit fazed by the obstacles.

Audi introduced us to its A3 Sportback, a compact five-passenger hatchback in 2006, which was followed by the first A3 sedan, a compact four-door that slotted in neatly below the slight larger A4 sedan, in 2015. For 2022, Audi has completely redesigned the popular A3, making it longer, wider, and taller than its predecessors. As expected, it gets more power, more amenities, and new innovative technologies – and we can’t forget better fuel efficiency. 

There will be three variants offered at launch: A3, S3, and RS 3. The A3 is a European sport sedan with a focus on ride quality and fuel efficiency (it’s fitted with a mild hybrid powertrain) that targets a male/female audience nearly equally. The S3 is a bit sportier, compromising some ride quality and fuel efficiency for more power and precision driving dynamics. The RS 3 is the sportiest variant, with the most power and most capable underpinnings. Speed and agile driving dynamics are its focus – at the expense of ride quality and efficiency – so it should come as no surprise that 95 percent of its customers are men.

The exterior of the new A3 and S3 – the focus of this review – is visually eye-catching. Audi’s designers have done an exemplary job evolving the design to keep it fresh and modern, yet still cheat the wind (the standard A3 boasts an impressive low .26 Cd.). The company’s trademark ‘Singleframe’ grill is prominent on the sedan, yet cleanly integrated and cohesive to the design. The three models each feature slightly different cosmetic changes, to differentiate themselves, and Audi is offering five different wheel designs that range in size from 17- to 19-inches in diameter. 

Audi has retained its driver-centric cockpit design for the interior, which has been celebrated for years as one of the industry’s best – it is clean, spacious, and ergonomically flawless (it’s a shame that other automakers don’t copy Audi’s interiors for their instrument, button, and switch locations). Gone are the large oval vents and tall shift lever from its predecessor. In their place are cleanly integrated dashboard vents and a compact shift lever that cleans up the center console – the appearance is more upscale and premium. Two callouts: The new interior door handles are elegant works of art, and the new flush rotary dial to control the audio volume and track is brilliant in design, execution, and ease-of-use.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, gasoline-fed combustion engine has become standard in this segment across many automakers. Audi is offering its variant under the hood of the A3 and S3 with different configurations (the RS 3 has a third variation, but I will cover that in a future review). The A3’s engine develops 201 hp/221 lb-ft of torque, but it is assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid alternator/starter (MHEV) that adds 12 hp/37 lb-ft of boost under certain conditions to improve acceleration. The S3’s engine is rated at a much more powerful 306 hp/295 lb-ft of torque – it is not fitted with the mild-hybrid technology.

The A3 is offered with front- or all-wheel drive (Audi’s proven ‘quattro’ permanent all-wheel drive system), while all S3 models are fitted with standard quattro. Both share the same 7-speed dual-clutch ‘S tronic’ automatic transmission. According to Audi, the A3 will sprint from rest to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds (the A3 quattro does it in a slightly quicker 6.3 seconds). The S3 accomplishes the same task in just 4.5 seconds – a drive mode called ‘launch control’ makes the sprint particularly effortless. 

In the past, the A3-family was considered entry level. But premium features and options are important to all consumers these days. To differentiate the stages of equipment, Audi offers the A3 and S3 in three different ascending trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Each trim level is fitted with specific options and the automaker offers additional packages (e.g., Convenience Package, Technology Package, and Back Optic Sport Package) to complement the trim levels with even more equipment and unique cosmetic enhancements.

On the road, the standard A3 is impressive. Consumers expect a German sedan to drive with a high level of competency – stability at speed, strong brakes, and responsive steering – the Audi sedan delivers all of that and more. 

The A3’s standard turbocharged engine is strong. Mash the throttle from a rest and it leaps off the line with little hesitancy (the mild-hybrid system automatically assists). Shifts are buttery smooth, and the power is strong well above highway merging speeds. There are several drive modes that allow the operator to customize the vehicle’s responsiveness and power delivery – AUTO works well, but those seeking something sportier will want to choose DYNAMIC. Sleek aerodynamics contribute to a quiet passenger cabin and remarkable high-speed stability – maintaining 80 mph is unproblematic on the 75-mph Colorado highways. And the disc brakes are strong. 

By default, the A3 will seek to maximize fuel efficiency (it earns an impressive EPA rating of 38 mpg on the highway) so you can occasionally catch it in a gear too tall for passing – a quick stab of the accelerator pedal, or a rapid pull on the left shift paddle, will drop the transmission a few gears and it zips forward. One callout: The engine start/stop system is one of the smoothest and most transparent on the market.  

The S3 turns everything up a few notches. Additional horses under the hood are immediately apparent underfoot (but not so much at the pump, as the EPA rating only falls to 32 mpg highway), as is its more robust exhaust note that presents itself as deeper and more powerful. There’s little need to wait for the transmission to drop a few gears as torque is much more abundant – the S3 is zippy and fun. This is a sedan that will induce smiles.  

Upgraded suspension (‘S sport suspension with damper control’) means less body roll and the adaptive dampers keep the ride comfortable. Lower profile summer tires offer gobs more grip, but at the expense of tire noise, increased wear, and less inclement weather capability. Maybe now is a good time to mention that I drove the S3, on summer-rated tires, through an unexpected Fall snowstorm during my preview? (Without question, Audi’s quattro system helped me make it safely through the pass.)

This is a good time to mention that Audi fits all models with a full suite of safety equipment, too. The list includes 10 airbags, standard “Audi pre sense” basic, standard “Audi pre sense” front, standard high beam assist (utilizing full LED headlamps), and standard lane departure warning. Available safety equipment includes “Audi pre sense” rear, Parking system plus, adaptive cruise control, and more. 

After driving the A3 and S3 back-to-back, I found the standard A3 quattro a perfect fit for my needs. It’s physically right-sized (literally about the same dimensions as the original A4 models), adequately powerful, impressively fuel efficient, and indisputably enjoyable to drive. The exterior styling projects prestige, and the passenger cabin on my Premium Plus trim test vehicle was remarkably comfortable (flawless fit/finish and a high level of luxury). The ‘quattro’ system is a must-have option, as it adds four-season capability and additional peace of mind when the weather turns poor (standard all-season tires help, too) and I would pair it with the 18-inch wheels that bring with them a better ride. 

With pricing that begins at about $34,000 and tops out at just over $51,000 (based on trim and options), the all-new 2022 Audi A3 and S3 are two exceptional options for those shopping for a subcompact premium sedan – add both of them to my recommended list.