Since the debut of the Audi A3 in 1993, this car has gone on to become one of the most respected cars on Earth. With more than five generations under its belt, this subcompact family car is a balance of saloon and sedan. However, as the years have gone by, it's hard to miss how Audi has tried incorporating sporty features to this ride too.
When Audi failed to launch a 2021 model, many thought it was the end of the rode for this awesome ride. However, that was far from what Audi had in mind. Having skipped the 2021 model gave the company time to take a step back and rethink the Audi A3.
Not before long, they announced that the A3 was making a comeback for the 2022 model year. This was not the only announcement Audi had.
The German-based company also stated that the 2022 Audi A3 model would be a lot better than what we have at the moment.
As fate would have it, Audi is maintaining its steady record of less consumption but more power.
Unlike its German competitors like Mercedes and BMW, Audi has resorted to building compact cars that do not compromise on performance, aesthetics, technology.
To have a better feel of what this car has to offer, it is only right we pit it against some of the most outstanding cars within the same category.
Here is how the 2022 Audi A3 compares with the competition.
The Audi A3 Is Back With A Bang
The 2022 Audi A3 has looks set to be a decent entry-level car that will feature beautiful and sharper seeking and design. In addition, the interior is expected to be richer; this will be backed up by the advanced technology used on both the navigation and infotainment systems. All these features are slated to build one of the most beautiful cars on the market when combined.
The 2022 A3 sedan will be sold as a sedan exclusively to the United States. In addition, the hatchback version of this car will be sold in Europe and other global markets.
In true Audi style, the A3 will come in multiple trims. The three trims of the 2022 Audi A3 include the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. According to Carscoops, the starting price of these trim will all range from about $35,000 to $43,000. Based on Audi’s prices, the starting price for the base trim, which is the Premium, will be $34,945, the Premium Plus will sell for $38,245, and the Prestige trim will go for $42,245.
The 2022 Audi A3 will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination serves a 201 hp power output that will be delivered to either the front or all-wheel-drive drivetrain.
The 2022 Audi A3 Faces Stern Competition
When you first look at the 2022 Audi A3, you will notice its striking resemblance to its predecessors. However, if you take a keen look at it, you will notice the evolution of this car. The design on this new model A3 has smooth and curvy creases throughout the car. In addition, its fender flares are slightly curved, and the overall design gives a more sporty and aggressive look.
When you put this side by side with the 2022 Acura ILX, the only striking difference is the emblem on each car. However, if you dig deeper, you will come across different aspects of all these three cars that make them different.
A good place to start this head-to-head run is by crunching the numbers. The most basic is the number of trims available for each car. For example, while the 2022 Audi A3 only offers three trims, the Acura ILX offers four. These four include the Base, the Premium, the Premium A-spec, and the Technology A-spec.
These trims not only vary in performance but price as well. With all A3 trims having a starting price of over $30,000, the 2022 Acura ILX comes at it differently with its Base and Premium trims starting below the $30,000 price tag and the Premium A-Spec and the Technology A-Spec starting at less than $35,000.
Another key difference is the powertrain. The 2022 Audi A3 engine faces up against a 2.4-liter engine that is paired with an eight-speed auto-shift manual transmission. The Acura engine pushes 20 hp at 6,800 rpm and delivers 180 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.
This is unlike the Audi’s powertrain that has a seven-speed automatic transmission and a power output capacity of 201 hp at 4,800 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. Other 2022 Audi A3 competitors include the 2022 BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe and the 2022 Mercedes Benz A-Class.
If you plan to upgrade your sedan, you should certainly consider the 2022 Audi A3.