A3 Audi Sedan

Since 1996 the Audi A3 holds the title of compact within the house of the four rings. It was the first premium model to explore this segment that has become so popular. The A3 Audi Sedan It is a version with an elongated body that fully exploits the habitability conditions with a more saloon line.

Despite the fact that the compact model has already accumulated four generations behind it, the A3 Sedan body does not appear until the third edition, Officially presented at the New York Auto Show in 2013. A similar case is that of the Audi A3 Cabriolet, which appeared a year later with the Sedan body as a starting point.

In 2021 the second iteration has been presented to the world. A second generation that brings with it important changes, although not particularly risky in terms of design. More technology, more comfort, increased quality and a new mechanical range are its main innovations. With them it will try to remain one of the best-selling compact sedans.

Technical characteristics of the Audi A3 Sedan

Although its shape and silhouette differ from an A3, both models share a large part of their elements and their development. The Audi A3 Sedan is based on the well-known MQB platform of the Volkswagen Group. That same polyvalent structure is what we can see in other models of the conglomerate, such as the SEAT Leon, Volkswagen Golf or Skoda Octavia.

To create that extended line, the designers of Audi they have played with the proportions making the A3 Sedan slightly larger than the compact. Externally it reaches 4,49 meters long, 1,82 meters wide and 1,42 meters high.. To these levels must be added a wheelbase of 2,64 meters, being exactly the same as the compact model from which it derives.

This battle allows a good habitability for a maximum of five passengers, although the second row does not show appropriate dimensions to accommodate three adults comfortably. As far as load capacity is concerned, the Audi A3 Sedan offers a minimum boot volume of 425 liters, 325 liters for the S3 with all-wheel drive.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Audi A3 Sedan

When we say that the Sedan and the compact share almost everything, it is not a set phrase. In addition to the platform, the two models offer the same mechanical range. A varied portfolio of options that includes two diesel and three petrol engines, two of which are delivered with 48-volt MHEV technology and ECO label from the DGT.

By power, the range starts with the variant 30 TFSI with a three-cylinder block and a liter that delivers 110 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. This same unit can be associated with Mild-Hybrid technology and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The access diesel is found in the version 30 TDI. A two-liter four-cylinder block offers 116 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. Only available with manual transmission.

With 150 horses we find the units 35 TDI , with the same block as the previous case, and the 35 TFSI petrol with a 1,5-litre four-cylinder engine. We can find this unit with MHEV system and without it. The most powerful is Audi S3 Saloon. The 2.0 turbocharged diesel block extends its capacity to 310 horsepower. It is always accompanied by quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission. Above we only find the Audi RS3 Sedan with 400 horsepower and a five-cylinder engine.

Equipment of the Audi A3 Sedan

As expected, from the inside the Audi A3 Sedan offers a well-presented cabin in terms of materials and finishes. The feeling of quality is elevated thanks to soft surfaces and state-of-the-art technology. It is surprising to highlight the particular air conditioning module separated from the infotainment system. A solution that we do not see in its brothers such as the Golf or the León.

As is tradition in the Ingolstadt firm, the load of systems and equipment is very high, although the series units are far from having a large part of that technology. The range of equipment is distributed on several levels, From lowest to highest endowment we find: Advance, S Line and Black Line Edition. In each of them we not only improve the load of systems, we also alter the general design of the car.

As far as equipment is concerned, the compact sedan is shown as one of the most complete in the segment. The list of elements is outstanding, but it is worth mentioning some details such as: LED matrix headlights, multimedia system with 10,1-inch touch panel, digital instrumentation, connected services, voice control, panoramic roof, connectivity for mobile devices, parking cameras and a complete safety team and driving assistants.

The Audi A3 Sedan on video

The Audi A3 Sedan according to Euro NCAP

We continue with the elements shared between the saloon and the compact. In terms of safety, Euro NCAP considers that both models are exactly the same. That means that offers a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety tests. The results by sections are as follows: 8,9 in adult passenger protection, 8,1 in child passenger protection, 6,8 in pedestrian vulnerability and 7,3 in driver assistant control.

The Audi A3 Sedan from Km 0 and second hand

The A3 has been one of the best-selling compacts in our market. Its long career in dealerships has led to a generous offer of models in alternative sales channels. As far as the A3 Sedan is concerned, the offer is considerably lower. Nonetheless the depreciation value offered is very good, around 28%, a fact that positions it as one of the best in the category.

If we take a look at the second-hand market we see that there are different options within our reach. Prices start from 12.000 euros for first-generation models with diesel mechanics and more than 150.000 kilometers. The offer in the Km 0 market is more limited, mainly finding units prior to the second generation of 2021. In this case, the minimum price rises considerably to 28.500 euros.

Rivals of the Audi A3 Sedan

The A3 has always been the forerunner in its segment. Audi gave such a bell that its rivals had no choice but to try to copy them. The first brand to launch a sedan derived from compact was Audi, and later its rivals, seeing the good sales figures, followed suit. The natural enemies of the Audi A3 Sedan are few, but of great importance: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe y Mercedes A-Class Sedan they are the only alternatives for size, price and characteristics. We could also add other models such as the Skoda Octavia, Mazda3 Saloon or Hyundai i30 Fastback, but both are in a different price range.

Highlight

• Integrated
• Quality
• Equipment

To improve

• High price
• Roominess in the 2nd row
• expensive options

Audi A3 Sedan Price

At checkout, the A3's Sedan body will make clear the increase represented by the signing of the four rings and the sedan body. The starting price of the Audi A3 Sedan is 35.360 euros, without offers or promotions. That amount corresponds to a model with basic finish and 30 TFSI mechanics with manual transmission. The most expensive of all is the Audi RS 3 Sedan TFSI with a five-cylinder engine, 400 horsepower, all-wheel drive and automatic transmission. Its price starts at 80.060 euros, without promotions.

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