When Audi announced US base pricing for the A3 sedan last year, we were all shocked that it was exactly the same as that of the CLA 250, Mercedes' cheapest four-door. However, comparing the two revealed one all-important flaw with the A3.
While the 2015 A3 arrives Stateside powered by a 1.8 TFSI engine with 170 hp, basically the same engine as the 2014 Jetta, Mercedes boasts 208 hp from its bigger 2.0-liter turbo for the same money. Today, Audi of America announced they too will have a 2.0-liter engine, the latest 2.0 TFSI rated at 220 hp.
That's the good news, the bad news being that if you want that 50 extra horsepower, it will cost you $32,900 (not including destination), which is $3,000 more than the base model. The cool thing about the A3 2.0 TFSI is that it gets standard quattro all-wheel drive and 6-speed S tronic, as do leather seats, an MMI infotainment system, a panorama glass sunroof and bi-xenon headlights.
This is surprisingly good trim, meant to attract the sensible drivers away from BMW showroom.
If this isn't enough for you, the 2015 A3 also offers two other packages, "plus" and "prestige".
Premium Plus costs another $2,900 and gets you 18" 10-spoke-design Audi wheels, an aluminum interior package, and keyless entry. Premium Prestige costs a whopping $8,800 and brings all of the above plus the S Line body kit, Driver Assistance package, Bang & Olufsen Sound System, Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi Connect, Convenience package and full LED headlights for $8,800.
So basically, if you want a luxury A3, it will cost you about $42,000.
That's the good news, the bad news being that if you want that 50 extra horsepower, it will cost you $32,900 (not including destination), which is $3,000 more than the base model. The cool thing about the A3 2.0 TFSI is that it gets standard quattro all-wheel drive and 6-speed S tronic, as do leather seats, an MMI infotainment system, a panorama glass sunroof and bi-xenon headlights.
This is surprisingly good trim, meant to attract the sensible drivers away from BMW showroom.
If this isn't enough for you, the 2015 A3 also offers two other packages, "plus" and "prestige".
Premium Plus costs another $2,900 and gets you 18" 10-spoke-design Audi wheels, an aluminum interior package, and keyless entry. Premium Prestige costs a whopping $8,800 and brings all of the above plus the S Line body kit, Driver Assistance package, Bang & Olufsen Sound System, Audi MMI navigation plus, Audi Connect, Convenience package and full LED headlights for $8,800.
So basically, if you want a luxury A3, it will cost you about $42,000.