2022 Audi A3/ S3… Big Splash For Small Car Performance

Nearly 38 years since this reporter went gaga over his new world rally circuit champion Audi Quattro GT, it is a pleasure to test drive a 2022 Audi A3 that makes “sticking to the basics” an honorable tribute to automotive greatness!

Sporting a new more aggressive look, the new A3 shuts down the SUV driven “size matters most” trend in the current vehicle market. Though this new model is bigger in length, weight and height than the earlier edition, Audi deftly adds a little bit all around to pay off big in 5-passenger interior comfort, cargo capacity and even performance prowess.

For an average American male 6 footer, the A3 is admittedly small after years of lounging in living room sized SUVs. It is slung appreciably lower than most cars on the road these days and there is a risk of banging a shin or knee on the under-steering column compartment containing wiring and component works.

That aside the Audi A3 is a thrilling driver with handling that is aptly compared to needle threading precision. Powered by a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder TFSI® engine with 201 horsepower, and upgraded in sporty S3 the same plant is boosted to 306 horsepower.

Unlike the resurgently popular rear wheel drive muscle car offerings from US, European and Asian car makers, the Audi is like a svelte fitted driving gauntlet compared to a boxing glove, in the $34,000 to $45,000 price range.