New Audi A3 Pushes The Envelope of Entry Level

Putting the new Audi A3 through its paces in northern California’s dramatic redwood shaded hill country between Silicon Valley and the Pacific coast, the notion that this is an entry level sedan costing about $33,000 is not top of mind.

The new A3 is a really impressive driver’s car combining super light aluminum frame construction, confident Quattro all wheel drive handling and a fiery 220 horsepower 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder premium engine option.

The smaller dimensions of the A3 sedan are certainly noticeable relative to the popular A4, with a distinctly shorter rear deck that still yields expansive trunk space. As to the snugness in the cockpit, though ample for the average sporting 6-footer, the space is definitely a matter of preference.

Inside an expansive design approach with a very clean presentation of controls –- including the myriad 4G LTE connectivity features –- give the A3 a premium car feel. This Audi seems to leapfrog the A4 and go directly to the A6 level of style with touches like stitched two-tone black and brown leather upholstery and accents. Audi promises a major revision of the A4 to reset the pecking order.

This George Polgar of GT Marketing for KYW News Radio.