2015 Audi
A3

By Tara Weingarten

Ten Things to Know About the 2015 Audi A3

You might remember the Audi A3 as a luxury small hatchback, appealing to sports-minded folks, younger drivers, and those who like a little sass in their cars. But Audi has yanked the hatch version of the A3 from the American market and replaced the model with a sedan. Now families can join the fun.

The 2015 Audi A3 comes several flavors: a 1.8L fuel-sipping version, a 2L Quattro version that has all-wheel drive for those who live in wetter climates and want better traction control, and soon, an S3 sport version, and next year, an A3-eTron plug-in hybrid.

The new Audi A3 comes loaded with goodies – even the base model – like a standard sunroof and bi-xenon headlights.

Design is key in the 2015 Audi A3, as it is with all Audis. Scott Keogh, president of Audi of American recently told a group of automotive writers that Audi embraces the Bauhaus philosophy. There are no gratuitous flourishes in Bauhaus architecture, and so, too, with Audi. There are no unnecessary design elements on the A3. Everything you see is there for a reason; spare, clean, uncluttered. We love it.

Audi embraces technology as much as it does design. To this end, Google is a partner (has been for a decade!) and was the first automaker to offer Google Earth with real street views on the Audi navigation system. Now, Audi is the first auto brand to offer 4G LTE in its phone/telematics/navigation.

Unlike some vehicles that are tied to their technologies that are installed at the time of production. Audi, including the 2015 A3, have updatable telematics and graphics. For the life of the car, Audi can update its vehicles to the latest technologies by either putting in a new chip, or downloading new software. Just like a smartphone. Brilliant.

The Bang & Olufsen sound system is fantastic. And a My Script touchpad allows drivers to handwrite navigation inputs on a touchpad on the center console. All the better to keep eyes on the road, since most of us can easily write letters with one hand while keeping focused on what lays ahead.

Opt for the super-quick and sporty model S3 and get a six-speed S-tronic gearshift with launch control…this means, you can merge quickly into traffic from a standstill. Crazy quick.

Both the 1.8L and 2.0L versions have PZev designations. This means the 2015 Audi A3 is a partial zero-emissions vehicle, and has zero evaporative emissions from its fuel system. In other words, it’s a less polluting car.

Eight airbags come standard.

Interior is minimalist with treated aluminum trim on door panels, a soft-rubberized dash, and lightly bolstered seats for torso comfort. A pop-up display/navigation screen disappears below the dash when not in use. We’re disappointed that backseat passengers have little legroom and don’t get air conditioning vents of their own…a bit uncomfortable on hot days. But headroom in the backseat is excellent.

A two-tone color scheme is standard on all Audi A3 models, which includes complimentary colors on seats and door panels. Windows on all four doors have one-touch up and down; a nice touch.