2015 Audi A3/S3 Sedan Debuts, A3 Hatch PHEV Confirmed for U.S. – 2013 New York

Show floor update: Audi revealed the 2015 A3 and S3 to reporters at a private event ahead of the New York auto show ahead of its public debut at the Shanghai auto show next month. Executives at the automaker revealed additional details during the preview, including a prediction of “almost 300 horsepower” for the S3. Officials also boasted that the new car is roughly 200 pounds lighter than the old model and packs exclusive features including 4G LTE connectivity, optional full-LED headlights and an infotainment screen that’s just 0.43 inches thick. Though it goes on-sale in Europe late this summer, we’ll have to wait until early 2014 to get it in the US and until late 2014 for the plug-in hybrid model. Pricing was not announced but will be “competitive” with the recently revealed Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. -Scott Evans The 2015 Audi A3 sedan is showing its face at the New York show this week along with the higher-performance S3 sedan. Reminiscent of the original A4 introduced in the mid-1990s, the 2015 Audi A3 sedan will go on sale the first quarter of 2014. In addition, Audi confirmed the A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid will arrive on our shores in hatchback form.
Four engine choices will be available for the A3 sedan including a 170-hp 1.8-liter I-4 and 150-hp 2.0-liter I-4 diesel. Power figures for the 2.0-liter that will be used in the all-wheel-drive A3 sedan and more powerful S3 have not been revealed, but all engines will be paired with a standard six-speed automatic. Measuring 175.5 inches in length, the Audi sits atop a 103.4 inch wheelbase. At 70 inches wide, and 55.7 inches high, Audi says the compact sedan resembles the original Audi A4 in exterior proportions. Up front, available LED headlights flank the signature Audi grille, while inside, optional white LEDs light up the center console, door panels, and cupholders. Also new is an Audi phone box that increases a cellular phone’s coverage by wirelessly pairing it to a special antenna in the rear windshield. Other new features include the redesigned MMI infotainment system that offers Google Earth navigation and can serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices. Everything is displayed on Audi’s 7-inch electronic extending screen.
Standard features include leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, rain-sensing wipers, and a panoramic sunroof. Audi will also offer on the U.S.-spec A3 a 705-watt, 14-speaker sound system and a driver assistance package thatthrows in Audi side assist, and adaptive cruise control. Like other Audis, the A3 sedan will have Audi drive select with four settings: Auto, Dynamic, Comfort, and Individual. Audi also confirmed the A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid four-door hatchback for the U.S. market. The plug-in hybrid debuted in Geneva with a 148-hp 1.4-liter I-4 that works with a 75kw electric motor for a combined output of just over 200 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. An “e-S tronic” six-speed automatic transmission delivers that power to the wheels, and VW says the A3 e-tron can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 138 mph. The hybrid will also run on pure electric mode for up to 31 miles, but concrete details will be revealed closer to the A3 e-tron’s launch.