Audi’s online configurator for its new A3 sedan has at long last gone live. As we do in such cases of a hotly anticipated car’s build-your-own function firing up, work immediately commenced on the virtual assembly of our dream A3. A huge part of the A3’s appeal, of course, is its affordability, not to mention its fine driving manners. Also, it looks like a miniature A8, making it the perfect starter executive express. This is the version we’d buy:
MODEL:
Audi S3 Sedan (base price: $41,995)
Having tested the regular A3 sedan and driven its hotter S3 sibling, we can say they’re wonderful machines. But the S3’s power and handling advantage over the A3 cannot be ignored, and we’re a power-hungry bunch, so we’re skipping the regular version and going straight for the S. This, of course, requires significant extra investment; the S3 retails for $11,200 more than the entry-level, front-drive A3 sedan.
Still, for $41,995, the S3 provides a 292-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, a standard six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a claimed 155-mph top speed. It’s a shame that Audi hasn’t yet decided whether it is bringing the European-market S3’s available manual transmission option here, but the dual-clutch unit is snappy enough. The base price covers the Premium Plus trim level; the upmarket Prestige version commands $47,895. All of the Prestige content can be purchased as individual options or packages on the Premium Plus—although doing so brings the price to parity with the Prestige’s base price. Because we want everything the Prestige has to offer, we just selected that trim level for its bundled goodness.
Standard equipment on the Prestige is generous and includes Audi’s MMI infotainment system with navigation, a bangin’ Bang & Olufsen audio system, power-folding heated side mirrors, adaptive full-LED headlights, a backup camera and parking assist, and leather seats. Both S3 models come with a sweet quad-exhaust setup, 18-inch split-five-spoke wheels with summer tires, LED taillights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. BMW will gleefully charge far, far more for a similarly contented M235i; for example, the new-for-2015 all-wheel-drive M235i xDrive model starts at $45,850. Equipping it with leather, heated seats, navigation, and other stuff that’s standard on the S3 Prestige punts its MSRP over $52K—and remember, the BMW is down two doors to the S3.
- 2015 Audi S3 Sedan Driven: Audi’s New Small Sedan Is a Hot Performer
- Comparison Test: 2015 Audi A3 vs. 2014 BMW 228i, Mercedes-Benz CLA250
- Audi S3 Sedan Research: Full Pricing, Specs, Reviews, and More
OPTIONS:
Brilliant Black ($0)
Magma Red and Black Interior ($0)
19-inch Performance Package ($1500)
There aren’t many options the S3 Prestige doesn’t already have, meaning our list of extras is commendably brief. In keeping with the S3’s junior-executive-saloon vibe, we spec’d Brilliant Black paint for a low profile. For the inside, we opted for the sporty Magma Red and Black interior scheme, which brings a dash of color to the S3’s otherwise dark cabin; plus, the splashes of red nicely complement the S3’s standard aluminum trim. The only other goody we sprung for was the 19-inch Performance package, a deal that includes gorgeous 19-inch aluminum wheels and Audi’s adaptive suspension dampers. We passed on the $1400 Advance Technology package, which includes a bunch of nanny driver-assistance gear; mother please, we’d rather drive it ourselves.
So there you have it, for $49,395, you can look like you run the company—and have way more fun than the guys who actually do.
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