Audi shows full A3 lineup at LA Auto Show

Audi has finally revealed which models of its new A3 premium compact model will be coming to North America.

At the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi revealed the upcoming 2015 Audi A3 will be available to North American buyers in four different models; a base sedan, an S3 sports sedan, a convertible as well as an E-tron Hybrid model.
Coming to the market in early 2014 as 2015 model, the A3 sedan will feature a raft of technological and luxury features not seen in the premium compact segment before. Base models in the US will include standard features such as Xenon plus front lighting with Audi signature LED daytime running lights and taillights, bluetooth technology, leather seating surfaces, Audi pre-sense basic and a panoramic glass sunroof. In fact the new A3 will be the first vehicle in the world to offer built-in 4G LTE connectivity. The mobile data system will interface with the on-board Audi MMI system that features a retractable 7 inch hi-res LCD screen that retracts into the dashboard when not in use. The system uses the same processor found in cutting edge mobile tablets and the on-board data will be able to offer broadband wifi for up to 8 devices on-board.

The US market has been asking for a compact sedan to boost sales in the premium compact segment. US buyers had been reluctant buyers of the previous hatchback model of the A3. Audi US president Scott Keogh commented that instead of simply bring the requested sedan to American shores the new A3 lineup consisted of 4 unique models with 5 different engine choices, a 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI clean diesel, 1.4 TFSI PHEV and a high-output 2.0 TFSI in the S3. All engine swill be mated to 6 speed S-tronic transmissions.
The higher output 2.0L TFSI will boast an estimated 290 horsepower to power the upcoming S3 sedan. Enthusiasts can expect 0-100 kms/hr times under five seconds.

While previously available in Europe, the A3 cabriolet will be offered in North America starting in the fall of 2014. The electrically operated folding soft top roof opens or retracts in 18 seconds at speeds up to 50 kilometres per hour. The roof stows under the rear trunk lid and offers no real penalty in passenger comfort for the pleasure of drop top motoring. There is a slight reduction in available trunk space when the roof is retracted.
Audi’s long awaited A3 E-tron will only be offered in a 5 door lift-back body style. The placement of battery and fuel tank require the additional utility of the lift-back model. The E-tron drive train consists of an electric motor slotted between a 1.4L TFSI engine and the 6 speed dual clutch S-tronic transmission.
The A3 sedan will be offered in Canada starting at $31,100 when it goes on sale in the Spring of 2014. The list of standard equipment has not been finalized for Canadian models as of this time.