Photos: 2015 Audi A3 and S3 sedans

By Stephen Edelstein Published October 27, 2014

Audi is downsizing with the 2015 A3 and S3 sedans. Both are hatch-less versions of the A3 Sportback unveiled at the recent Geneva Motor Show, making them look like mini A4s or A6s. Despite their small size, Audi says they have the same refinement and convenience of full-size luxury cars.

Both feature tech niceties such as 4G LTE connectivity and Audi’s MMi infotainment system, as well as premium leather-lined interiors.

The A3 will be available with either a 1.8 or 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharger four-cylinder engine and Audi’s S tronic six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The S3 will be a sportier version, with a more powerful 2.0-liter engine. Audi will also offer an A3 TDI with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel.

Read our full coverage of the 2015 A3 and S3 and tell us what you think of these pint-sized luxury sedans in the comments.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work

Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Cars

Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.

Cars

EV drivers are not going back to gas cars, global survey says

Nearly all current owners of electric vehicles (EVs) are either satisfied or very satisfied with the experience, and 92% of them plan to buy another EV, according to a survey by the Global EV Drivers Alliance.

The survey of 23,000 EV drivers worldwide found that only 1% would return to a petrol or diesel car, while 4% would opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) if they had to replace their car.

Editors’ Recommendations