Quick Spin: 2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro

The first-generation (B5) Audi A4 has developed quietly into something of a cult icon among German car enthusiasts. While perhaps best-appreciated for its twin-turbocharged S4 variant (available in the much-coveted 6-speed/wagon combination), even the base car still maintains a loyal following.

Over the years, though, Audi’s small sedan grew both in size and stature. Like the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the A4 evolved into more of a global-market family vehicle than a true compact, leaving behind the buyer that embraced it for its small size and nimble chassis.

This A3 is the first to come to America as a sedan, the previous generation having only sold stateside as a five-door hatchback. When Audi announced that the new A3 would arrive here only in sedan form, initial consternation turned to general hopefulness as comparisons to the classic B5 A4 began to circulate. Despite the absence of certain desirable powertrain combinations, enthusiasts quickly accepted the new sedan and eagerly awaited the opportunity to drive one.

Whether due to the enthusiast support or in spite of it, Audi’s replacement for its entry-level compact has been a strong seller for the German automaker, helping (along with the brand-new Q3) to buoy sales in a lineup that is starting to show its age. A year after its launch, we took another look at the baby from Volkswagen’s Bavarian brand to see if any of the bloom has fallen off the rose.

What is it?
The A3 is Audi’s smallest U.S. offering. Based on the same MQB architecture as the Volkswagen Golf and sharing many powertrain components, the A3′s footprint is significantly smaller than that of the larger A4′s.

As such, engine offerings are limited to four-cylinder engines of various fuel types and displacements. Our loaner is a 2.0 TFSI model, boasting the second-most powerful engine available in this chassis–a turbocharged, two-liter, four-cylinder engine boasting 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Only the S3 offers more oomph. Putting that power to the ground is a transverse application of Audi’s iconic quattro all-wheel-drive system mated to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

Inside and out
It should come as no surprise that the A3′s rear seat doesn’t offer the sort of space you’ll find in its larger cousins. This is not a compact-in-name-only, as had become commonplace among the German luxury brands before the introduction of the A3, CLA-Class and 2-Series. There are belts for five adults, but realistically you’d only ever want to carry four, and you’ll want your tallest friend to ride shotgun (and your tallest enemy sit behind him).

The interior is minimalist, at times to a fault. Audi’s clean, clutter-free dash comes at the expense of convenience and connectivity. The hide-away screen, for example, looks tacked-on when in use despite disappearing seamlessly behind the center stack when dismissed. It’s a good compromise on paper, but less so in practice, as there’s very little reason (except, perhaps, individual determination) to disable the screen while driving. With so many vehicle systems centrally controlled via the MMI (and thus, via the screen), it’s a functional necessity.

Audi’s tech is also a mixed bag. On the plus side, the Google-powered navigation system is excellent–both responsive and reliable. Connectivity, however, is less than ideal. Audi’s infotainment system makes accommodation for CD, DVDs, aux-in via a 3.5mm jack and SD cards, but not USB–a glaring omission in a tech-centered vehicle. iPhone and iPod users can make use of Audi-supplied cables.

The news outside, however, is all good. Not only does the A3′s footprint pay homage to the classic B5 A4, but its silhouette does too. Small sedans often suffer from an ill-advised rear deck line, but the A3 is well-proportioned and our tester’s 18″, 10-spoke wheels fill the wells far better than the smaller offerings on 1.8L A3s. Our Premium Plus model also adds aluminum window trim for a nice contrast against the Brilliant Black exterior.

Does it go?
The A3 sedan may look like a snooze on paper compared to its S-branded variant, but make no mistake, this little car can scoot. With 220hp on tap to motivate 3,362lbs, the A3′s power-to-weight ratio is actually much better than that of its spiritual predecessor. Couple that with quattro and Audi’s S-Tronic dual-clutch, and acceleration is a non-issue. Audi claims the A3 2.0T is good for a 0-60 run in just 5.8 seconds–quicker than plenty of sport compacts.

Our loaner’s Sport Package included Drive Select, Audi’s drive mode selector which allows for comfort or sport-oriented programming for the engine and transmission, summoning quicker shifts, more time in lower gears and snappier throttle response when sport mode is engaged. An automatic mode can also be selected, in which case Drive Select will adapt each function based on the driver’s throttle inputs and shift patterns.

And while the A3 lacks the S3′s magnetic ride control suspension, it still does a respectable job of keeping itself planted and predictable. The 225mm-section-width tires, while surprisingly harsh and loud on the freeway, are adequately grippy and communicative. The A3′s steering is Audi’s usual, slightly over-boosted offering, but it’s nothing that can’t be coped with. All in all, the A3 is composed, predictable, comfortable and engaging, whether on the highway or on a tricky back road.

Leftlane’s bottom line
The A3 is a nimble, attractive, comfortable car looking for just a touch more tech-friendliness to complete the package. Despite some minor foibles, the A3 does right by its older sibling and makes for a compelling, accessible all-around driver’s car.

2015 Audi A3 2.0T quattro S tronic, $32,900; Audi MMI Navigation, $2,600; A3 Premium Plus package, $2,550; Driver Assistance package, $1,400; Sport package, $550; Destination, $895, $32,900; Audi MMI Navigation, $2,600; A3 Premium Plus package, $2,550; Driver Assistance package, $1,400; Sport package, $550; Destination, $895