Audi’s known for their performance prowess; their brand heritage and prestige…but their average car, much like the average car buyer, has gotten significantly larger in recent years.  And that’s left a void, at least in the U.S. market, for a small, affordable Audi sedan…until now.

Thoroughly reengineered, rather than simply adapted, from the A3 sportback, the A3 sedan is lighter by more than 100 pounds, and features a new generation of the 1.8 and 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinders seen elsewhere in the lineup

Base A3’s output 170 horsepower in front-wheel drive only, through a standard 6 speed dual clutch transmission.  Shifts are lightning quick, but the power just isn’t there to enjoy the experience. Stepping up to the 2.0 liter gives you 220 horsepower and quattro all-wheel drive.

The A3 also comes to market with impressive standard features, including leather seats, LED tail lamps and xenon headlamps.  And it’s the first automobile ever to offer a 4G LTE data service for real time connectivity.

Stay tuned to MotorWeek, as there’s plenty more to report on the 2015 Audi A3.