Tested: 2022 Audi A3 Quattro lacks 'S' appeal:
You probably guessed that motivation is provided by a turbo 2.0-liter inline-four driving all four wheels . Now running a modified Miller cycle and boasting a 48-volt hybrid system, it's more economical. The EPA combined figure increases to 31 mpg, a 6-mpg improvement over its predecessor. Our A3 Quattro returned 40 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test. The snappy and responsive dual-clutch automatic makes the most of the modest 201 horses, but the 6.
0-second 60-mph time trails the Mercedes and BMW entries. With 105 more horsepower, the S3 shames its weaker sibling, hitting 60 in 4.3 seconds.Nor is the A3 as willing when the road starts throwing curves. The suspension is firm but feels underdamped on challenging pavement. The S3, particularly with its optional adaptive dampers, is much more sporting. On the skidpad, the A3 managed 0.89 g, against 0.96 g for the S3.