The 2014 Audi A3 appears to be a cool and classy-looking luxury ride. But if you’re hankering for a hatchback, you’d better not wait for the new model. The next A3 is coming to the U.S. only in sedan format, whereas the 5-door hatchback continues to be offered in Europe. Rubbing some salt in the wound is the fact that the A3 sedan is arriving only after the hatchback goes on sale in other markets.
On top of these, Audi has confirmed that its A3 Sportback e-tron Plug-In Hybrid, revealed just last month at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, will also be offered in the U.S. This model will offer a peak output of 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, an electric-only range of about 30 miles and fuel economy approaching 100 mpg-equivalent.
The base 2015 Audi A3 will offer the 1.8-liter TFSI engine, which rates at 170 horsepower and sends drive to the front wheels only. Next in line is the 2.0-liter TDI, which rates at a lower 150 horsepower but should have a healthy torque rating.
The A3 e-tron Plug-In Hybrid features a 1.4-liter TFSI engine paired with an electric motor and delivers the aforementioned 204-horsepower peak rating.
At the top of the ladder is the 2.0-liter TFSI, which will be offered in the A3 quattro and sporty S3 all-wheel-drive models. Audi hasn’t released figures for this engine, but overseas it outputs as much as 300 horsepower.
