The new 2015 Audi A3 compact sedan is innovative and attractive, and it’s ideal for driving on tight city roads. It’s also reminiscent of Audi’s 1994 A4.

With Audi’s trademark single frame grille and pearl white LED headlights, the A3 is an anticipated addition in the A-segment.

Compared to 1 Series and B-segment models, A3 sedan’s wheelbase doesn’t look visually cramped. The result: a handsome exterior, low roof line and wide rear pillars. It’s as attractive as the Mercedes A- and B-classes, with the right tinge of sportiness.

The Audi A3 Sedan is a car for Gen Y. The interiors are exquisite and elaborate. The furnishings are well-fitted with a finesse that can put its rivals to shame. The engineering mettle can be experienced with every click of a dial, button and clasp.

There is enough space to be enjoyed by a family of three. Seats are comfortable, air conditioning vents work like charm, and the drop-down arm rests are a pleasure.

There is a “wraparound” dash design in the driver-centric cabin which carries an inventive 3D inlay. Buyers can ask for an optional package for LED lighting that lights up the console hub, door panels, mug holders and the Bang & Olufsen sound system in white light.

Audi offers three trims in the USA – Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The starting price range for these three versions is $29,900, $32,450, and $38,350, respectively.

There are three choices: a 1.8 TFSI with 170 horsepower (at rpm)and 200 lb-ft of torque (at rpm); a 2.0 TFSI with 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque; and the 2.0 TDI clean diesel with 150 horsepower.

All engines will be offered with a standard 6-speed S tronic and a drive select system. The systems all adjustment of response time of the throttle as well as the electromechanical driving wheel. The drive select will come in four settings – Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual.

The fastest of the A3 models is 2.0 TFSI engine which can sprint to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It has a top speed of 130 mph. The 1.8 TFSI engine accelerates can to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and also has a top speed of 130 mph.

The suspension and brakes deserve a special mention. The front suspension boasts of MacPherson design that comes equipped with A-arms and pivot bearings made of aluminum. The rear suspension, on the other hand, presents a 4-link design where the shock absorbers and springs are boarded separately.

It looks like the new Audi sedan will pose tough competition for the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA as well as the existing BMW 1 Series entry-level cars. And even though the price is on higher side, the style statement it will help create will be worth every dollar spent.

Here are the starting prices for the new The Audi A3 sedan lineup:

2015 A3, 1.8 TFSI, TFSI, $29,900.00
2015 A3, 2.0 TFSI, $32,900.00
2015 A3, Premium Plus, 1.8 TFSI, $32,800.00
2015 A3 Premium Plus, 2.0 TFSI, $35,800.00
2015 A3 Prestige, 1.8 TFSI, $38,700.00
2015 A3 Prestige, 2.0 TFSI, $41,700.00

Here are 2105 Audi A3 dimensions:

Length, 175.5 inches
Width, 70 inches
Height, 55.7 inches
Weight, 3,362 pounds
Wheelbase, 103.4 inches

Bunny Punia is the head of content at Gaadi.com, a leading automobile classifieds company in India.