German auto manufacturer Audi AG is one of the earth'due south leading producers of luxury vehicles. The Audi A3 and S3 sedans are two of the famed automaker's greatest creations considering of the combination of luxury and convenience that they provide. The wait is finally over every bit the specs, and release dates for both vehicles are now unveiled.

Blue Audi S3 car on the sidelines of the Audi AG annual general meeting in Ingolstadt, southern Germany, on May 9, 2018.
The Audi S3 | Christof Stache/AFP via Getty Images

A cursory Audi A3 and S3 history lesson

The original Audi A3 was manufactured and distributed in the mid-'90s. After the less than stellar sales operation of Audi'southward supermini economy auto, the Audi 50 in the '70s, Audi pigeon dorsum into the minor car game. The nameplate has survived for decades because of the development of its luxury sedan.

The biggest change to the vehicle came in the form of the v-door hatchback in 2005, the second generation of the A3. The artful of the vehicle transitioned from practical to sporty, and the residuum is history. The Audi A3 made a proper name for itself because of its great handling, powerful engine options, and comfortable interior. The S3's rise to popularity and timeline is extremely like, making an inseparable duo.

The first Audi S3 was released about 3 years after the A3, in 1999. It was introduced as the A3'due south libation cousin, a more performance-focused design. Like its predecessor, the S3 really came into its own in the mid-2000s. In 2006 the 2nd generation of the S3 was released with a more modern and exciting-looking exterior. This model twelvemonth sold extremely well and signaled the ascent of the A3 and S3 to the forefront of the marketplace. Side by side, the A3 and S3 would emerge as premium luxury sedans.

The 2022 Audi A3

A Black 2022 Audi A3 Sedan.
The Audi A3 | Via Audi Media Eye

The 2022 Audi A3 sedan will exist bachelor for purchase in America in Fall 2021. The toll range is $34,945-$42,245. All trims come with a Quattro all-wheel-drive option for an extra $2000. The 2022 Audi A3 continues to offering luxury at a reasonable price.

The base of operations model includes a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic manual. Every trim features an engine offset-stop and a 48-volt hybrid arrangement. Under the hood of the base Premium trim sits a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 201 hp. The 2022 sedan is a welcome addition to the A3 lineage, delivering a quality base of operations model with several options to upgrade performance and tech through the Premium Plus and Prestige trims.

The 2022 Audi S3

The Audi S3 | Via Audi Media Centre

The 2022 Audi S3 sedan lives up to its history of existence the superior performance vehicle to the A3. Luckily for consumers, the 2022 S3 also arrives in Fall 2021 alongside the A3, co-ordinate to Automobile and Driver. Though the S3'due south base model is pricier than the 2022 Audi A3 Premium Plus, it delivers on both functioning and condolement.

All-wheel drive is standard to all 2022 Audi S3 models. S3 models likewise include better brakes than the 2022 Audi A3 models. Information technology uses a 2.0-liter inline-iv cylinder engine that makes 306 hp, over 100 more horses than the A3. The Premium trim starts at $45,945. Audi's S3 Premium Plus trim costs $48,745, and the final trim, the Prestige, will toll $52,545.

Both the A3 and S3 models have transformed completely since their cosmos in the tardily 90s when Audi was looking to break into the pocket-size vehicle market again afterward the Audi l. The nameplates have each earned their own recognition and fan base of operations. The 2022 Audi A3 and S3 will proceed Audi's rich history of producing small luxury vehicles that perform well plenty to retain stiff followings.

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