Audi announces 2015 A3 pricing

The last A3 we drove, an Irish-spec model with cloth seats and a 1.4 TSI engine paired with Audi's S-tronic twin-clutch gearbox, retailed for $54,495. Thankfully, American buyers won't face that sort of out-the-wazoo payment when the new sedan arrives early next year. Audi's announced a price that takes a direct shot across the bow of rival Mercedes-Benz' CLA: $29,900. (Or $30,795 once an $895 destination fee is factored in.)

We'll also get more base-level equipment than the Irish. Yank-spec A3 sedans will come standard with leather seats and a panoramic sunroof, as well as the 1.8L TFSI engine good for 170 hp. The price for paying less than the Emerald Islanders? We won't get a manual transmission option.

In 2015, the A3 e-tron hatch will arrive on our shores; the plug-in hybrid model will be the only A3 available in the U.S. in the hatchback body style. Prior to the e-tron's arrival, we'll see the hopped-up sportster S3, a convertible variant like the one displayed at this year's Frankfurt auto show and owing to Audi's big diesel push in the U.S., a TDI model.

With BMW's 2-series bowing at the Detroit auto show in January (specs and photos hit the web yesterday), the entry-Eurolux market is suddenly very interesting indeed.

By Davey G. Johnson