Like the rest of the automotive landscape, Volkswagen is doubling down on crossovers and leaving small cars, at least in the United States, on the chopping block. Volkswagen cut the beloved Golf and the Passat from its US portfolio but continues to offer the Audi sibling: the A3. In fact, the Audi A3 sees a new, albeit updated, platform for 2022. The Audi A3 kicked off Audi’s legacy compact for the 1996 model year and offered fans of small Volkswagens a more luxurious option. While the 2022 model dwarfs its predecessor, the latest A3 sticks with that essential formula. Powering this ’22 Audi A3 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 that makes 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. That power travels through a seven-speed DCT to either the front wheels or all-four wheels if you opt for the all-wheel-drive system.

On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren puts the latest A3 through its paces. Wren walks you around the outside of the 2022 Audi A3 and highlights its styling and features, and also guides you on a tour of the new A3 interior. Wren also takes you along for a drive review and talks about the A3’s dynamics and driving features. Adding to these segments, Mark Vaughn joins Wren to discuss the compact luxury car world and the new A3. Closing the show, the two talk about what makes the 2022 Audi A3 special.