Sporty, stylish, and compact Audi A3 is by far one of America’s favorite import brands available on the market today. A sticking point is that its strong competitor, the VW Golf just won’t let you justify the current A3′s big cost. Moreover, the latter looks quite old-fashioned. Sure, Audi’s slight updates helped it to get ahead of the Golf V in terms of style, but Audi needed to make a move on since the Golf VI is really well-equipped. Now meet the A3 sedan designed with the U.S. market in mind.

Being about the same size as the 1996–2001 A4, the 2014 A3 sedan shares the platfrom with the next-generation Volkswagen Golf. The A3 is actually the first VW Group’s model to have the new platfrom. The VW Group’s MQB platform is lighter if compared to the current one. As for the powertrain, the U.S. market receives the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel that makes 140 hp and the turbocharged 2.0-liter gas engine with an output of 200 hp. The gasoline hybrid and a fully electric version are both rumored. Expect the sedan to reach 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and have a top speed of 155 mph.

There’s more to love inside. While the A3 is well-finished, there are certain peculiarities that prob won’t make it to production, for example the expensive high-end Bang and Olufsen stereo and the carbon-fiber trim. The forthcoming model has been treated with Audi’s latest MMI-Plus infotainment system. Its transmission control is done through push buttons. As for seats, they are all cushy and well-bolstered.

Audi A3 sedan is to compete with Mercedes-Benz B-class spinoffs, BMW 1-series, Lexus CT200h, and Infiniti compact. However, the automaker fears for the new Audi to eat into the sales of the A4, which is popular now. Expect the sedan to arrive as the 2014 model priced $30,000. By the way, the convertible is likely to follow.

Image Credit: Car and Driver, AutoGuide, Bil-video