The Audi A3 sedan is the smallest car in Audi’s U.S. lineup, but don’t let its size fool you. This compact four-door package is designed to offer a premium feel and upscale content, and it mostly succeeds. With its sleek and stylish design, impressive performance and handling, and a range of safety and tech features, the A3 sedan is a strong contender in the entry-level luxury segment.
Powering the Audi A3 is a 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This combination delivers quick responses and ample power, with all 221 foot-pounds of torque available at a low 1600 rpm. While it may not be as powerful as its sibling, the Audi S3, the A3 still offers a thrilling driving experience.
The A3 sedan comes standard with front-wheel drive, but Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system is available as an option. This system enhances traction and stability, especially in inclement weather conditions. If you’re looking for even more performance, the S3 model offers a 308-horsepower engine and faster acceleration.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2024 A3 sedan impresses with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive models have slightly lower ratings of 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. In real-world testing, the all-wheel drive A3 actually exceeded its official EPA numbers, achieving a solid 40 mpg on a highway fuel-economy test route conducted by Car and Driver.
Inside the cabin, the Audi A3 offers a comfortable and well-designed space. The seating position is excellent, and the available sport seats feature quilted surfaces and faux-suede trimming for added luxury. However, some elements of the interior design fall short, such as the funky shift “flipper” and the abundance of hard plastic materials. The A3 provides ample comfort for both the driver and passengers, but storage solutions are limited. The trunk offers 10.9 cubic feet of space, which is sufficient for everyday needs.
When it comes to technology and connectivity, the A3 sedan doesn’t disappoint. All models come standard with a digital instrument cluster, with the option to upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch display as part of the Technology package. This package also includes navigation, traffic-sign recognition, and a Bang and Olufsen audio system. However, it’s worth noting that the A3 does not feature Audi’s new dual-screen setup or the Audi app store, which are available on other models in the lineup.
In terms of safety, the Audi A3 sedan is well-equipped with a range of driver-assistance features. Automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beams are included on all models. Additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and park assist are available as options.
Audi offers a standard warranty package for the A3 sedan, with both limited and powertrain warranties covering 4 years or 50,000 miles. While this is comparable to warranties offered by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, rivals like the Cadillac CT4 offer longer powertrain coverage. It’s also worth noting that the BMW 2-series provides three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Overall, the Audi A3 sedan is a strong contender in the entry-level luxury segment. With its stylish design, impressive performance, and range of safety and tech features, it offers a premium driving experience. While it may not be the most spacious or technologically advanced option in its class, the A3 sedan delivers on Audi’s promise of luxury and refinement.
