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Overall Rating
Both engine options on offer with A3 are potent in their performance. At $29,900, the extensive list of features that the Audi comes equipped with makes it a value proposition. However, its rear-seats do act as a hindrance in its success.
The compact sedan segment has started to gain traction over the last few years, for its smaller dimensions and sought-after maneuverability bestow upon the vehicle a better driving experience in the bustling streets of New York. While Audi had long been missing from the market, the replacement of the A3 from a hatch to a small sedan allows the brand to fill the void in their lineup.
We recommend buying the top-rack Prestige trim to make the most out of your compact sedan. In addition to standard features, the Prestige hosts advanced and hi-tech features, which make the A3 all the more practical and pragmatic. When it comes to the engine options, we would recommend the 2.0L inline-4 engine.
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Both engine options on offer with A3 are potent in their performance. At $29,900, the extensive list of features that the Audi comes equipped with makes it a value proposition. However, its rear-seats do act as a hindrance in its success.
The compact sedan segment has started to gain traction over the last few years, for its smaller dimensions and sought-after maneuverability bestow upon the vehicle a better driving experience in the bustling streets of New York. While Audi had long been missing from the market, the replacement of the A3 from a hatch to a small sedan allows the brand to fill the void in their lineup.
The Audi A3 is available in three different trims, each of which features two engine options, a standard transmission setup, and two different drivetrains. As standard, the A3 comes equipped with features like cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and leather seats. The base price of the sedan is $29,900 and goes up to$41,600 for the top-end Prestige trim.
Trim |
Premium |
Premium Plus |
Prestige |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (1.8 T) |
$29,900 |
$29,900 |
$33,200 |
MSRP (2.0 T) |
$33,200 |
$33,200 |
$41,600 |
Key Features |
Cruise Control |
Cruise Control |
Cruise Control |
|
HID Headlights |
HID Headlights |
Smart Device Integration |
|
Rain Sensing Wipers |
Rain Sensing Wipers |
Premium Sound System |
|
Keyless Entry |
Keyless Entry |
Power Folding Mirrors |
|
Leather Seats |
Leather Seats |
Electrochromic Rearview Mirror |
|
Auto-leveling headlights |
Auto-leveling headlights |
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control |
We Recommend
We recommend buying the top-rack Prestige trim to make the most out of your compact sedan. In addition to standard features, the Prestige hosts advanced and hi-tech features, which make the A3 all the more practical and pragmatic. When it comes to the engine options, we would recommend the 2.0L inline-4 engine.
Beneath the lid of the Audi A3 sits peacefully either a 1.8L inline-4 or 2.0L inline-4 unit depending on the trim you choose for. The base, 1.8L I-4 engine, is capable of producing 170 hp of power and 200 lb.-ft of torque. It helps the car race to the 60 MPH mark in 6.5 seconds, which is the fastest in the segment.
In the quarter-mile run, the Audi A3 clocks 15.2 seconds and can record a top speed of 129 MPH. The more powerful 2.0L I-4 unit is good for 220 hp of engine power and 258 lb.-ft of torque. As standard, the Audi A3 comes attached to a 6-speed automated manual transmission and is available both as a front-drive and an all-wheel-drive variant.
Model |
Audi A3 |
Mercedes-Benz CLA |
Buick Verano |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$29,900 |
$31,500 |
$21,065 |
Engine |
1.8L I-4 |
2.0L I-4 |
2.4L I-4 |
Drivetrain |
Front-wheel-drive |
Front-wheel-drive |
Front-wheel-drive |
Transmission |
6-speed-automated manual |
7-speed automated manual |
6-speed shiftable automatic |
Power |
170hp |
208hp |
180hp |
Torque |
200lb.-ft |
258lb.-ft |
171lb.-ft |
0-60 MPH (seconds) |
6.5 seconds |
6.6 seconds |
8.3 seconds |
Quarter mile (mph) |
15.2 seconds |
15.1 seconds |
16.2 seconds |
Top speed (mph) |
129 MPH |
150 MPH |
138 MPH |
In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Buick Verano also make use of inline-4 engines, however, they come mated to 7-speed automated manual and 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, respectively. In the acceleration test to the 60 MPH mark, the Mercedes-Benz is marginally slower than the class-leading A3, taking 6.6 seconds, while the Buick Verano remains considerably behind managing 8.3 seconds. In the quarter-mile run, the Buick Verano continues to lurk at the bottom of the table, while the Mercedes-Benz moves to first place clocking 15.1 seconds.
The Audi A3 may not be the most-fuel efficient car in the segment, but it does manage decent efficiencies. It is capable of managing 24 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Combined, the A3 has a total capacity of 14.5 gallons and can cover a range of 348 and 478.5 miles in the city and highway, respectively.
Model |
Audi A3 |
Mercedes-Benz CLA |
Buick Verano |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
24 |
26 |
21 |
MPG (Highway) |
33 |
38 |
32 |
MPG (Combined) |
27 |
30 |
25 |
Fuel Capacity |
14.5 gallons |
13.1 gallons |
15.6 gallons |
Range (City/highway) |
348/478.5 mi |
340.6/497.8 mi |
327.6/499.2 mi |
In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is the most fuel-efficient car on the block, averaging 30 miles per gallon of fuel. The Buick Verano, on the other hand, is the least-efficient out of the lot and averages 25 miles per gallon of fuel. In terms of fuel capacity, the Buick Verano has the most voluminous tank, while the distance covered is equal with little variations in all the sedans.
The Audi A3’s cabin feels like a lap of luxury and resonates with opulence and class-leading features. It’s athletic and dynamic, with the protruding screen that comes out of the dashboard. The seats are comfortable, with ample bolstering and cushioning.
It can seat five passengers, and there is abundant space for front-seat passengers, while the rear seat occupants do suffer due to lack of legroom. The central gauge is sharp, and the storage space in the central console adds practicality. The cargo capacity on offer is 10 cubic feet, which is easy to access and can hold a single luggage bag, however, it is the lowest in the segment.
Model |
Audi A3 |
Mercedes-Benz CLA |
Buick Verano |
---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
36.5/54.8/41.2 |
38.2/56/40.2 |
38.3/53.7/42 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
36.1/53/35.1 |
35.5/53.2/27.1 |
37.8/52.9/37.4 |
Cargo capacity (cu. Ft) |
10 |
13.1 |
14.3 |
In comparison, all cars in the segment have a seating capacity of five passengers. While the space for front passengers is almost similar, the Mercedes-Benz CLA’s legroom of 27.1 inches for the rear-seat occupants is the lowest. In terms of cargo capacity, it is the Buick Verano that leads the segment with a total trunk volume of 14.3 cubic feet. Some interior features include:
The infotainment system on the A3 makes use of Audi’s traditional Multimedia Interface. As standard, the Audi A3 comes attached with a display screen that can be controlled via the rotary knob that sits on the center console.
If one opts for the optional navigation system, the knob also features a touchpad. It gets connected to a 10-speaker sound system, which works exceedingly well and is one of the best-in-the-class. Few key infotainment features available with the sedan are-
The A3 looks unmistakably like an Audi as it features a similar design strategy to other cars from the brand, maintaining the brand’s legacy and heritage. The head and tail lights are praiseworthy, with a lot of attention to detail. In its size and stance, the Audi A3 does look small, yet attractive. The tapering roofline gives the compact sedan a coveted look, which works in Audi’s favor. The rear exhaust tips add a necessary athletic and robust feel to the overall design.
The Audi A3 is the lightest car in the segment, having a total curb weight of 3,175 lbs. It is the shortest in overall length and wheelbase measuring 175.4 and 103.8 inches, respectively. While its width is not known, the A3 is 55.7 inches tall. Both statistically and visually, the A3 does look like the smallest car in the segment, however, it is its proportionate stance that gives it an edge over its competitors.
Model |
Audi A3 |
Mercedes-Benz CLA |
Buick Verano |
---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3175 |
3274 |
3300 |
Length (in.) |
175.4 |
182.3 |
183.9 |
Width (in.) |
N/A |
70 |
71.4 |
Height (in.) |
55.7 |
56.6 |
58.1 |
Ground Clearance (in.) |
N/A |
3.9 |
N/A |
Wheelbase (in.) |
103.8 |
106.3 |
105.7 |
In comparison, the Buick Verano is the heaviest car in the segment weighing 3,300 lbs, followed by the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which stands at 3,274 lbs. Additionally, the Buick is the longest, widest, and tallest car in the segment, having a total length, width, and height of 183.9, 71,4, and 58.1 inches, respectively. Some standout features of the A3 include:
The Audi A3 is supremely confident, reliable, and dependable, and is backed by its extensive list of features. It scores a 5-star rating in the crash tests conducted by the NHTSA, which speaks volumes about its potential. As standard, the Audi A3 comes equipped with features such as an engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, and an anti-theft alarm system. All trims of the Audi A3 perform exceptionally well in the deceleration tests. Some other safety features available with the Audi A3 include:
The compact size sedan market, though evolving, did lack an element of freshness, which the Audi A3 has introduced into the segment. Its engine is not just potent, but also fuel-efficient, which does give it an advantage over its competitors. The use of top-grade interior materials and a sought-after infotainment system make the Audi A3 rather modern and upmarket. In dimensions, the Audi A3 does feel small, but it is appropriate as per segment standards. Its hi-tech safety features add an element of dependability to the sedan. We recommend buying the Audi A3 for its modernity, uniqueness, and its unparalleled driving experience.