As Audi’s smallest sedan, the A3 delivers the brand’s trademark refinement and elegance in a tidy package that’s priced within reach of the average new car buyer.
What's New for 2015
The A3 is totally new this year, eschewing last year’s hatchback design for a proper sedan body. A convertible is expected later in the model year.
Choosing Your Audi A3
The front-drive A3 starts out with 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 170 horsepower. Buyers can upgrade to a 220-horsepower 2-liter turbo, which comes paired with all-wheel drive.
There's also a turbo-diesel version of the 2-liter on the way that's expected to return 35 mpg in combined city and highway driving. All engines are hooked to a six-speed automated manual transmission.
No matter which engine you choose, the A3 is available in three trim levels:
Premium:
Comes fully equipped with a leather interior, a power driver seat, automatic xenon headlights, a sunroof, 17-inch wheels (18-inch available), Bluetooth phone and audio, and a 10-speaker sound system with CD, SD card reader, and satellite and HD radio.
- w/ Cold Weather Package: Adds heat to the front seats, side mirrors and windshield washer nozzles.
- w/ Navigation Package: Includes a navigation system with voice and touch controls, a larger display screen, a color trip computer and an iPod interface.
Premium Plus:
Includes the Cold Weather Package and iPod interface as standard equipment, plus 18-inch wheels, keyless access and ignition, dual-zone climate control and power passenger seat.
- w/ Convenience Package: Adds power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and ambient interior lighting.
- w/ Driver Assistance Package: Equips the A3 with blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and an automated parking system.
Prestige:
The swankiest A3 includes the Premium's equipment and packages, plus full LED headlights, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and specific exterior styling details.
- w/ Advance Technology Package: Adds safety technology such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and front collision alert with automatic braking.
All trim levels can get a Sport Package with front sport seats, a sport steering wheel with shift paddles, and selectable driving modes. Rear side airbags are available as a standalone option.
Upgrading to the 2-liter engine with all-wheel drive adds $3,000 to any model, a bargain considering how that setup transforms the A3’s performance.