2019 Audi A3 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What's new

Quattro models get an 8-hp increase and a new transmissionAdditional standard equipment and revisions to feature availabilityPart of the second A3 generation introduced for 2015

　　The Audi A3 has consistently been the most well-rounded model in the entry-level luxury-car segment. That's down to its appealing blend of style, performance and creature comforts that, until recently, was tough to beat. It's getting on in years now, having been introduced in 2015, and some of its competition has caught up for 2019. Nevertheless, when it comes to convincing small luxury sedans and convertibles, the A3 is still an intriguing choice.

　　Ongoing updates to the A3's features set has helped keep it fresh. This year, for instance, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were formerly optional on the base trim level, are now standard. Plus, Quattro models receive a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that replaces last year's six-speed unit. Oddly enough, the extra gear didn't result in improved fuel economy like we'd expect. In fact, the EPA says the Quattro has dropped by 2 mpg in combined city/highway driving compared to last year.

　　Another surprise is how good one of the A3's new rivals, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, is. It's won us over with its premium cabin design, capable infotainment system and all-around performance. But if you can deal with its snug accommodations, the 2019 Audi A3 remains a solid pick for an affordable luxury sedan.

　　

What it's like to live with?

zzdcar' editorial team acquired and lived with an Audi A3 2.0T Quattro sedan for a full year, logging 20,000 miles. It quickly became obvious that although the A3 is Audi's entry-level sedan, it's a proper luxury car. We love the strong engine, quiet cabin and front seat comfort, but we found the trunk space a bit limiting and out-of-warranty maintenance fairly expensive. Note that we tested a 2015 A3, but most of our observations still apply to the 2019 A3. To read about our entire experience, check out our long-term A3 test.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.2 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Audi A3 2.0T Quattro Sedan (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).

　　Since this test was conducted, the current vehicle has received some revisions, including changes to features availability and the addition of a seven-speed automatic transmission for Quattro models for 2019. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's vehicle, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.2 / 10
Driving	9.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	6.0

　　

Driving

9.0

　　With 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the A3 provides plenty of power to accelerate with purpose yet still returns good fuel economy figures. Handling is noteworthy, with a direct feel and cornering that's both entertaining and reassuring.

　　

Acceleration

9.0

　　There's some hesitation from a standstill. But once underway, thrust from the turbocharged four-cylinder is impressive, reaching 60 mph in a quick 5.8 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system gives plenty of grip.

　　

Braking

9.0

　　Around town, the A3 has natural-feeling brake weighting and responses and is easy to modulate. In panic braking, there's little nosedive and the car tracks straight. It needed 118 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is better than average for the class and remained consistent after several runs.

　　

Steering

8.0

　　The steering effort is light, making parking-lot maneuvers easy, but it still conveys direct feedback to the driver. On winding roads, it is predictably precise and further instills confidence.

　　

Handling

8.0

　　The A3 feels light and athletic in curves. The all-wheel-drive system makes the most of available grip, and the well-tuned suspension gives it a balanced, reassuring feel.

　　

Drivability

9.0

　　The A3 is easy to maneuver in tight spaces thanks to its light steering. It tackles the everyday commute with ease.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　This front-seat comfort is the kind we've come to expect from larger and more expensive sedans. And the A3 manages it without sacrificing performance. The rear seats are cramped but no more than those of other cars in this class.

　　

Seat comfort

7.0

　　The front seats are roomy and comfortable even after several hours of touring. But they do lack some side bolstering. Rear-seat space is restrictive and suitable for smaller passengers only.

　　

Ride comfort

8.0

　　The A3 has a compliant ride that smooths over most road imperfections. Larger undulations can cause some jostling, though.

　　

Noise & vibration

8.0

　　Road and wind noise is detectable on the highway, but it's never intrusive, even on rough pavement. There's some clattering engine noise at startup, but the idle quickly smooths out.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　Like all Audis, the A3 sports an austere interior design, and that's a good thing. Tasteful aluminum accents, excellent materials quality and a generous features list make this car feel anything but entry-level.

　　

Ease of use

9.0

　　The controls are placed exactly where you'd expect them, especially the MMI controller with handwriting recognition. The central screen rises from the dash for easy viewing, with sharp graphics and intuitive menus.

　　

Getting in/getting out

6.0

　　Front-seat access is easy even in tight spaces thanks to a tall opening and doors that aren't too long. Rear access is decidedly less simple, requiring some twisting and stooping to get in.

　　

Roominess

6.0

　　The front seats are roomy enough for taller passengers, but the rear seats lack the head- and legroom needed for the average adult. Only small folks will be comfortable back there.

　　

Visibility

9.0

　　Forward visibility is excellent thanks to narrow roof pillars — a rarity in modern cars. Rear visibility is good enough that you could get by without the optional backup camera.

　　

Quality

9.0

　　All interior surfaces in the A3 are well-textured for an upscale look and feel. Every knob and switch has a distinct heft and click, and the car just feels sturdy.

　　

Utility

6.0

　　The all-wheel-drive system eats up a decent chunk of the already-smallish trunk space, and cabin storage is at a premium.

　　

Small-item storage

6.5

　　Interior storage is pretty limited, with modestly sized door pockets, console bin and glovebox.

　　

Cargo space

6.0

　　The A3's trunk is the smallest in the class with only a 10-cubic-foot capacity. Large golf bags or long clubs will require folding down the rear seats.

　　

Which A3 does zzdcar recommend?

　　We recommend the Quattro guise in part for the additional power that comes with the namesake all-wheel-drive system. To keep the cost in check, we suggest sticking with the base Titanium or Premium trim. Also, consider getting the reasonably priced Convenience package for its useful blind-spot monitoring and keyless ignition and entry features.

　　

2019 Audi A3 models

　　The 2019 Audi A3 is offered in four-door sedan and two-door convertible (Cabriolet) body styles. Both are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The trim levels are named Titanium, Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige in Audi-speak, which are listed in order of increasing content.

　　Front-wheel-drive A3 models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (184 hp, 221 lb-ft). These models have a fuel economy edge over their all-wheel-drive (Quattro) brothers to the tune of 4 mpg (EPA combined). Quattro variants have a similar engine, but a few changes elevate its gumption to a more robust 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. All A3s are fitted exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

　　The base Titanium, available only as a sedan, is well-equipped, sporting features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker sound system, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The Premium is similarly equipped, but it is available as a sedan or a convertible. Premium Cabriolet models get a power-folding soft top, a nine-speaker sound system and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.

　　For a reasonable sum, the Premium Plus adds a mix of cosmetics and worthwhile convenience features such as 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable passenger seat (sedan), blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless ignition and entry, parking sensors, full LED headlights and wireless charging. These models also gain a dose of exterior appearance items such as revised bumpers, side sill extensions and illuminated aluminum front doorsills.

　　The Prestige goes all out with a parking assistance system, power-folding mirrors, an expanded Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, navigation, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, and a host of driver assistance features (including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise and automatic high beams). Some of the features found on the Premium Plus and the Prestige can be added to the lower trims as options.

　　

2019 A3 Highlights

Type: SedanConvertibleSedan

　　Trim: 2.0 TFSI Premium2.0 TFSI Titanium2.0 TFSI Premium quattro2.0 TFSI Premium Plus2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro2.0 TFSI Prestige2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro2.0 TFSI Premium

　　

Base MSRP	$32,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$157/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles