AudiA3

　　

2024 Audi A3 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　Audis are known for their sharp styling and sporty performance, but as a German luxury brand, they're also rather pricey. The 2024 Audi A3, as the smallest and most affordable sedan in the lineup, is more accessible. The A3 was last redesigned in 2022 and this year it reflects only minor changes. It sits under the larger A4 and sleek A5 in Audi's lineup. Those who desire more athleticism should check out the related S3 and raucous RS 3, which are covered separately.

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Technology and stability

Audi was one of the pioneers of all-wheel drive and benefits from decades of experience. Its Quattro system is one of the best in the business, delivering seamless power when you need it. We recommend it for those in regions prone to inclement weather as well as for drivers with a penchant for sporty cornering. Inside, the A3 has a distinctly tech-forward feel, with a sharp digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen housed in a modern dash with bold, sharp angles. The interfaces are not only good-looking but also easy to use.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Audi A3's closest competitors are other entry-level German luxury sedans. The BMW 2 Series coupe is priced within a few hundred dollars of the Audi. It is more powerful and offers stronger overall performance, but its rear seats provide less passenger space. The Mercedes-Benz CLA costs a few thousand more than the A3 and, in return, provides a slightly more luxurious interior and an excellent infotainment system. All three are competitive in regard to fuel efficiency and cargo space. You can get even more detail on the A3 from our Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the A3 drive? The Audi A3 is one of the smallest sedans on the market, luxury or not. That small footprint makes it feel light and nimble whether you're out on a mountain road or maneuvering through a parking lot. The A3's steering is light and accurate, though it doesn't give you much feel for the road. The brakes are equally impressive and produced impressively short panic stops at zzdcar' test facility.

　　We like this turbocharged engine too. There's lots of low-range and midrange power, so the A3 feels quick on the street, reflected by a solid 0-60 mph sprint of 6.4 seconds. The transmission helps, with smooth, quick shifts and better around-town drivability than other small luxury cars. While Audi left more on the table for the sportier S3 and RS 3, the base A3 is still plenty fun to drive.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the A3? The A3 has a comfortable and compliant ride, though it leans more toward the firm side of comfortable. You'll feel road bumps and imperfections, but the ride is never harsh. The standard heated leather seats are supportive and comfortable in both rows, though the rear bench is a bit flat.

　　The standard three-zone climate control system is excellent, working quickly and evenly to cool the car down. The heated seats work well in cooler weather. The climate control buttons are all on a row on the dash, making them easy to operate without taking your eyes off the road. We also appreciate Audi's use of real buttons.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below