2016 Audi A3 review
Audi A3 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Gorgeous cabin that’s meticulously designed
- A long list of standard equipment
- Strong enough engines for every need
Cons
- Very minimal storage space in the back
- The back seat is unsuitable for a lot of adults
- No USB ports for device plug-in
Mileage (EPA estimate)
23 city, 32 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $18,998*
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Breathing new life into luxury
The small but exciting 2016 Audi A3 is all kinds of luxurious and sets a standard for its segment of entry-level vehicles. This isn’t your grandparents’ boat of a sedan. It’s cool and crisp in its design while being fun to drive and boasting all the features you’re likely to need.
All Audi A3 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Audi A3 generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2016 Audi A3?
- A3 trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment this year.
- Rear Sunshade and Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Premium Plus trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
- The Premium trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
- The TDI Premium Plus trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
- The TDI Premium trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Audi A3
1. Luxurious interior
In typical Audi fashion, the interior of the 2016 Audi A3 is both stunning and stylish. The striking air vents resemble that of a jet engine and the switchgear looks luxurious. The way the MMI (Multi-Media Interface) screen raises and lowers from the dashboard is pleasingly fluid, and there’s not a scrap of tacky material to be seen. Indeed, all of the trim looks upmarket and the upholstery is leather, leaving you in a bubble of sophistication while driving.
2. Powerful engine options
There are three available engines for the 2016 Audi A3: a 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 2.0L turbocharged diesel four-cylinder. They achieve 170 hp, 220 hp, and 150 hp, respectively. The 1.8 version is the base engine for both the sedan and convertible versions of the 2016 Audi A3, and according to Audi, this engine in the sedan achieves zero to 60 in 7.2 seconds. It also achieves a very impressive EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg for the sedan, with the convertible clocking in at 27 mpg.
3. Ample standard features
The 2016 Audi A3 boasts a long list of impressive features that make it a practical choice as well as a stylish one. Alongside the MMI infotainment system and screen, the base model of the 2016 Audi A3 offers dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, leather upholstery, and much more. For heated seats, you’ll want one of the higher trims. Audi made the rearview camera as well as parking sensors and heated mirrors standard for 2016, meaning the Premium trim is even more luxurious than it used to be.
4. Thrilling to drive
The 2016 Audi A3 isn’t all comfort and style – it’s also got a lot of substance to it when it comes to driving. Regardless of the body type, trim, or engine, handling is smooth and enjoyable, especially the AWD versions. The turbocharged engines make it fun to be out on the open road, making this small luxury car ideal for both navigating busy city streets and zooming down the highway at speed.
5. Plenty of driver aids
For peace of mind while enjoying your drive, Audi has supplied a good number of driver aids for the 2016 A3. Standard features include full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear sensors, rearview camera, and stability and traction control. Rear seat airbags are an optional extra for the sedan body type, and there are also automatic seatbelt tightening and window closing features that come with Audi Pre Sense Basic, helping you prepare should the worst happen.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.1 out of 5
20 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 11 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 5 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 2 |
RepairPal gave the Audi A3 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi A3 15th out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi A3Audi A3 features and specs
Curious how Audi A3 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Premium Plus 2WD 2D Convertible
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Leather Seats
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Soft Top
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Navigation System
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear Spoiler
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.8L
Horsepower
170
Torque (ft-lbs)
200
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
102.2"
Overall length
175"
Width
70.7"
Height
55.5"
Leg room
F 41.2"/R 31.9"
Head room
F 37.4"/R 36.3"
Front tires
P225/40HR18
Rear tires
P225/40HR18
Seating capacity
4
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Audi A3 FAQ
The 2016 Audi A3 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Premium Plus: 24 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- TDI Premium Plus: 31 MPG City and 43 MPG Highway
- TDI Prestige: 31 MPG City and 43 MPG Highway
- Prestige: 24 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Premium: 24 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- TDI Premium: 31 MPG City and 43 MPG Highway
The Audi A3 received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Audi A3 as 14 out of 25 among Luxury Compact Car
The 2016 Audi A3 has received an average 4.1 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Audi A3, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Audi A3 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Audi A3:
- Automated Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Sunshade
- Rear Spoiler
- Parking Sensors
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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