22 city, 30 highway, 25 combined
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One year after a substantial update in 2017, the 2018 Audi A3 offered only minor changes. Heated front seats and dual USB ports became standard, and blind-spot warning was included on the middle Premium Plus trim level. The 2018 retains the bigger shifts from the year before, including a new transmission and sharpened exterior style that helped make the A3 a leader among entry-level luxury sedans.
The A3’s just-right blend of performance, comfort, and refinement stems from roots it shares with the Volkswagen Golf, a lithe and snazzy hatchback. Compared to the Golf, the A3 amps up the luxury details and also offers all-wheel drive. The A3 is even available as a convertible. Among its rivals — the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Lexus IS 300 — the Audi offers a compelling overall package. Its only real flaw is a tiny trunk, so if you don’t have bulky cargo needs, the A3 could be a good fit.
Drive Wheels | Front Wheel Drive (2WD) |
Engine size | 2.0L |
Horsepower | 186 |
Torque (ft-lbs) | 221 |
Engine type | Turbo Gas |
Fuel capacity | 13.2 |
Wheelbase | 102.2" |
Overall length | 174.3" |
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 |
Performance: The A3 strikes a sublime balance of performance and comfort. It’s quick, handles precisely, brakes smoothly, and rides comfortably. Audi has refined this formula for decades and distilled it to the pint-sized A3. Front-wheel-drive models pack a light but adequate punch with 186 horsepower, while all-wheel-drive models get a boost to 220 hp and extra low-end acceleration. A firm suspension makes the A3 feel agile in twists and turns, even more so in all-wheel-drive models, yet doesn’t sacrifice a comfortable ride for responsive handling.
Comfort: The A3’s roomy and comfortable front seats feel more typical of a larger luxury sedan, and they remain firm and supportive even during long stints behind the wheel. A well-sorted suspension absorbs all but the worst bumps in the road and helps minimize road noise, making the A3 a car you can drive for hours without fatigue. Space is at a premium in the back seat, but no more so than in its rivals.
Interior: The A3 is Audi’s entry-level sedan, but the leather upholstery, contrast stitching, textured panels, and aluminum accents make it feel like a pricier model. Even the knobs and switches operate with a heft that suggests a more expensive car. Clear views out of the front and sides boost confidence when hustling through quick turns or threading hectic traffic, while a pop-up screen and intuitive infotainment controls make it easy to call up a map display to see where you’re headed. The convertible version, with its fabric top and narrow rear window, doesn’t offer quite the same unbroken panorama, though.
Cargo space: The A3’s tidy dimensions and all-wheel-drive system don’t leave much room for stuff. Given that it’s the shortest car in its class, it’s no surprise that the A3’s 10 cubic feet of trunk space is also the smallest. For cargo hauling, the larger A4 might be a better bet.
RepairPal gave the Audi A3 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi A3 10th out of 22 among Luxury Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi A3The 2018 Audi A3 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
The Audi A3 received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Audi A3 as 9 out of 22 among Luxury Compact Car
The 2018 Audi A3 has received an average 4.9 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Audi A3, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Audi A3 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Audi A3:
